Pasco County Criminal Appeals Lawyer

A criminal conviction can have life-altering consequences, but it isn’t always the final word. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we know that mistakes can happen during trial that yield an unjust result, and we are here to help you fight for a fair outcome. Our Pasco County criminal appeals lawyer represents clients in criminal appeals throughout the Tampa Bay area, working to overturn unjust convictions or reduce overly harsh sentences.

What Is a Criminal Appeal?

An appeal is a legal process that allows a higher court to review the outcome of a criminal trial. Unlike a trial, an appeal is not about presenting new evidence or re-arguing the case. Instead, it focuses on identifying legal errors that may have occurred during the trial, such as:

Misinterpretation or misapplication of the law
Improper admission or exclusion of evidence
Errors in jury instructions
Prosecutorial misconduct
Ineffective assistance of trial counsel
Improper sentencing

If errors like these impacted the outcome of your case, an appellate court may reverse the conviction, order a new trial, or reduce your sentence.

Understanding the Appeals Process

The appeals process in Florida begins with filing a Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the conviction or sentencing. This deadline is strict, making it essential to act quickly if you believe your trial was flawed.

Here’s an overview of the steps involved in a criminal appeal:

Notice of Appeal – The appellate process starts with a formal notice filed with the court.
Record on Appeal – A transcript of the trial proceedings and other relevant documents are prepared for review.
Appellate Briefs – Your attorney submits a written argument explaining the legal errors that occurred and how they affected the trial’s outcome. The prosecution responds with their own brief defending the trial court’s decision.
Oral Arguments – In some cases, the appellate court may schedule oral arguments, allowing both sides to present their positions before a panel of judges. In other cases, an appeal is decided based on the written briefs without oral argument.
Decision – The appellate court issues a written opinion affirming, reversing, or modifying the trial court’s decision.

Why Choose Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. for Your Appeal?

Navigating the appeals process successfully requires meticulous legal analysis, strong writing skills, and an in-depth understanding of criminal law. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we bring years of experience to every appeal we handle, providing clients with the diligent representation they need to challenge a conviction effectively.

Our firm takes a strategic approach to appeals by thoroughly reviewing trial records, identifying procedural or legal errors, and crafting compelling arguments tailored to your case. We fight tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld at every stage of the process.

We represent clients in a wide range of criminal appeals, including, for example:

Drug trafficking and possession convictions
Theft and fraud cases
Violent crimes such as assault or robbery
DUI convictions
White-collar crimes

No matter the charge, our goal is to uncover any legal flaws in your trial and use them to build a strong appellate case.

Timing Is Crucial: Don’t Wait to Appeal

Florida law imposes strict deadlines for filing an appeal, so time is of the essence. If you believe your trial was marred by errors, contacting an experienced appellate attorney immediately is critical. Missing the filing deadline can forfeit your right to challenge the conviction.

Contact a Skilled Pasco County Criminal Appeals Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime, don’t lose hope. The appeals process offers a second chance to seek justice and protect your future. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we are committed to providing personalized, high-quality representation to clients in Pasco County and beyond.

Call our office today at 727-810-8405 for a free consultation to discuss your appellate options. Let us help you take the first step toward overturning an unjust conviction.