Appeal System

The appeal of a sentence or verdict in a criminal case is governed by statute. Consequently, the appeal represents the first opportunity that a convicted federal criminal may seek to contest a conviction or sentence. The appeal allows the system to engage in due care, and gives a final opportunity to the defendant to challenge before the conviction is finalized. In fact the conviction and sentence that has been applied to the individual is not avowed until the direct appeal has been heard by the higher appellate court. It should be noted that when a defendant is found not guilty by the court the government cannot appeal that verdict (The appeals process 2012). There are three avenues of appeal open to a defendant 1. A direct appeal, 2, a post-conviction relief petition and, 3 a petition for Writ of habeas Corpus (Criminal appeals process 2012)

Before a case...
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