If you have been convicted of a crime in Vancouver and believe that the outcome was unjust, you are not without options. Filing a criminal appeal may be your best recourse. At Johnson Doyle Nelson & Anderson, our experienced criminal appeals lawyers are ready to help you navigate the complex process of appealing a conviction or sentence.
What is a Criminal Appeal?
A criminal appeal is a legal process where a higher court reviews the decision made by a lower court. If errors occurred during your trial—whether in applying the law, the admission of evidence, or how the trial was conducted—you may have grounds to appeal. An appeal isn’t a retrial but a review of the original case. Your criminal appeals lawyer will argue that the errors or legal misinterpretations were significant enough to warrant a different outcome, such as overturning the conviction, ordering a new trial, or adjusting the sentence.
Grounds for a Criminal Appeal
There are several potential grounds for a criminal appeal. At Johnson Doyle Nelson & Anderson, we will carefully analyze your case to identify where mistakes may have occurred. Common grounds include:
- Errors in Law: If the trial judge applied the wrong legal principles or misinterpreted the law, this could form the basis for an appeal.
- Procedural Errors: Issues such as improper admission or exclusion of evidence, jury misdirection, or failure to allow a fair defence can all impact the outcome of your trial.
- Unreasonable Verdict: If the evidence presented did not support the jury’s decision, this could justify an appeal.
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: If your original lawyer did not provide competent legal representation, it may have impacted the trial’s outcome.
Our skilled criminal appeals lawyers will assess the details of your case and advise on the strongest grounds for appeal.
Why You Need a Criminal Appeals Lawyer
Appeals are not the same as trials. They require legal knowledge and experience in working with higher courts. The legal process of appealing a criminal conviction is complex, requiring meticulous research, brilliant writing, and strategic arguments. A criminal appeals lawyer ensures that your case is presented as persuasively as possible.
At Johnson Doyle Nelson & Anderson, our appeals team has extensive experience handling appeals before British Columbia’s Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. We are prepared to investigate the trial records, identify appealable issues, and craft compelling legal arguments to increase your chances of success.
The Criminal Appeals Process
If you choose to appeal your conviction or sentence, we will guide you through every step of the appeals process. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation and Case Review: We review trial records, transcripts, and key documents, discussing your case to determine the best strategy.
- Filing the Notice of Appeal: This must be filed within a set timeframe, or you lose the right to appeal.
- Written Submissions: We craft a factum, presenting legal errors from your trial and arguing for an overturned conviction or modified sentence.
- Oral Arguments: If needed, we advocate further before the appellate court with sound legal arguments.
- Decision: The court may order a new trial, reduce your sentence, or dismiss the charges.
Contact Us for Help with Your Criminal Appeal
If you believe you have been wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced, contact the law firm of Johnson Doyle Nelson & Anderson. We are a team of experienced Vancouver criminal lawyers who have a proven track record in handling criminal appeals. We will thoroughly review your case and present the strongest possible argument on your behalf.
Contact us by completing our online form or calling us at 604-688-8338 to schedule a consultation. Take control of your future. Contact us today!
