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New Jersey Appeals Attorney

New Jersey Appeals Attorney

Respected Criminal Appeal Lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ Represents Clients in Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and Throughout NJ

It’s an all-too-common scenario: you thought you had hired a lawyer with the experience needed to beat your charges. But something went wrong during the process, and you were instead convicted. If you think that something went wrong, you have the right to appeal your conviction. An appeal is your last chance to clear your name. To be successful, you must hire a New Jersey appeals attorney who has experience handling criminal appeals. Michele Finizio, along with her firm has the expertise and attention to detail you want in a criminal appeals lawyer. To discuss your case with an experienced Cherry Hill criminal appeal lawyer, call today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Attorney Michele Finizio has been a trusted name in criminal defense for years and has specialized experience handling criminal appeals. New Jersey appellate courts look for superior persuasive skills and a clear identification of the relevant legal arguments to support your appeal. Even if your original lawyer was well-qualified to handle your trial, that is no indication of qualification at the appellate level. 

Your original trial was focused on facts: evidence and witness testimony designed to support your defense. At the appeals level, the focus shifts to analyzing the legal issues contained in the trial record. Rather than appealing to a jury, your lawyer focuses on appealing to the judge. Identifying the discrete issues that are likely to persuade an appellate judge to overturn a lower court decision can be challenging, and your appeals lawyer is your first line of defense. 

To Learn How a Qualified South Jersey Criminal Appeal Lawyer Can Fight to Protect Your Rights on Appeal, Call 856-888-9059 or Fill Out This Online Contact Form Today.

Understanding Grounds for Appeal in New Jersey Courts

Not every defendant who is convicted of a crime is given the right to a second trial. While you always have the right to appeal, an entirely new trial is a relatively rare outcome. And not every mistake provides grounds for the appellate courts to grant a reversal. It is up to your New Jersey appeals attorney to find a mistake substantial enough that it likely impacted the outcome of your trial.

Some examples of situations where the appeals court might agree to change the outcome of your case include:

  • The judge improperly excluded favorable evidence that could have supported your innocence
  • The judge refused to exclude evidence that the prosecution and police obtained illegally, such as in violation of your constitutional rights
  • The judge gave jury instructions or made statements before the jury that were improperly prejudicial to your case
  • A pre-trial motion or motion during the trial was wrongly decided
  • The judge interpreted the law incorrectly
  • The laws that applied in your case were unconstitutional

Winning on appeal depends in large part upon the skill of your criminal appeals lawyer. Because an appeal is often your last chance at clearing your name, the stakes are always high. 

Experienced New Jersey appeals attorney Michele Finizio has a proven track record of successfully helping clients get their convictions overturned. Our law firm is committed to getting results for clients through hard work, attention to detail, and a passion for justice. An experienced criminal appeals lawyer treats every case as a top priority, which is what you can expect from a dedicated criminal appeal lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ at the Law Offices of Michele Finizio.

★★★★★

I can honestly say that I am 100% satisfied with the outcome of my case. Michael handled my case very well. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs help with any court issues.

Lelany J.

★★★★★

Very realistic and professional. Great with communication and prompt with follow ups. Flexible with availability, responds to both texts and phone calls. I was very happy with the service I received.

Jerilyn N.

★★★★★

Michele is an amazing attorney. She goes above and beyond to help. She answers her phone at all times of the day and is eager to get you the answers and give you the advice and representation you need. Don’t hesitate to use her services!!!!

J. L.

Superior New Jersey Appeals Attorney at The Law Offices of Michele Finizio Puts Proven Persuasive Skills to Work for You

Understanding what to expect from the appeals process is important. The Law Offices of Michele Finizio begins your criminal appeal by making sure all filing deadlines and procedural requirements are satisfied. The firm will obtain all relevant documents, including the lower court trial record and documents, from your trial lawyer. An experienced New Jersey appeals attorney at our firm will go over every detail to discover potential errors that may have impacted the outcome of your trial.

Your lawyer then carefully develops the arguments that will support your appeal. Unlike at trial, most of this is done in writing. The appellate brief is where the judge will first hear your arguments on appeal. Michele Finizio puts her proven persuasive skills to work in drafting the most compelling arguments possible in your case.

Considering a Criminal Appeal? Contact an Accomplished New Jersey Appeals Attorney Quickly to Discuss Your Options

In New Jersey, you have 45 days from the date of conviction to appeal. Municipal Court appeals must be filed within 20 days. Therefore, it is critical that you contact a qualified New Jersey appeals attorney who is able to move quickly to protect your rights. 

Michele Finizio understands that choosing an appeals lawyer can be difficult. After all, your original lawyer failed to win an acquittal. The idea of spending more time in court can seem overwhelming. However, many convictions are reversed on appeal with the help of a qualified criminal appeals lawyer.

Your first consultation with the Law Offices of Michele Finizio is always free. To learn more about the firm and how a qualified criminal appeal lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ can fight to protect your rights on appeal, call or fill out this online contact form today.

Get A Free Consultation With An Experienced New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney. All You Have To Do Is Call 856-888-9059 Or Fill Out Our Online Contact Form.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Jersey Criminal Appeals Process

Is it possible to get more time to decide whether to appeal? 

It is sometimes possible to obtain a 30-day extension to file a Municipal Court appeal upon a showing of good cause. Generally, it is important to meet the required deadlines to preserve your right to appeal. The 45-day clock for Superior Court appeals starts running when the judgment of conviction in your case is signed and filed (usually at a sentencing).

Can I present new evidence of my innocence on appeal? 

The appeals process is usually not the time to present any new evidence. In some cases, evidence that was excluded from consideration at trial may become relevant if the judge made a mistake in the original decision to exclude it. Appeals are more focused on identifying what went wrong to impact the outcome of your trial.

What if my trial lawyer made a mistake and that’s why I was convicted? 

You might be eligible for something called post-conviction relief, which is commonly granted if your trial lawyer’s counsel was ineffective. You have five years to file for post-conviction relief in New Jersey. If you win a motion for post-conviction relief, the judge can order a new trial, reduce your sentence or even vacate the conviction entirely. A skilled appeals lawyer at The Law Offices of Michele Finizio can explore this option with you in more detail.

Reviews Matter

*Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

"I am extremely grateful for the exceptional legal services provided by my lawyer (Michele Finizio) in handling my charges. Their expertise and dedication played a pivotal role in achieving positive outcomes for my case. Very Grateful.”
- Enrique R.

“Had a case and hired the team. Recieved a better outcome than anticipated. The process was smooth and relaxed. Definitely recommend! Thank you everyone!”
- Yashar E.

"I was facing some serious charges and Michele and Kevin made me feel comfortable and at ease throughout the whole process. Very professional, understanding, courteous, and diligent. Michele’s firm was highly recommended to me by a friend who has used her a few times. 10/10 highly recommend. Thank you so much Michele and Kevin!!!!"
- Samantha O.

“I highly recommend this law firm. They were easy to contact and very knowledgeable. I will definitely work with them again.”
- Stevey M.
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