Criminal Appeals

In considering an appeal, the court reviewing the case looks only at the “record” of the proceedings in the lower court, and does not consider any new evidence. The record is made up of the court reporter’s transcripts of everything said in court, whether by the judge, the attorneys, or witnesses. Anything else admitted into evidence, such as documents or objects, also becomes part of the record.

In reaching a decision on the appeal, the higher court (“appellate court”) looks to this record and to the written “briefs” filed by both sides of the appeal. For example, an appellant challenging a conviction or sentence files an opening brief, arguing how and why the conviction or sentence was legally “erroneous,” or wrong. In turn, the government files its own brief to illustrate why the conviction or sentence should be upheld. The appellant typically has an opportunity to file a second brief in response to the government’s position, and the appellate court may hear oral arguments from each side before reaching a decision on the appeal.

At both the state and federal court levels, there are many options for obtaining relief after a criminal conviction or sentence. It is important to note that, although it may take a number of months for an appeal to be heard and decided, most states require an appellant to notify the courts and the government of the intent to appeal very soon after a conviction or sentence.

You can, however, petition to have your record sealed. What is the difference? Expungement is the process of completely erasing a criminal record whereas sealing a criminal record simply makes it invisible to the general public. A sealed record can still be visible to certain individuals under certain circumstances, including but not limited to law enforcement employers, the military, a parole/probation officer, prosecutors, and other legal professionals.