FOURTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS ATTORNEY
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals hears appeals from federal district courts in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Its primary responsibility is to review district court decisions and ensure they align with the law.
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.
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.
About the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
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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
Start Your Appeal
There are strict deadlines for filing federal criminal appeals. Contact us immediately.
FEDERAL CRIMINAL APPEALS
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
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:
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.
Notice of 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.
Record on appeal
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.
Briefing
The appellate court may schedule an oral argument, where the individual’s attorney will present their arguments before a panel of judges.
Oral argument
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.
Appellate court decision
EXPERIENCED 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.
Why You Need a Fourth Circuit Federal Appellate Attorney
FOURTH CIRCUIT CRIMINAL APPEALS
COMMON FAQs
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Generally, you must file a Notice of Appeal within 14 days after the entry of the judgment or order you wish to appeal.
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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.
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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).
WHY US?
Elizabeth Franklin-Best should be your top choice for your Fourth Court of Appeals case
Knowledge — We deeply understand the law and legal procedures related to various appeals. We stay up-to-date on the latest developments in this area of the law and can use that knowledge to effectively advocate for you.
Experience — We have helped many clients with a variety of federal criminal appeals. We know the correct procedures, understand the court expectations, and have countless hours delivering oral arguments.
Commitment — We are committed to fighting for your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome in your case. We will work tirelessly on your behalf and will not rest until we have achieved a successful result.
Communication — We believe that communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. We will be available to answer any questions and take pride in explaining the legal process to you and your loved ones.
Choosing the right law firm for your appeal can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Our team is dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation and advocacy.
Jennifer H.
“I was sent to federal prison in August of 2022 on a serious drug conviction. I was being denied my FSA credits so my fiancee looked into lawyers to help, and man, did he find the absolute best. Mrs. Elizabeth's last name says it all. While in the process of trying to look into FSA credits, my mom passed away who was watching my 11 year old son. As soon as Mrs. Best found out about it, she quickly decided to file for compassionate release. We were told that now it was a waiting game for the judge’s answer. Well, because of their hard work, the judge ordered a hearing for a date in February which was very rare. Since day one her team has given us hope when we thought there wasn't any. So if you are looking for a lawyer who will fight for you, please call Mrs. Elizabeth Best’s team.”
READY TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION?
Time is of the essence in filing an appeal, so it is important to act quickly. We invite you to schedule a consultation to see if we’re the right fit for your case. To ensure every client receives the attention they deserve, we carefully choose the cases we take on as this gives us the ability to give each case the time, focus, and dedication it deserves.