Appeals & Writs

Los Angeles Appellate Lawyer

Ready to Challenge a Conviction in a Criminal Case

If you or a loved one has recently been convicted at trial and you believe the verdict was made based on an error made by the court, you may be able to appeal the conviction with the help of an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. At Casteneda Law, APLC, we understand what it takes to get convictions overturned and get our clients the justice they deserve.

Attorney Sergio A. Casteneda has more than 16 years of experience handling a wide range of criminal cases, including some in the U.S. Federal District Court for the Central District of California and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Each client receives personalized and responsive legal representation because he knows each case is unique and requires special attention. Do not hesitate to let our firm help you continue the fight against injustice.

Contact us today at (213) 238-6479 and schedule free consultation.

How to Overturn a Conviction

When a defendant has been convicted following trial, they may file an appeal to either reverse the conviction or get a retrial. Appeals are mostly based on errors committed during the course of a trial. The appellate court will only review the evidence brought in trial and does not allow new evidence to be introduced.

The following are some of the most common grounds for appeal:

  • Your constitutional rights were violated during the legal process
  • The court prevented significant evidence the defense wanted to present at trial
  • Evidence that was supposed to be excluded from trial was permitted
  • Juror or prosecutor misconduct
  • Erroneous jury instructions
  • Inappropriate sentencing

Another option for post-conviction relief is a writ, which is like an appeal but generally addresses an issue that cannot be argued through appeals. For instance, if inappropriate actions were taken outside the court and these errors were not recorded by the court, a write may be the proper response.

Common writs include:

  • Writ of habeas corpus, which challenges an inmate’s detention and addresses violations of an inmate’s constitutional rights
  • Writ of certiorari, which allows certain appellate courts to review cases from lower courts
  • Writ of prohibition, which prohibits certain actions
  • Writ of error conam nobis, which sets the conviction aside

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Just because your loved one has been convicted, does not mean all hope is lost. Let our Los Angeles appellate lawyer listen to your story, thoroughly assess your case, and determine your available legal options to try to overturn the conviction.

Contact us today for more information about our experienced legal services.

What Sets Us Apart

  • We don't invest in cases, we invest in people; you're not just a case file to us.
  • You are always treated as the most important person in the courtroom.
  • Attorney Sergio Castaneda graduated from UCLA Law, a top 20 law school.
  • We treat your case like it's personal to us. We're in this with you to the end.

Contact Castaneda Law, APC Today!

We’re Ready to Help

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