It is a good idea for everyone to understand how the justice system works in the country even with a perfectly clean record. This is due to the fact that anyone can get wrapped up in it at a moment’s notice, even for crimes the alleged perpetrator did not actually commit.
One of the most frustrating parts of dealing with the legal system involves facing a conviction for something you did not do. Fortunately, even if the situation seems grim, you have not lost everything.
Starting the appeals process
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit discusses the appeals process. This allows anyone who feels they suffered through a botched trial or face wrongful conviction for a crime they did not commit to having another chance at proving their innocence.
The appeal process is somewhat complex, though. You must kick things off with a Notice of Appeal, and you must then order a transcript of either the entire trial or just the portion that you intend to appeal. You also must identify what your appeal centers on, i.e. where the trial went wrong and why you believe that to be the case.
Filing your brief
The brief that you file also needs to contain information about the subject of the appeal, reliable statutes, arguments on the issues at hand and a statement about the case law. An oral argument may happen before a panel of justices, but you must file all paperwork beforehand.
Consider consulting with legal aid before you set off on this journey, though. The appeals process not only proves a complex hurdle, but you could harm your chances of succeeding if you do not do things right the first time.