General information about direct appeals, postconviction motions and preserving issues for review.
An appeal is not a second trial. Appellate courts review legal issues based on a record created in the circuit court. That makes preservation of issues and a complete record important.
Direct appeal
A direct appeal can raise properly preserved legal errors from the criminal case. The process involves transcripts, the record, briefing and, in some cases, oral argument.
Postconviction motions
Some claims require fact-finding that cannot occur for the first time in an appellate court. Those issues may need to be presented through a postconviction motion before or during the appellate process.
Standards of review
Different issues are reviewed under different standards. A purely legal question is treated differently from a factual finding or a discretionary ruling. The applicable standard can be central to appellate strategy.
Deadlines matter
Appeal and postconviction deadlines can be strict. Anyone considering review of a conviction or sentence should seek case-specific advice promptly.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Criminal procedure and available defenses depend on the facts, the charge and current law.