When your freedom is on the line, every decision counts—especially after a conviction. If you believe a mistake was made in your trial, you may have the right to appeal. Texas Defense Firm is here to help you through this difficult process and fight for a second chance when you call (972) 369-0577.
A criminal conviction doesn’t have to be the end of your story. Appeals offer an opportunity to correct legal errors, challenge unfair outcomes, and seek justice when the system has failed you. Our experienced and compassionate legal team can guide you through the complex appellate process and fight for a second chance in McKinney, Texas.
Contact our criminal defense law firm today to schedule a confidential consultation with a McKinney criminal appeals lawyer.
Why Choose Texas Defense Firm To Help Me With My Criminal Appeal in McKinney?
Facing the aftermath of a conviction is overwhelming. You may feel helpless, unsure of where to turn, and frightened about the future. An appeal offers hope, but choosing the right legal team is critical. Texas Defense Firm brings not only compassion and clarity to the process, but also results.
Here’s why you should trust us with your criminal appeal in McKinney, TX:
- Experience: Our team of skilled criminal defense attorneys has more than 200 years of combined legal experience, spanning both trial and appellate work.
- Tailored, professional representation: We know that no two cases—or clients—are the same. That’s why we take a professional but personalized approach to every appeal.
- Broad criminal law knowledge: Whether your appeal is in a Texas state court or the federal system, our attorneys are equipped with the insight, determination, and strategic acumen to identify legal errors, craft compelling arguments, and fight for the best possible outcome.
We are proud to serve the residents of McKinney and surrounding communities with the knowledge and experience needed to defend criminal charges and challenge convictions.
Don’t let one ruling define your future—call us today to schedule a consultation with a McKinney criminal defense attorney.
What Is a Criminal Appeal in Texas?
An appeal is not a retrial. Instead, it is a legal request for a higher court to review what happened in the trial court to determine whether significant legal errors were made. The appellate court does not hear new evidence or re-examine witness testimony.
Instead, it reviews the record of the lower court proceedings to ensure the law was correctly applied. In Texas, the appeals process begins in the Court of Appeals and, depending on the nature of the case, may be taken up to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals or even the United States Supreme Court.
Appeals must be filed within strict deadlines, often just 30 days after a conviction. This makes it essential to act quickly if you believe your case was mishandled.
What Are Common Reasons for Filing an Appeal?
Nearly any criminal conviction in Texas can be appealed, from misdemeanors to serious felony cases. Whether you went to trial or pled guilty under pressure, there may be legal grounds for appeal.
Common reasons for filing an appeal include:
- Misapplication of the law by the trial judge: If the judge misunderstood or misapplied a legal principle during the trial, it could have unfairly influenced the verdict or sentence.
- Improper jury instructions: When a jury receives incorrect or confusing instructions about the law, it can lead to a wrongful conviction or an inappropriate verdict.
- Prosecutorial misconduct: This includes actions like withholding evidence, making prejudicial statements, or presenting false testimony—any of which can undermine a fair trial.
- Ineffective assistance of counsel: If your defense attorney failed to investigate, object to critical errors, or advocate effectively, your constitutional right to competent representation may have been violated.
- Improperly admitted or excluded evidence: Appeals can challenge the trial court’s decision to allow harmful evidence or prevent important testimony that could have changed the outcome.
- Sentencing errors: If the sentence imposed was outside the legal range, based on incorrect facts, or calculated improperly, you may be entitled to a new sentencing hearing.
A skilled criminal appeals lawyer can review your case, identify any errors that occurred, and build a strong argument for appeal.
What Types of Criminal Cases Can Be Appealed?
Not every criminal conviction is the end of the road. In Texas, many types of criminal cases can be challenged through the appellate process if legal errors affected the outcome of your trial.
Examples of appealable cases include:
- Drug crimes: Appeals may involve unlawful search and seizure, improper evidence admission, or sentencing errors related to possession, distribution, or manufacturing charges.
- Assault and violent offenses: These appeals often challenge eyewitness credibility, self-defense exclusions, or prosecutorial misconduct during trial.
- DWI and intoxication-related convictions: Common appeal issues include faulty breathalyzer results, lack of probable cause for traffic stops, or improper administration of field sobriety tests.
- Sex crimes: Appeals in these cases may focus on evidentiary mistakes, unreliable testimony, or ineffective assistance of counsel.
- Theft and property crimes: These cases can be appealed due to errors in jury instructions, mischaracterization of evidence, or improper sentencing enhancements.
- Federal offenses: Appeals at the federal level may involve constitutional violations, sentencing miscalculations, or challenges to the legality of a federal investigation.
Whether your case was heard in McKinney, Texas, or elsewhere in the state, a qualified lawyer can help determine if you have grounds for an appeal.
What Are the Steps of an Appeal?
While every appeal is unique, the general process in Texas follows a set of procedural steps. Here’s what to expect:
- Notice of appeal: The first step is filing a notice of appeal with the trial court, typically within 30 days of sentencing.
- Record compilation: The appellate lawyer gathers the entire trial record, including transcripts, evidence, motions, and rulings.
- Briefs: The defense submits an appellate brief outlining the errors that occurred during the trial and the legal basis for overturning the conviction. The prosecution may respond with its own brief.
- Oral arguments: In some cases, the appellate court may schedule oral arguments, allowing both sides to present their positions and answer questions from the panel of judges.
- Decision: The appellate court issues a written opinion. It may affirm the conviction, reverse it, remand the case for a new trial, or modify the sentence.
This is a paper-driven process that hinges on legal analysis, not new evidence. That’s why it’s critical to have a legal team experienced in appellate advocacy.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help With a Criminal Appeal
An appeal is not just another part of the criminal justice process—it is a specialized area of law that demands a different skill set from trial advocacy. A seasoned McKinney criminal defense attorney who understands appellate procedure can mean the difference between success and failure.
Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Evaluate your case to determine whether you have valid grounds for appeal.
- Identify and research errors that may have occurred during the trial.
- Draft persuasive legal briefs supported by case law and precedent.
- Present oral arguments before appellate judges when necessary.
- Guide you through the appellate timeline, keeping you informed at every step.
An experienced appellate lawyer does more than just comb through the trial transcript. We approach your appeal with fresh eyes and a commitment to identifying every possible legal issue.
Even if you believe your case is closed, it may not be. Appeals give you another opportunity to fight for your rights, clear your name, or at least reduce the consequences of your conviction.
Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation With a McKinney Criminal Appeals Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime and you suspect legal errors impacted the outcome in McKinney, Texas, don’t wait to get help. Texas Defense Firm can help you understand your rights and the next steps in your case.
An appeal can be a critical step in moving past the charges against you. The sooner you act, the more options you may have. Let us review your case, explain your legal options, and help you determine whether an appeal is the right path forward.
Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with a trusted McKinney criminal appeals attorney who’s ready to fight for your future.