29 May What are the grounds for an appeal?

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Criminal Appeals on Friday, May 29, 2015.

In Maryland, being charged with a crime can be a very serious matter. Going through the investigative process can be taxing enough, especially if it is a long and complex investigation. If you are charged, you then have the worry of court appearances, forming your defense and the potential penalties of conviction. Fortunately, you are considered innocent unless proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt. But what happens if you are convicted anyway?

In general, a court will try to rule fairly and with due consideration of all the evidence. However, sometimes mistakes are made and this can have a serious impact on the outcome of your trial. If this happens, your best option may be to attempt an appeal. If successful, the ruling may be overturned.

As this article on criminal appeal explains, in general, there are two grounds that are often used when making an appeal. One is that the verdict is unsupported by sufficient evidence. The other is that a serious error was made by the lower court in terms of the law. While it can be difficult to prove either of these grounds, it is often worth trying nonetheless.

An attorney should be able to advise you on whether or not your case may be suitable for an appeal and on which grounds the appeal should be made. He or she can evaluate your case and may be able to pick out flaws in the trial or investigation that could be used in your favor. With the right support and guidance you can ensure that your side of the story is heard and work toward a fair resolution to the case.