A verdict or sentence is not necessarily final. An appeal allows a higher court to review legal errors and, if warranted, order a new trial, reversal, or resentencing. As a former prosecutor and municipal judge, I understand how appellate panels evaluate issues and what makes a persuasive case in briefs and arguments. At my firm, you work directly with me—Christopher L. Jones—from your initial call through the court’s decision.
As an experienced Greenville appeals lawyer, I could review the record, identify preserved errors, and map deadlines so nothing is overlooked. As your criminal defense attorney, I guide you through every step of the appeal process, including matters before the state’s Court of Appeals, which handles most criminal cases from the circuit court. To schedule your initial consultation, contact Chris Jones Law today.
What Can an Appeal Achieve?
An appeal is not a new trial. Rather, it is a review of the trial record for alleged legal errors. As a seasoned Greenville appellate attorney, I focus on rulings that affect substantial rights, such as the improper admission or exclusion of evidence, errors in jury instructions, or mistakes in sentencing. Under Rule 103 of the South Carolina Rules of Evidence, a reversal requires an error that affected a substantial right, and objections must be timely, specific, or properly preserved.
When handling your appeal, I could:
- Order and audit transcripts and the appellate record
- Identify standards of review and arguments regarding prejudice
- Focus the briefing on the issues that matter the most
- Prepare for oral argument with a concise outline and record citations
This disciplined approach keeps the court on the merits, highlighting the strongest issues, without diluting them with weaker points.
Deadlines, Notices, and Related Remedies
Criminal appellate timelines are short. Under Rule 203 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules, after a plea or trial in the Court of General Sessions, you must file a notice of appeal within ten days of sentencing. Timely post-trial motions can extend this deadline; otherwise, a late notice may prevent the court from hearing the appeal.
As your attorney, I could also provide you with advice in respect of post-conviction relief (PCR) and other appellate procedures in Greenville. PCR is a separate statutory remedy for constitutional claims that were not—and could not have been—raised on direct appeal. State law sets a one-year deadline to file a PCR application, measured from the conviction or from the appellate court’s final order, whichever occurs later.
The Office of the Attorney General confirms that criminal defendants can appeal their convictions and sentences in the state appellate courts. In those cases, the state participates either by defending the original outcome or, when allowed, challenging parts of it. The Court of Appeals decides most direct appeals and serves as the state’s intermediate appellate court, with jurisdiction over nearly all matters coming from the circuit courts.
Preservation and Building the Record
Appellate courts review issues that were raised, ruled on, and preserved in the trial court. As legal counsel representing you during your appeal in Greenville, I could examine if objections were made at the proper time, offers of proof were provided to protect excluded evidence, and the charge conference or written order accurately captured the ruling. An error must affect a substantial right and be properly presented to the court.
My first steps include confirming that every exhibit is included in the record on appeal, seeking corrections if necessary, and drafting clear questions that present the issues according to the applicable standard of review. I then support each point with controlling authority and precise record citations, so the appellate panel can understand the basis for relief clearly and concisely.
If You Need Legal Support To Appeal Your Case, Contact a Greenville Lawyer Today
You should not lose an appeal due to a missed deadline or an incomplete record. I could provide a focused review of your transcripts, orders, and charging documents, along with a clear plan, filing calendar, and candid advice about your prospects for reversal or remand. To arrange a case review with a Greenville appeals lawyer, contact me at Chris Jones Law today.
