A direct appeal is always available to defendants sentenced to death in capital crime cases. In a direct appeal, it is possible to re-litigate issues raised during trial. Making compelling legal arguments is imperative, because the high court can reverse the conviction, or reverse the sentence of death.
Defendants may also file additional appeals post-conviction, including ultimately filing a writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court of the United States in appropriate cases. In addition to filing appeals, a defendant can seek a stay of execution from the state government or the President of the United States, or higher state or federal courts. This can provide a delay, and make more time for legal arguments to overturn the death sentence.
The death penalty appeals process is a complicated process in which a knowledgeable and experienced legal advocate should explore all possible ways to avoid the carrying out of a death sentence. Almost one in five defendants in Nevada who were sentenced to death have been permanently removed from death row due to legal action[1], so having a good lawyer really can make a substantial difference in determining if you will have a future.
LV Criminal Defense has experience with appeals in capital cases, and can step in at any stage to help you fight to avoid a death sentence being carried out.
A Nevada Death Penalty Lawyer Can Help
Nicholas Wooldridge believes that when a defendant is sentenced to the ultimate punishment in the criminal justice system, he deserves the best and most vigorous defense.
If you are facing charges for a capital crime or have already been convicted and sentenced to death, contact us as soon as possible. Let our legal team go to work to fight hard to help you stay alive.