An appeal is a formal petition to a higher court seeking the reversal of a trial court’s decision or legal ruling, typically after a final judgment has been rendered. Once the lower court’s judgment is officially recorded, the party who lost the case (referred to as the appellant) can file a notice of appeal. The appellant may also request transcripts or other relevant records from the trial court. Then, the appellant presents a written brief to the appeals court, outlining the legal grounds and arguments for overturning the trial court’s ruling. It is important to note that no new evidence is considered or admitted during the appeal process.
During the appeals process, having legal counsel is crucial. An attorney can review the case, identify potential errors, and construct persuasive arguments to present before the appellate court. They can navigate complex legal procedures, gather necessary documentation, and ensure that the appellant’s rights are protected throughout the appeals process.