Appeals Attorney in Phoenix

Guidance For Arizona Criminal Appeals When The Stakes Are Highest

After a criminal conviction or harsh sentence, the next steps can feel confusing and urgent at the same time. If your case was decided in a Phoenix-area court and you are considering an appeal, you need clear information and focused legal help as quickly as possible. Our goal is to help you understand what a criminal appeal can do, what the deadlines look like, and how our team of appeals attorneys in Phoenix approaches reviewing your case.

Ramos Law Firm is led by criminal defense attorney Paul A. Ramos, a Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law with more than 30 years of practice experience in Arizona. We represent people who want to challenge Arizona criminal convictions and sentences, including those that arose from courts in Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County. We work to combine careful legal analysis with hands-on, compassionate representation for defendants and their families.

On this page, we explain how criminal appeals function in Arizona, how we review trial records for potential appellate issues, and what you can do right now to protect your rights. 

If you are searching for an appeals attorney Phoenix defendants and families can turn to for straightforward answers, we invite you to read on and then contact our team for a free consultation. You  can also call us at (480) 470-2062.

Why Work With Ramos Law Firm On Your Criminal Appeal

Choosing an appeals lawyer in Phoenix for a criminal appeal is different from hiring a lawyer for the original trial. Appeals focus on legal errors and the application of the law, not on re-trying the facts in front of a jury. An attorney handling your appeal should be deeply familiar with Arizona criminal law, trial practice, and appellate procedure, because the issues are often technical and highly specific.

At Ramos Law Firm, our firm is led by Attorney Paul A. Ramos, who is a Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law through the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. This certification means that his criminal law practice has been formally reviewed and that he has met rigorous experience and education requirements in this area of law. For someone facing a serious conviction, this kind of focused background can be especially important.

Attorney Ramos has more than 30 years of criminal law practice in Arizona and has taken more than 100 cases to trial. This depth of trial experience matters on appeal because it allows us to recognize when rulings, objections, or jury instructions at trial may have been handled incorrectly. We draw on that background when we review transcripts and rulings for potential appellate issues.

Our credentials include admission to practice in Arizona state courts, in the U.S. District Court, and in the Supreme Court of the United States. Attorney Ramos has been recognized with an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, 10.0 Superb ratings on Avvo for Criminal Defense and for criminal defense and for DUI and DWI, selection to Super Lawyers, inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and recognition in the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Our firm also holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

We know that awards alone do not decide your appeal. They do, however, provide independent confirmation that other lawyers and professional organizations trust the quality of our work. Combined with our hands-on approach and willingness to take difficult cases to trial when appropriate, these proof points help many families feel more confident when they contact us about a possible appeal.

Understanding Criminal Appeals In Arizona

To decide whether to pursue an appeal, you first need to understand what a criminal appeal is. An appeal is not a new trial, and it is not a chance to present new witnesses in front of a different jury. Instead, an appeal asks a higher court to review what happened in the trial court and determine whether there were significant legal errors that may have affected the outcome or the sentence.

In many felony cases that started in Phoenix, the trial occurs in Maricopa County Superior Court. If a person is convicted and chooses to appeal, the case typically goes to the Arizona Court of Appeals, which reviews the written record from the trial court. That record usually includes transcripts, motions, exhibits, and orders that were part of the original case.

Appellate judges look for legal issues rather than reweighing witness credibility or deciding which version of events they believe more. For example, an appeal might raise questions about whether the trial judge admitted or excluded evidence correctly, whether the jury instructions accurately stated Arizona law, or whether the court applied the sentencing statutes properly. In some situations, constitutional questions, such as alleged violations of the right to confront witnesses or unlawful searches, may also be raised.

Attorney Ramos is admitted to practice before Arizona courts, the U.S. District Court, and the Supreme Court of the United States. These admissions reflect a background that covers both trial and higher court practice. When our appeals attorney in Phoenix talks with you about an appeal, we explain which court is likely to hear your case and how that court approaches the type of issues that may be present in your record.

It is important to remember that every case is different. Seeing something that feels unfair at trial does not automatically mean the appellate court will find legal error. Our role is to review the record carefully, explain which issues may fit within Arizona appellate law, and give you a realistic picture of what an appeal may be able to address.

Understanding Time Limits & The Arizona Appeals Process With Our Appeals Attorney in Phoenix

Arizona criminal appeals involve strict timelines. In many cases, a defendant has a limited number of days after sentencing to file a notice of appeal with the trial court. The exact timeframe can depend on the type of conviction and the procedures used, which is why speaking with a lawyer promptly after sentencing is very important. Waiting too long can limit your options or, in some situations, prevent an appeal altogether.

Once a timely notice of appeal is filed, the appeals process generally follows a series of steps. The trial court record is prepared and transmitted, which usually includes transcripts of hearings and trials, motions, exhibits, and orders. After the record is complete, the appellate court sets a schedule for written briefs. The appellant’s opening brief is filed first, the state submits an answering brief, and the appellant may have an opportunity to file a reply brief.

In some cases, the Arizona Court of Appeals schedules an oral argument where attorneys for both sides appear before a panel of judges to present their positions and answer questions. In other cases, the court decides the appeal based solely on the written briefs and record. After review, the appellate court issues a written decision that may affirm the conviction or sentence, reverse it, or send the case back to the trial court for further proceedings that could include a new trial or resentencing, depending on the circumstances.

At Ramos Law Firm, our appeals attorneys in Phoenix guide clients through each of these stages. Our work typically begins by obtaining and reviewing the trial court file, transcripts, and rulings. We then identify potential issues, research the applicable statutes and case law, and prepare written briefs that present the strongest available arguments under Arizona law. Because Attorney Ramos has handled hundreds of criminal cases, he is familiar with the kinds of trial decisions that often become the focus of appeals.

Appeals usually take months, and more complex matters can take longer. During that time, we strive to keep clients and families informed about key dates, filings, and any developments. When your case involves a conviction from a Phoenix court, we explain how the timelines work in that setting and how your case moves from the Maricopa County Superior Court to the appellate level.

Common Grounds For Criminal Appeals In Arizona

Many people contact us because they feel that something went wrong during their trial or sentencing. The question on appeal is not simply whether there were disagreements or difficult decisions. Instead, the question is whether the trial court made legal errors that were significant enough to affect the outcome or the fairness of the process.

Some of the more common categories of issues raised in Arizona criminal appeals include:

• Improper admission or exclusion of evidence: For example, disputes can arise over whether certain statements, documents, or physical items should have been allowed for the jury to see.
• Incorrect jury instructions: If the instructions did not accurately state Arizona law, or if the jury was not instructed on a necessary element, this can form the basis for an appeal.
• Constitutional violations: Issues can involve alleged violations of rights related to searches, seizures, confessions, the right to confront witnesses, or the right to counsel.
• Prosecutorial misconduct: Claims may arise if the prosecutor’s comments or conduct during trial are alleged to have gone beyond proper limits in a way that prejudiced the defendant.
• Sentencing errors: These may involve misapplication of Arizona sentencing statutes, incorrect calculation of prior convictions, or improper use of aggravating factors.

Not every concern fits neatly into one category, and not every ruling that seems wrong will meet the legal standard for reversal. Appellate courts also look at whether trial counsel objected at the right time, because that can influence which issues are preserved for review. If you believe your trial lawyer did not object when they should have, that may shift some questions into post-conviction relief rather than direct appeal, and we can talk about that distinction with you.

Attorney Ramos serves as a faculty member and presenter for the Maricopa County Bar Association, which means he teaches and speaks to other lawyers about criminal law topics. That experience informs how we analyze complex appellate issues such as evidentiary rulings, constitutional questions, and nuanced sentencing problems. When our appeals attorneys in Phoenix discuss your case, we work to explain these concepts in clear, everyday terms so you can follow how they apply to your situation.

How We Review Your Case & Build An Appellate Strategy

When you contact our firm about a possible appeal, we know you are looking for more than general information. You want to understand how your specific case will be reviewed and what steps we will take if you decide to move forward. The process of our appeals attorneys in Phoenix is designed to provide a careful, structured evaluation of the trial record and an honest assessment of your options.

In an initial consultation, we usually start by gathering basic information about your case. This may include the name of the trial court, the charges, the date of conviction and sentencing, and any written documents you already have, such as plea agreements, minute entries, or sentencing orders. If we are retained, we then work to obtain the full trial court file and transcripts, including pretrial hearings, trial proceedings, and sentencing.

Once we have the record, we conduct a detailed review. We look closely at how the trial judge ruled on motions and objections, how evidence was handled, what the jury was told about the law, and how the sentence was determined. We research the relevant Arizona statutes and appellate decisions to evaluate whether the issues we identify fit within recognized legal grounds for appeal and whether they appear substantial enough for an appellate court to consider.

From there, we work with you to set priorities. In many cases, it is more effective to focus on a smaller number of strong appellate issues rather than try to raise every possible complaint. We discuss which points appear strongest under the law, how they would be presented in written briefs, and what potential outcomes might look like. Throughout this process, we strive to be straightforward about both strengths and limitations so that you can make informed decisions.

Attorney Ramos brings more than 30 years of criminal law practice and more than 100 trials to this appellate review process. His memberships in organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice reflect a long-term commitment to staying current with changes in criminal law. When you work with us, you can expect a careful review that draws on this background rather than a surface-level glance at your file.

What To Do After A Conviction Or Harsh Sentence

After sentencing, it can be hard to know what to do first. The mix of disappointment, fear, and urgency often leaves families feeling stuck. Taking a few concrete steps in the days and weeks after a conviction from a Phoenix-area court can help protect your ability to consider an appeal.

Here are practical steps many clients find helpful:

• Note key dates: Write down the date of sentencing and keep any paperwork you received from the court. These dates can matter for appeal deadlines.
• Keep all court documents: Save plea agreements, charging documents, minute entries, and any written orders. These are often useful when we assess the case.
• Limit public discussion of the case: Be cautious about posting or talking about details on social media. It is usually better to discuss the situation in private with your attorney.
• Gather contact information for prior counsel: If another lawyer handled the trial, we may need to know who they are to obtain certain materials or clarify aspects of the record.
• Reach out to an appeals lawyer promptly: Because appeal deadlines can be short, contacting a lawyer quickly is important, especially if the conviction came from a Phoenix court, where the calendar can move quickly.

You do not need to have everything organized before you call. Families often contact us while they are still trying to make sense of the paperwork and the court process. Our appeals attorneys in Phoenix walk you through what information is most important at the beginning and how to get copies of missing documents when possible.

Our firm offers free consultations and can meet by phone or video when in-person meetings are difficult. This is particularly helpful when the defendant is in custody, when family members live outside the immediate Phoenix area, or when work and family obligations make travel to Scottsdale challenging. We serve clients across Arizona and regularly assist with appeals that arise from Maricopa County and other courts in the state.

To talk with an appeals lawyer Phoenix defendants and families can turn to for clear guidance about possible next steps, call (480) 470-2062 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Appeal Change My Conviction or Just My Sentence?

An appeal can potentially affect either the conviction, the sentence, or both, depending on the issues raised and how the appellate court rules. In some situations, an appellate court may find that legal error requires a new trial, which can involve sending the case back to the trial court. In other cases, the court may conclude that the conviction stands but that the sentence was imposed incorrectly, which can lead to resentencing. There are also many appeals where the court affirms both the conviction and sentence. When we review your record, we talk with you about which types of outcomes might be associated with the issues in your case, and we avoid making promises about results, because appellate decisions depend on the specific facts and law involved.

What if I Think My Trial Lawyer Made Serious Mistakes?

If you believe your trial lawyer made serious mistakes, that is an important concern to raise in your consultation. Some problems related to trial counsel can appear directly in the record, such as whether objections were made or whether certain motions were filed. Other concerns, such as strategy decisions or private advice, may not be fully shown in the transcripts. In Arizona, certain claims about ineffective assistance of counsel are often addressed through post-conviction relief proceedings rather than direct appeal, particularly when additional facts are needed. When you speak with us, we look at which issues appear in the record and explain whether they seem suited for direct appeal, post-conviction relief, or both. Attorney Ramos’s long trial background helps us understand how trial decisions can affect appellate options.

How Long Do I Have to File a Criminal Appeal in Arizona?

In many Arizona criminal cases, the time to file a notice of appeal is relatively short and usually begins running from the date of sentencing. The exact deadline can depend on factors such as whether the case involved a plea agreement, what type of offense was involved, and the specific rules that apply to your situation. Because missing the deadline can limit or even eliminate your ability to pursue a direct appeal, we recommend that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible after sentencing. When you speak with our team, we review your court documents and explain which timeline appears to apply in your case. Acting promptly gives us more room to confirm the deadlines and help you take the necessary steps.

Will I Need to Come to Your Office if I am in Custody or Live Outside Phoenix?

You do not always need to travel to our office in order for us to review your case or discuss a possible appeal. Many of our initial consultations take place by phone or video, which can be especially helpful when a client is in custody or when family members live outside the Phoenix area. We can often review electronic or mailed copies of court documents and communicate with you and your family through a combination of scheduled calls and written correspondence. Our Scottsdale office is conveniently located for those who are able to meet in person, and we serve clients throughout Arizona whose cases began in Phoenix courts and elsewhere.

How Does Your Firm Review My Case for a Possible Appeal?

When we review a case for a possible appeal, we start by gathering key documents such as the sentencing minute entries, the plea agreement, if there was one, and information about the court where the case was heard. If you decide to retain our firm, we then work to obtain the full trial record and transcripts from the court. Attorney Ramos personally studies the transcripts, motions, and rulings to identify potential legal issues, such as evidentiary decisions, jury instructions, or sentencing questions.

We then research how Arizona statutes and appellate decisions treat those issues and evaluate which arguments appear strongest under current law. After this review, we discuss our findings with you, outlining both the possible grounds for appeal and the challenges that may exist. Our goal is to provide a clear, honest assessment so that you can decide how to move forward, knowing that the analysis came from a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist with decades of experience in Arizona criminal courts.

Can You Handle Appeals from Phoenix Courts Even Though Your Office is in Scottsdale?

Yes, our appeals attorneys in Phoenix handle appeals that arise from Phoenix courts as well as from other courts across Arizona. Many criminal cases in the Phoenix area are tried in Maricopa County Superior Court, and we regularly review convictions and sentences from that court for potential appellate issues. The fact that our office is in Scottsdale does not limit our ability to file or pursue appeals that begin in Phoenix trial courts. We are familiar with how cases move from these courts to the Arizona Court of Appeals, and we work with clients and families from different parts of the state through a combination of in-person and virtual meetings.

What Will it Cost to Hire Your Firm for an Appeal?

The cost of a criminal appeal can vary depending on factors such as the length of the trial, the number of hearings, the complexity of the legal issues, and the amount of record that must be reviewed. Longer trials usually produce more transcripts, which can require more attorney time to analyze. At Ramos Law Firm, we offer a free initial consultation so that we can learn about your case and give you a general sense of the work that may be involved.

During that consultation or in follow up discussions, we explain our fee structure and what services are included. We believe in being transparent about costs before you make any decisions, and we do not quote a fee until we understand the scope of the appeal. Our goal is to help you weigh the potential benefits of an appeal against the financial and emotional investment it requires, so you can make a choice that is right for you and your family.

We offer free consultations and can meet virtually or in person from our Scottsdale office, which serves clients with convictions arising from courts in Phoenix and across the state. Reach out to us now.