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Alabama Criminal Appeals Attorney
When the Trial Court Gets It Wrong—We Step In to Make It Right
A guilty verdict isn’t the end of the fight. It’s the beginning of your appeal. If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime in Alabama, you still have options. The legal system isn’t perfect—judges make mistakes, prosecutors cross lines, and trials can go sideways. That’s where we come in.
At Kreps Law Firm, we handle criminal appeals with precision, strategy, and relentless focus. We know the appellate courts. We know how to spot legal errors that may help overturn your wrongful conviction. And we know how to turn a bad verdict into a second chance.
What Is a Criminal Appeal?
A criminal appeal is a formal request for a higher court to review the decision of a trial court. Unlike a retrial, an appeal doesn’t involve new evidence or witnesses. Instead, the appellate court looks at what happened at trial and decides whether the judge made legal errors that affected the outcome.
You can appeal if:
- You were convicted after a jury or bench trial
- You believe your trial lawyer made critical mistakes
- Evidence was admitted that should have been excluded
- The judge misapplied the law or gave incorrect jury instructions
- Your sentence was excessive or outside legal limits
- Your constitutional rights were violated
The goal is to overturn the conviction, reduce the sentence, or get a new trial.
Types of Criminal Appeals We Handle
Direct Appeals
This is the most common type of appeal, filed immediately after a conviction. We challenge the conviction or sentence based on what happened during the trial—errors in rulings, legal procedure, or violations of your rights.
Post-Conviction Relief (Rule 32 Petitions)
Filed in the trial court after a direct appeal is over. These petitions focus on ineffective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, or constitutional violations that weren’t raised on appeal.
Federal Habeas Corpus Petitions
If your state remedies have been exhausted, we can help file a federal habeas petition challenging your conviction under federal constitutional law.
Motion for New Trial or Sentence Modification
In some cases, we may be able to file motions in the trial court for a new trial, reduced sentence, or other relief—even before or during the appeal process.
The Alabama Criminal Appeals Process
1. Notice of Appeal
We must file this quickly—usually within 42 days of sentencing. Miss the deadline, and you could lose your right to appeal.
2. Record on Appeal
The court reporter prepares a transcript of everything that happened at trial. This becomes the foundation of your appeal.
3. Briefing
We file a written appellate brief explaining what the trial court got wrong and how it affected the outcome. The state files a response, and we may file a reply.
4. Oral Argument (if granted)
In some cases, the appellate court will schedule oral arguments where we present your case before a panel of judges.
5. Decision
The appellate court issues a written opinion. They may affirm the conviction, reverse it, order a new trial, or modify the sentence.
Why Choose Kreps Law Firm for Your Appeal?
Appeals are not like trials. They require a different skill set—sharp legal writing, deep knowledge of case law, and the ability to identify subtle legal errors that most lawyers miss.
At Kreps Law Firm, we:
- Review your case from top to bottom for appealable issues
- Craft persuasive legal briefs that get judges’ attention
- Handle oral arguments in appellate courts across Alabama
- Fight for the reversal, reduction, or retrial you deserve
- Keep you informed at every step of the process
We know how much is riding on this appeal—and we treat it that way.
Call Kreps Law Firm Today
We don’t quit when the trial ends—we begin a new fight. If you’ve been convicted in Alabama and believe something went wrong at trial, we’ll review your case and advise you on your options.
Call now to schedule a confidential consultation. Let’s talk about your appeal—and how we can help you or your loved one get your life back.