Illinois Federal Criminal Appeals Attorneys Who Inspire Justice
Despite this depiction, a trial is not always fair, organized or just. The government makes every attempt, legal or illegal, to win the case. The trial attorney scrambles to organize the chaos. Judges often rely on the attorneys to work-out the details. And, juries are sometimes simply overwhelmed by the proceedings. Therefore, mistakes happen. Whether intentionally or not, if you or someone you love has been charged, convicted and sentenced for allegedly violating federal law, then you might have the right to seek post-conviction corrective relief. We can help.
Contact our Illinois federal criminal appeals lawyers for a free consultation at 1-800-APPEALS.
We are a boutique law firm experienced in protecting individual and corporate clients in complex federal criminal appeals and post-conviction relief. We serve Chicago, East St. Louis, and Rockford, and any other cities in Illinois in which a Federal criminal appeal originates. We are admitted in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States. Therefore, we can represent you on appeals originating in Illinois all the way to the top court in the United States of America. We work hard to help people seek some of the following post-conviction relief:
- A direct appeal of their conviction, sentence or both;
- A collateral appeal based upon issues outside of the trial court record;
- Motions for reconsideration seeking an acquittal, a new trial, an arrest of judgment or a sentence modification;
- Section 2254 and 2255 motions to vacate a conviction or sentence based upon new evidence, known as Writs of Habeas Corpus;
- Motions for leniency, clemency or a pardon;
- Motion seeking modification of probation; and
- Motions seeking to expunge your criminal record.
Illinois Federal Criminal Appeals Lawyers Who Get Involved in Your Case
We are experienced attorneys with a broad understanding of both the trial court and appellate processes and procedures. Through years of practice, we have acquired an extensive working knowledge of criminal law, evidentiary law, constitutional law, as well as the technical skills necessary to interpret and apply statutory and case law. Our firm has experience in a wide-range of federal criminal appeals including the following:
- Securities and Commodities Fraud including securities fraud, insider trading, market manipulation schemes and accounting & regulatory reporting fraud;
- Complex fraud and Cybercrime including financial institution fraud, mortgage fraud, health care fraud and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations;
- Public corruption crimes committed by elected officials, appointed officials, government employees, companies and individuals including bribery, embezzlement and frauds committed against local, state and federal government agencies;
- Violent and Organized Crimes including gang violence, violations of the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute, homicide, kidnapping, arson, bank robberies, labor union corruption and domestic and international trafficking of drugs, arms, ammunition and humans; and
- Narcotics and controlled substances crimes at the local, regional and international levels including manufacturing, distribution, trafficking, possession, importing, producing, diversion, distribution and selling.
Over time, we have also come to appreciate the nuances of the appellate process. We understand the difference between harmless errors and prejudicial legal errors. Therefore, we are able to target some of the most common and significant constitutional issues and violations committed by the police, the prosecution or the trial court including the following:
- 4th Amendment issues involving convictions based upon tainted evidence, illegal evidence obtained through warrantless searches, undercover officers, confidential informants, or warrantless searches or improperly admitted evidence;
- 5th Amendment violations of due process such as denial of equal treatment, forced confessions or violations of your constitutionally protected Miranda Rights;
- 6th Amendment legal errors such as deprival of a speedy and public trial, not being allowed to confront adverse witnesses and errors due to ineffective assistance of counsel; and
- 8th Amendment violations such as the misapplication of federal sentencing guidelines resulting, harsh, long, or unreasonable sentences or sentences that are cruel and unusual punishment.
Illinois Federal Criminal Appeals Attorneys Who Invoke Persuasive Legal Arguments on Appeal
For cases originating in Illinois, appeals are heard by the panel of judges at the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. But, in order to preserve your right to seek a direct appeal, the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure require that you to file a Notice of Appeal within 14-days of the entry of the judgment or order that you are appealing. Provided that you timely file this document, the court will establish a schedule for both you and the government to file briefs. A brief is a written document in which you must outline your arguments on appeal, point to the errors in the trial court record, support your arguments with case law and propose solutions. It is also the most important document because it is the mechanism for seeking a reversal of your conviction, a modification of your sentence or a new trial or hearing. Therefore, it is critical that your brief be well-organized, well-written, concise and persuasive.
The federal criminal appeals attorneys at our fimr are celebrated writers and orators. So, while the majority of appeals and post-conviction relief are decided on the written briefs, there are occasions when the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals will request the attorneys to appear for oral argument. From our perspective, this is one last opportunity to personalize your plight and highlight the merits of your case face-to-face with the judges who will decide the outcome. Therefore, we will prepare tireless to defend your rights on appeal, in a brief and during oral argument. Your appeal to justice is our calling