Choose The Right Lehigh Valley Appeals Attorney for your Summary Appeal, Criminal Appeal or Supreme Court Appeal
If your case didn't go the way you had hoped for the first time, contact our Appellate Attorneys in our Easton Appeals Office to see if we can make it right.
Appeal strategy begins with the order, the filing deadline, the preserved issues, the available record, and the governing standard of review.
We view appeals as being of two different veins. On one hand there are Summary Appeals, Administrative Appeals and Other Appeals to the Court of Common Pleas. On the other hand there are traditional appeals to the appellate courts. Traditional appeals go to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court.
Summary Appeals, Administrative Appeals and Other Appeals to the Court of Common Pleas are often "De Novo." "De Novo" directly translates from Latin to "anew" in English. However, we like to explain De Novo appeals as "do overs," because they allow us to have new trials and hearings to fix evidentiary issues.
Traditional Appeals to the appellate courts are always much more difficult and complex than De Novo appeals. Despite our excellent record on appeals, many Superior and Supreme Court Appeals are an arduous battle with little chance of success. The difficulty of traditional appeals is that there is no ability for our Appeal Attorneys to re-trial the case. We are simply stuck with the case as it is handed to us by whomever handled the trial. But rest assured, we will give honest advice before taking payment on any appeals.
New Trials & Sentences
Types of Appeals Handle by Our Easton Appeals Attorneys
1. Summary Appeals Attorneys
Appeals from the Magisterial District Courts to the Common Pleas Courts
Summary Appeals are appeals from Magisterial District Court to the County Court of Common Pleas. Summary Appeals are de novo appeals and allow for an entirely new trial. Traffic ticket appeals are the most common Summary Appeals. But, Summary Appeals can be made of non-criminal summary convictions as well. Summary Appeals must be filed within 30 days of conviction and can be filed even after a guilty plea.
2. PennDOT & License Suspension Appeals
Appeals that must be made after recieving notification of a suspension from PennDOT
PennDOT & License Suspension Appeals are appeals of PennDOT determinations. These appeals are filed in the Court of Common Pleas. Strict technical requirements and deadlines apply to license suspension appeals.
3. Administrative Agency Appeals
Appeals from misc. government agencies after written notice
Administrative Appeals range from appeals of Unemployment Compensation Benefits to Appeals of findings of Child Abuse. Unfortunately, many of these administrative agencies maintain poor record keeping. These agencies can often be difficult to communicate with as well. If attempting an administrative appeal without an appeals attorney, be sure to keep documentation and records of all documents relevant to your case. Keep records all communications, or attempted communications, with the administrative agency as well.
4. Traditional Appeals
Appeals from case that begun in the Court of Common Pleas
Traditional Appeals consist of appeals to the state and federal appellate courts. Such courts include the Pennsylvania Superior Court, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the United State Supreme Court. These appeals are the most arduous and difficult of all appeals. These appeals require close attention to preservation, the certified record, briefing rules, and the applicable standard of review.
Appeals Attorneys in Easton, Pennsylvania
Serving Lehigh, Monroe & Northampton Counties
Appeal deadlines are strict. Bring the order, docket, available transcript, and prior filings to a consultation early enough to identify the governing deadline and record.
Lehigh Valley Appeal FAQs
Commonly asked questions regarding appeals in Lehigh and Northampton County