Criminal Appeals

At The Aurora Criminal Defense Law Firm, we know that courts are not infallible. They’re run by people and rife with error. Our criminal appeals attorneys challenge convictions founded on legal errors that violate your rights. We handle criminal appeals across Colorado’s front range and take on criminal appeals in the Denver Metro area. Our attorneys meticulously review each case to determine whether an appellate challenge is possible. We then assess the likelihood of appellate victory and you decide how far you want to take it. Our expertise covers a wide range of grounds for appeal, including:

Expert Admission: We examine the qualifications and credibility of expert witnesses.
Faulty Jury Instructions: We analyze jury instructions for accuracy and fairness.
Improper Legal Interpretation: We assess whether legal principles were correctly applied.
Improperly Admitted Testimony: We investigate any errors related to witness testimony.
Procedural Errors: We identify any procedural missteps that may have affected your case.
Sufficiency of the Evidence: We scrutinize the strength of the evidence presented during your trial.

Understanding Criminal Direct Appeals in Colorado

At The Aurora Criminal Defense Law Firm, we recognize that the pursuit of justice doesn’t end with a conviction. Our mission extends beyond the courtroom, advocating for those who have been wrongfully accused and imprisoned. Let’s explore the stages of a criminal “direct appeal” within the Colorado Court of Appeals:

Phase One: Perfecting the Appeal

Filing the Notice of Appeal: This crucial step initiates the appeal process. We meticulously prepare and submit the necessary documents, including attachments and a Designation of the Record and Transcripts.
Setting the Foundation: Our team ensures that every detail is in place, laying the groundwork for a compelling appeal.

Phase Two: Investigating the Record & Researching the Issues

Investigation & Research: Once we’ve obtained the court file including the pleadings,
motions, orders, minutes, hearing and trial transcripts, we will review the record and search
for errors. We then research the issues and identify the most egregious errors to attack on
appeal.

Phase Three: Briefing

The Opening Brief: Our principal brief presents a compelling argument, dissecting the
legal issues and challenging the conviction. Once we’ve drafted your opening brief, we’ll get
it filed in the Court of Appeals. The fight is on!
The Answer Brief: The prosecution responds, defending the trial court’s decision and
seeking to maintain your conviction. The attorneys at The Aurora Criminal Defense Law Firm anticipate
counterarguments and craft persuasive responses.
The Optional Reply Brief: If necessary, we provide a succinct reply to address any new
points raised by the prosecution.

Phase Four: Oral Argument

A Crucial Opportunity: While optional, oral argument allows us to present our case directly
to the court of appeals. We advocate passionately, emphasizing key points and clarifying
nuances.
The Court’s Discretion: The court decides whether to grant oral argument based on the
complexity and significance of the issues.

Phase Five: The Opinion

Awaiting Justice: After oral argument or the deadline for the Reply Brief, the case stands
submitted. The court deliberates and issues its written opinion.
No Fixed Timeline: Factors such as caseload, individual judge pace, and external events
influence the timing of the opinion.

Three-Step Path to Criminal Appeals Representation

Step one. If you or a loved one believes your conviction rests on legal error and you want to try to
overturn your conviction on appeal the first step is to contact The Aurora Criminal Defense Law Firm to start
your free criminal appeal case quote. We’ll quote you instantly so you can know how much your
criminal appeal case review will cost up front.

Step two. Instantly schedule a free 20 minute consultation. We’ll discuss the issues surrounding
what happened in your criminal case and the reasons you believe your conviction was obtained in
violation of the law. We’ll also discuss the case review process which starts with obtaining the entire
case file including the court file, the pleadings, motions, and transcripts from your case. At The Aurora Criminal Defense Law Firm, we begin each criminal appeal by obtaining the record, scouring it for legal
errors, researching the likelihood of success and only then, after having fully informed you of your
chances of obtaining appellate relief, agreeing to draft and file your appeal.

Step three. After your consultation, should you want to move forward with postconviction representation, we’ll email you a fee agreement. E-sign the fee agreement, pay the fee online (financing available), and we’ll get to work obtaining the documents and records we’ll need to begin investigating your conviction and developing strategies to attack it.

An Uphill Struggle

Winning a criminal appeal is no easy feat. We’re up against improbable odds. The criminal legal machine depends on finality. Overturning convictions is anathema to the legal order, but The Aurora Criminal Defense Law Firm thrives on challenges. Our criminal appeals attorneys navigate substantive and procedural complexities, ensuring that justice prevails. When you need assistance litigating a direct appeal in Colorado, turn to us to vindicate your rights and defend your liberties.