Harrisburg, PA, Appellate Lawyers
In order to appeal a criminal conviction, there must be evidence indicating a defendant did not receive a fair trial. Typically, grounds for an appeal include procedural issues (such as mistakes on the part of a judge) or malfeasance on the part of prosecutors and police.
For example, there are reasons to believe the defendant did not receive a fair trial if:
- A judge fails to properly instruct the jury.
- The prosecution fails to adhere to the rules of discovery.
- Police falsify evidence or a witness perjures him or herself.
At the Pennsylvania appellate law office of Boyle, Autry & Murphy, our Philadelphia post-conviction relief attorneys represent clients on criminal appeals. We prepare motions for appeal while working with investigators, lab technicians, forensic experts and others to gather evidence in support of our client's case.
Whether you need representation on appeal to reverse a criminal conviction or to pursue your remedies following trial under the state Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA), Boyle, Autry & Murphy can assist you. We handle federal appeals, state appeals, PCRA petitions and habeas corpus proceedings. Contact a Pennsylvania criminal appeals attorney at our Philadelphia, Camp Hill or York office for a free consultation.
Identifying Mistakes That Compromised Your Trial
In direct state or federal appeals, we not only examine the entire record of your criminal trial for legal errors on evidentiary rulings, joinder of defendants or jury instructions, we also make a careful review of the facts of the case and the evidence in the record. We'll try to see where your trial lawyer could have done a better job of attacking or undermining incriminating evidence or testimony. In cases where expert testimony or forensic evidence would have been useful either in establishing your defense or in refuting the evidence against you, we will note that as well, as a basis for relief on appeal.
Errors From the Bench in State or Federal Appeals
In cases where the trial judge should be given the first opportunity to correct any errors that occurred in your case, we'll pursue your post-trial remedies either by motion under the Rules of Criminal Procedure or the Pennsylvania PCRA, whichever gives you the strongest chance for relief. We pay particular attention to mistakes in sentencing, whether under the guidelines or otherwise. We recently achieved reversals in sentencing decisions in six cases.
Pennsylvania Habeas Corpus
Our Harrisburg, PA, appellate lawyers also represent clients in habeas corpus actions after the exhaustion of direct appeals in either the state or federal system. If you need a habeas petition filed under either Section 2254 or Section 2255, our experience enables us to spot the issues most likely to achieve a favorable outcome before the federal habeas judge.
Contact Criminal Appeals Attorneys at Boyle, Autry & Murphy
Whether you need to appeal a drug crime conviction or believe that you were improperly sentenced on a sex offense or conviction for perjury, our firm can advise and represent you. Contact a Pennsylvania crminal appeals attorney at Boyle, Autry & Murphy to discuss your prospects for appellate or post-conviction relief.
