Writs & Appeals

At The Crawford Law Firm, we believe in fighting for your rights at every level. Whether you're challenging a court decision or seeking to overturn a trial verdict, we will stand by you through every step of the process.

What are Writs and Appeals?

Writs and appeals are vital tools in the legal world.  They provide the chance to correct errors, challenge decisions, or reverse an unjust ruling or trial outcome.

• Writs: A writ is a powerful tool used to ask a higher court to review a lower court's decision. It's often used when an immediate remedy is needed prior to trial. Filing a writ requires expertise.  The attorney must be familiar with required time deadlines and be able to craft the document persuasively and in accordance with court rules.
• Appeals: An appeal is a formal request to a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court. If you believe a mistake was made in your trial or that the outcome was unjust, filing an appeal gives you a second chance for a better result. Our team is committed to navigating the complex appellate process, and fighting to ensure your voice is heard.

When Should You Consider a Writ or Appeal?

There are many situations in which filing a writ or appeal might be necessary:

• Inaccurate verdicts: If you believe your trial was flawed or a judge made an error, an appeal should be considered.
• Incorrect sentences: If you feel your sentence was too harsh or not in line with the law, filing an appeal can help you challenge it.
• New evidence: If new evidence surfaces after your case has concluded, a writ can help you seek a review.

Whatever your situation, we'll help you explore your options, providing sound legal advice and determined representation.

Wrongful Convictions

Being wrongfully convicted of a crime you didn't commit is a devastating experience. The emotional and financial toll it takes on you and your family is immeasurable.

A wrongful conviction occurs when someone is found guilty of a crime they didn't commit, and it can happen for many reasons: inaccurate eyewitness testimony, misconduct by police or prosecutors, racial bias, forensic errors, false confessions, mistaken jury instructions, and more.

Wrongful convictions undermine the very principles of our justice system, which is why having an experienced appellate lawyer is so crucial. If you or someone you know has been wrongfully convicted, contact The Crawford Law Firm today to speak with one of our dedicated attorneys.

Misdemeanor Appeals

Can you appeal a misdemeanor conviction? Yes, under the right circumstances. Misdemeanor appeals are typically filed when the convicted individual believes they didn't receive a just trial. Appeals are also common if a judge denies a motion to suppress evidence under Penal Code section 1538.5 during the case, and the individual is later convicted.

In California, appeals from guilty pleas in misdemeanor cases can also occur, particularly when challenging the denial of a suppression motion. When someone pleads guilty to a misdemeanor, they may waive their right to appeal. Misdemeanor appellate attorneys specialize in these cases and can provide the knowledge and guidance to help you navigate the process.

Felony Appeals

A felony conviction in California can have life-changing consequences. From formal probation and jail time to the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, the impact can be permanent. If you're facing this situation, you may be wondering if you should appeal your felony conviction.

In California, if someone is convicted of a felony and believes an error occurred during their trial, they have the right to appeal the conviction. This allows the defendant to ask a higher court to review the case to determine if there were errors that warrant a reversal. All felony appeals in California must be based on valid grounds, such as errors in evidentiary rulings, insufficient evidence, juror misconduct, prosecutorial misconduct, erroneous jury instructions, and more.

Why Choose The Crawford Law Firm?

Our team has the experience to help you navigate the intricate processes involved in filing writs and appeals. With offices in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Salinas, we proudly serve clients throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. We understand that the appellate process can feel overwhelming, but we have the expertise to get you through it.

If you're facing a situation that may require a writ or appeal, you need competent counsel. The Crawford Law Firm is here to offer you expert legal advice with the care and respect you deserve. Let us help you fight for the outcome you deserve.  But, don't delay because filing deadlines are often very soon after a ruling or verdict.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We're ready to fight for you in the courts of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Salinas, and beyond!