Criminal and Civil Appeals

Minneapolis Minnesota Criminal / Civil Appeals Attorneys

In both criminal and civil court proceedings, due process guarantees the fairness of a trial. Consequently, the instructions to a jury, the application of a legal principle or precedent, what evidence is allowed or excluded, as well as how witness testimony is handled is important. At the law office of Patrick Burns & Associates, we prepare and present appeals in criminal and civil matters when clear evidence of an error in procedure exists. When necessary, we examine the transcript and the record of from the trial court, we consult lab technicians, investigators, and forensic experts in cases involving issues surrounding evidence, witness tampering, and police conduct. In civil matters, we identify the misapplication of the rules of evidence, hearsay rules, and other procedural matters that compromise the outcome of a civil proceeding.

If you believe you have grounds for an appeal, contact criminal / civil appeals lawyers at Patrick Burns & Associates today.

Do I have Grounds for an Appeal?

It's important to remember that a verdict against you is not grounds for an appeal. In both the criminal and civil cases, appeals are intended to ensure the integrity of our justice system. When due process is violated, the fairness of a trial is called into question. An appeal allows a higher court to essentially review whether or the lower court made any errors of law or procedure. As such, whether or not you are successful in your appeal will depend on whether or not an appeals judge can be convinced compelling reasons exist for calling into question what happened at the trial court.

Why Experience Matters in Criminal and Civil Appeals

A set of rules and concerns different from those in criminal and civil trials comes into play at the appeals level. Knowing how to prepare a compelling case and argue before an appeals court is essential. Our lawyers understand what needs to be done, what legal principles to address, and how to present compelling arguments to the appellate court.

If you have questions about appeals, contact the appellate attorneys at the law office of Patrick Burns & Associates today. We will review your case and discuss how best to proceed in making your appeals.