Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
In Shreveport, Louisiana and across the United States, appeal law is a crucial facet of the legal system. It allows parties who are unsatisfied with the decision of a court to request a higher (appellate) court to review and modify the lower court's judgment. Appeals cover various matters including family law, criminal convictions, personal injury cases, and civil verdicts. Understanding appellate procedure is crucial, as it's strategic and complex and can greatly affect the outcome of an appeal.
People often require legal assistance in filing an appeal for multiple reasons. A lawyer's expertise comes into play when challenging a trial court's legal decision, interpreting and applying laws related to the case, unveiling legal errors in trial court proceedings, and preparing the argument for appeals court. Lawyers experienced in appellate practice can better articulate your case, present solid legal arguments, and correctly file necessary documents, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.
Shreveport, being part of Louisiana, follows the Napoleonic Code rather than the common law that the rest of the U.S. usually follows. This unique legal environment can be complex for laypersons. One must file an appeal in Louisiana within thirty days of the final judgment of the lower court. The Louisiana Court of Appeal, Second Circuit, in Shreveport, hears both civil and criminal appeals. Furthermore, it's essential to know that an appeal isn't a new trial. It's a legal process to examine the legal rulings and verdict of the trial court.
Yes, you usually have the right to appeal a court's decision, whether it is criminal or civil. However, there must be legitimate legal grounds for the appeal.
The appeal must be filed within thirty days of the judgment by the trial court in Louisiana.
While your trial lawyer can represent you, an attorney experienced with appeals tend to better navigate the complex appellate process, as it's quite different from the trial process.
Legal aid services are available in Shreveport. Additionally, in some instances, the court appoints an attorney for those who cannot afford one.
An appellate court reviews the legal aspects of the case to ensure that the law was applied correctly and the due process of law was followed. It's crucial to know that the appellate court will not reassess factual findings of the trial court.
For further assistance, you may want to consider the Louisiana Law Help website, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Shreveport Bar Association, and the Legal Services of North Louisiana, Inc.
If you're considering an appeal, we recommend seeking reputable legal representation promptly due to the short timeframe allowed for filing an appeal. Gather all relevant legal documents and case information for your lawyer. Additionally, be prepared to discuss your case thoroughly and the reasons why you believe an appeal is justified.
