Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

This is particularly significant in federal criminal cases where convicted individuals can appeal their convictions and sentences.  The appeals court reviews the case to identify any legal errors that could have impacted the trial outcome.

If such errors are found, the appeals court may reverse the conviction and return the case to the district court for retrial.

If you or someone you love is serving time for an unjust conviction or sentence, don’t try to handle it alone. You need a federal appeals lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the Court of Appeals and will work tirelessly to defend your rights and freedom.

Contact us today to discuss your case.

About the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Established on June 16, 1891, The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals is located in Richmond, Virginia, and houses 18 circuit judges who hear various appellate cases.

Contact Information

Address

1100 E. Main Street, Suite 501
Richmond, VA 23219

Phone

Clerk’s Office: (804) 916-2700

Hours of Operation

8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays)

Website

https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/home

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Judges

• Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory
• Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III
• Judge Paul V. Niemeyer
• Judge Robert B. King
• Judge G. Steven Agee
• Judge James Andrew Wynn
• Judge Albert Diaz
• Judge Stephanie D. Thacker
• Judge Pamela A. Harris
• Judge Julius N. Richardson
• Judge A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr.
• Judge Allison Jones Rushing
• Judge Toby J. Heytens
• Judge DeAndrea Gist Benjamin
• Senior Judge Diana Gribbon Motz
• Senior Judge William B. Traxler, Jr.
• Senior Judge Barbara Milano Keenan
• Senior Judge Henry F. Floyd

Federal Criminal Appeals in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals hears various cases, including criminal appeals for federal offenses such as:

• Bank & mortgage fraud
• Drug trafficking
• Firearm convictions
• Healthcare fraud
• Hobbs Act & public bribery corruption
• Mail & wire fraud
• RICO & conspiracy
• Securities fraud
• Tax fraud
• White-collar crime

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals is an important institution in the federal judiciary system, particularly in the states it covers. If you or a loved one has been convicted of a federal crime, it is essential to seek the help of a seasoned federal appellate attorney with experience arguing cases before this court.

The attorneys at Elizabeth Franklin-Best can help you navigate the complex appeals process and provide the guidance and support you need to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Criminal Appeals Process in the Fourth Circuit

Once a person has been convicted in the federal district court, an individual or their family can appeal that conviction and sentence to the appropriate appellate court, such as the Fourth Circuit Appeals Court.

The appeals process typically involves the following:

• Notice of appeal — If an individual or their family wants to appeal the conviction, they must file a notice of appeal with the appropriate appellate court, such as the Fourth Circuit Appeals Court.
• Record on appeal — Once the notice of appeal has been filed, the lower court will assemble the “record on appeal,” which includes all relevant legal documents and transcripts from the trial.
• Briefing — The individual or their family, through their attorney, will submit a written brief to the appellate court outlining the legal arguments for why the conviction should be overturned.
• Oral argument — The appellate court may schedule an oral argument, where the individual’s attorney will present their arguments before a panel of judges.
• Appellate court decision —  The appellate court will review the lower court’s decision and arguments presented by both sides to determine whether any legal errors or constitutional violations occurred during the trial.
  • If the appellate court finds in favor of the individual, it may overturn the conviction and remand the case for a new trial or sentencing.
  • If the appellate court upholds the lower court’s decision, the individual or their family may appeal further to the Supreme Court.

The federal criminal appeals process can be lengthy and complex. However, having the support and guidance of an experienced federal appellate attorney like Elizabeth Franklin-Best can help ensure that individuals and their families have the best possible chance of success in their appeal.

Why You Need a Fourth Circuit Federal Appellate Attorney

Appealing to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals can be beneficial in many ways. It is an opportunity to have the conviction or sentence reviewed and potentially overturned, which can positively impact the individual’s life.

However, successfully challenging a conviction or sentence is not an easy feat. Federal criminal appeals are a highly specialized area of law, and navigating the complex rules and procedures of the appellate process can be challenging for those without legal training.

Appellate courts have strict rules and procedures that you must follow, and even a small mistake in legal filings or arguments can lead to a case being dismissed or an appeal being denied.

By working with Elizabeth Franklin-Best, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have an experienced appellate attorney on your side. Our team has years of experience representing clients in federal criminal appeals cases and deeply understands the complex legal issues involved.

We will work tirelessly to protect your rights, navigate the complex appellate process, and present compelling legal arguments to the Fourth Circuit Appeals Court.

Contact Elizabeth Franklin-Best Today

Take action now and contact our federal appeals lawyers to help you navigate the complexities of a federal criminal appeal. The damage may have been done, but this is not the end of your fight for justice.

You still have options, and a skilled attorney can help you explore them. Don’t let a conviction or sentence define you. Contact us today to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

FAQ: Fourth Circuit Criminal Appeals

How long do I have to file my appeal with the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals?

Generally, you must file a Notice of Appeal within 14 days after the entry of the judgment or order you wish to appeal.

How does the federal criminal appeals process work?

The federal criminal appeals process is a complex and lengthy process that involves reviewing the legal and factual errors during the trial. Appeals are generally filed with the appellate court within a certain time frame after the trial verdict is rendered.

The process includes the briefing stage, where the parties submit written arguments, and the oral argument stage, where the parties present their case before the appellate judges.

What errors can be raised on appeal in a federal criminal case?

Several types of errors can be raised on appeal, including legal errors (such as incorrect application of the law), factual errors (such as insufficient evidence to support a conviction), and procedural errors (such as misconduct by the judge or prosecutor).