Raising Constitutional Issues in Criminal Appeals
Are you seeking information on constitutional issues in criminal appeals? Conklin Law can provide all the resources and information you need. Contact us today.
Criminal Appeals on Constitutional Grounds
If your constitutional rights have been violated before or during your trial, you have the right to appeal and challenge the trial court’s sentence or conviction.
Throughout the criminal process, from police interviews to sentencing, your constitutional rights must be respected and protected regardless of your guilt or lack thereof. If you are unaware of these rights, you won’t know when they are violated, especially in the absence of adequate legal counsel.
Federal constitutional violations can lead to unfair trials and excessive sentences, so if you have the slightest doubt that your rights have been violated, it may be worth consulting an attorney.
Conklin Law’s criminal appeals lawyer in Atlanta can analyze your case for any possible violations and request an appellate review on your behalf. We can work to secure a retrial or acquittal for you.
Constitutional Grounds for an Appeal
By filing an appeal, you are requesting the court of appeals to correct errors committed by the police, court judge, prosecution, jury, or legal counsel. Such errors may include:
Violation of Constitutional Rights by the Police
During a criminal investigation, law enforcement officers can violate your constitutional rights in many ways, including:
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Conducting an unlawful search or seizure which violates the Fourth Amendment
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Coercing or manipulating you to confess or self-incriminate in violation of the Fifth Amendment
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Denying your right to remain silent or consult an attorney during a police interview, thus violating your Miranda rights
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Denying your rights to an attorney during pretrial hearings in violation of the Sixth Amendment
Constitutional Rights Violation at Trial
The United States Constitution protects every defendant’s right to a fair trial. If the trial court fails to provide and maintain a fair trial, its ruling could be reversed by a higher court. Some constitutional right violations that can take place during a trial include:
Unconstitutionality of the law
Sometimes, the statute under which you were prosecuted and convicted violates the provisions of the U.S. Constitution or Georgia Constitution. For instance, if a state law violates or contradicts the U.S. Constitution, any criminal conviction received under that law will be reversed.
Admission of Unlawfully Obtained Evidence
The exclusionary rule prohibits the use of unlawfully gathered evidence through violations of the defendant’s constitutional rights. If otherwise inadmissible evidence is allowed in court, the appellate court may overturn the lower court’s decision.
Incorrect Jury Instructions
The judge is responsible for guiding the jury during the trial. If the jury returned a guilty verdict based on incorrect, misleading, or confusing instructions from the presiding judge, the trial may be considered unfair, and a retrial may be ordered.
Prosecutorial Misconduct
When prosecutors engage in dishonest or illegal acts to influence the final judgment, it could be a federal constitutional violation.
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
If your criminal lawyer doesn’t act competently during the trial, and you can show unfairness because of their incompetence, the criminal conviction obtained can be overturned.
Illegal Selection or Exclusion of Jurors
Before a trial, the prosecution and the defense are allowed to remove jury members they don’t want. If the prosecution intentionally excludes jurors of a certain group in order to influence the outcome of the trial, a retrial may be necessary to enforce your right to a fair trial.
Violation of the Right to Cross-Examination
Limiting or precluding a defendant from cross-examining and confronting witnesses is a violation of the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution and warrants the reversal of the conviction.
The Criminal Appeals Process in Georgia
The right to appeal is provided for in state constitutional and statutory provisions. In Georgia, section 5-6-33 of the Criminal Code states that all defendants have the right to appeal their conviction to a state appellate court.
If you believe you were wrongly or unfairly convicted, our lawyers at Conklin Law are ready to walk you through the Georgia appeals process and do everything possible to obtain a favorable outcome.
To start the appeals process, your lawyer typically files a one-page document requesting a new trial with the trial court clerk. Among others, the notice should include the following details:
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Your and your attorney’s contact details
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The offense and the judgment you want to appeal
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The grounds for your appeal
The notice must be filed within 30 days of the criminal conviction, and copies must be served to the opposing party.
If the trial court denies your request for a new trial, usually after a hearing, you can then appeal that denial to an appellate court. After the appellate court receives your request and the relevant documents from the trial court, your attorney then files the appellate brief. Sometimes, appellate courts call for an oral hearing where the lawyers argue their cases.
Depending on the grounds of your appeal, the appellate court can order a retrial or grant you an acquittal. In case of an acquittal, the prosecution cannot retry you for the same offense.
If your appeal is denied, you may be able to file a Petition for Certiorari with the Supreme Court of Georgia or the Supreme Court of the United States. If the Supreme Court judges agree to review your case, you will be granted certiorari.
Your last resort if the Supreme Court affirms your conviction or denies your request for certiorari is habeas corpus. A convicted defendant can file a habeas corpus with a state or federal district court to challenge the legality of their incarceration based on constitutional violations. If granted, the court may order a new trial, reduced sentence, or release from prison.
Tyler Conklin at Conklin Law Can Help You
When your constitutional rights are violated, it is crucial to seek the help and advice of experienced appeal attorneys. At Conklin Law, we have a proven track record of successful appeals across Georgia.
We can identify any constitutional rights violations and handle the appeals process for you. Time is of the essence. Call appellate attorney Tyler Conklin at Conklin Law today to schedule a consultation.
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