Tampa Appeals Lawyers
Skilled appellate lawyers committed to protecting your rights.
Why Choose Our Tampa Appeals Lawyers to Handle Your Case
If there were legal or factual errors during your trial in Tampa, Florida, then it’s likely that these pieces of misinformation could have influenced the final verdict. When this happens, it denies a person their constitutional right to a fair trial. If this has happened to you, then it’s important to seek the guidance of a Tampa appeal lawyer who can defend your rights.
Appeals lawyers at our law firm handle civil and criminal appeals in both state and federal appeal courts.
If you disagree with the verdict or the way your case was handled, it’s crucial to work with a trusted criminal appeal lawyer to set the record straight.
Common Grounds for Appeal in Tampa, Florida
Grounds of appeal in Tampa Florida, include, but aren’t limited to:
- Errors in the judicial process
- Improper jury instructions
- Misapplication of the law
- Prosecutor misconduct
- Evidence that failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Criminal Appeals in Tampa: A Complex Process
The appellate attorneys at our law firm understand that the appeals process can be more complex than typical trial proceedings. For instance, for any habeas corpus motion to be admissible at the Supreme Court, it must be filed within one year and ninety days of the date of sentencing.
Other petitions, on the other hand, must be filed within ninety days of the date the ruling is issued. The complex nature of the appeals process is what led to our decision to focus exclusively on appeal cases.
We are committed to presenting the best briefs and writs at all levels of the appellate court, ensuring that our clients have the best chance of winning their appeal. Some of the motions we have extensive experience handling include:
Motion to Withdraw Plea
A motion to withdraw a plea allows you to ask the court to take back your guilty or no contest plea. You can file for this motion when the plea was entered:
- Under duress
- Without proper legal advice
- Due to new evidence
Motion to Quash Sentence
You can file a motion to quash the sentence to challenge the legality or fairness of the sentence imposed. For example, the sentence:- Exceeds statutory limits
- Contains errors
- Was issued without considering mitigation factors
Fourth District Court of Appeal
- Location: West Palm Beach
- Covers civil and criminal appeals from Southeast Florida.
Motion to Reduce Sentence
You can file a motion to reduce a sentence to lessen the penalties imposed after conviction. Pursue this option for reasons including:- Good behavior
- Rehabilitation
- Mitigating circumstances
Post-conviction Relief
If you are convicted, post-conviction relief allows you to challenge your conviction or sentence following a trial court verdict. You can get post-conviction relief based on:
- Legal errors
- Ineffective assistance of counsel
- New evidence
- Violation of constitutional rights
Here at our law firm, you are represented by an appellate attorney in Tampa who meticulously reviews case records to identify grounds for relief. We prepare persuasive motions to give clients a second chance at justice.
Petitions for Writ of Certiorari
Petitions for Writ of Certiorari allow you to request a higher court to review decisions of lower courts. You can seek this legal remedy when there is:
- A significant legal error
- Misapplication of the law
- An issue of public importance
Our appeal lawyers in Tampa are also talented orators who can represent clients before the Pardons and Clemency Board. If any of these apply to your case, it’s vital to work with an appellate law firm that has your best interests in mind.
Brownstone Law handles cases throughout Florida, including criminal appeals in Orlando and post-conviction petitions in Tampa, Florida.
Drug Conviction Appeals: Fighting for Justice
If you have been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, a drug-related crime in Florida, our Tampa drug appeals lawyers can appeal your conviction, challenge your sentence, or file a motion to set aside your guilty plea.
A drug conviction can be devastating. However, this is not the end of your legal battle. You have the opportunity to reverse a criminal conviction at the appellate level. We have extensive experience in appealing wrongful convictions, harsh sentences, and improper guilty pleas.
Your criminal appeals attorney in Tampa reviews the appeal record and trial transcripts to give you the best chance of success on appeal. We practice in every Florida Court of Appeal.
Civil Appeals in Tampa: Representing Your Interests
The appeal attorneys at Brownstone appellate litigation law firm handle appeals across Tampa, Florida. We maintain a firm commitment to appeals and winning the argument on appeal before all appellate courts.
Appeals require exceptional talent, and our attorneys are focused on delivering results that matter for our clients facing business or civil appeals in Florida courts. With our appellate attorneys, defendants often secure a new trial, reduced sentence, or acquittal. The appeals court may also award additional funds to plaintiffs seeking compensation.
We handle cases including:
- Medicare fraud
- Tax evasion
- Business torts
- Shareholder disputes
- Copyright appeals
- Illegal drug importation
- Cocaine and marijuana appeals
- Family law
- Business permits
- Environmental law appeals
Our team of Tallahassee appeal lawyers also understands the process of filing motions to withdraw a plea, motions to reduce a sentence, and motions for habeas corpus. We also have experience in presenting petitions before the Clemency and Pardons Board.
The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida handles criminal and civil cases in Florida. The federal court is located at 801 N. Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602.
Why Choose Brownstone’s Tampa Criminal Appeals Lawyers?
The rules of civil and criminal appellate procedure differ significantly from the process of initiating legal proceedings at the trial court. Tight deadlines and strict instructions must be followed for any appeal case to be admissible.
For instance, under “The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act,” defendants have one year and 90 days to file for writ of habeas corpus. It is, therefore, absolutely important that defendants seek attorneys who specialize exclusively in the appeals process.
At Brownstone, we are dedicated to delivering results — a fact that can be proven by the numerous appeal cases our criminal appeals attorney in Tampa has won in the past year alone.
Years of experience in appellate litigation have made our lawyers very efficient in filing appeals in the Florida state and Tampa Courts of Appeal, including the Fourth Circuit.
Our law firm can handle criminal cases relating to the fields, including:
- Medicine
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Family law
- White-collar crimes and any other litigation
Some of the appeals that we have won in the past year include:
- Divorce
- Business torts
- Tax evasion
- Federal deportations
- Business permits
- Alimony
- Trademark disputes
- Copyright infringement
- Negligence in the practice of medicine
- Oversubscription of controlled medication
- Internet pharmacy violations.
We combine years of experience in Florida appellate courts and knowledge to prepare the best possible strategy for your appeal. Our goal is to maximize our clients’ chances of winning before the Florida Courts of Appeal by preparing the most effective briefs and arguments for presentation before the Florida Courts of Appeal. Each of our Florida appeals attorneys is experienced in appellate law and highly qualified to handle your appeal.
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals for the United States hears cases from the Florida federal district courts. The federal appeals attorneys at Brownstone in Florida are experienced in presenting oral arguments. Recognized for our legal services, Brownstone Law handles briefs for federal criminal cases in every appellate court across the United States, including the United States Supreme Court. We argue precedent-setting cases that shape law in Florida and in the federal district courts. Our appellate litigators are here to guide you through the appellate process in Florida.
Get Appeal Evaluation
Our experienced attorneys will review your case and provide feedback on your appeal options at no cost.
Get the Legal Help You Need for Your Appeal in Tampa
Contact our Tampa appeal lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation. Call our appeal lawyers for Tampa today at (813) 428-8392.
FAQs About the Court of Appeals in Tampa, Florida & Federal District Courts in Hillsborough County Florida State Court of Appeal – Tampa
1. Which appellate court serves Tampa, Florida?
Tampa, located in Hillsborough County, falls under the jurisdiction of the Second District Court of Appeal (2nd DCA). This court handles appeals from trial courts in 14 counties across Southwest Florida.
2. What types of cases does the Second District Court of Appeal hear?
The 2nd DCA reviews appeals from:
- Criminal cases (convictions, sentencing issues)
- Civil cases (family law, contract disputes, personal injury, etc.)
- Probate and guardianship matters
- Administrative law cases (appeals from state and local agencies)
- Petitions for writs (habeas corpus, certiorari, prohibition, mandamus)
3. How do I file an appeal in the Second District Court of Appeal?
To appeal a case:
- File a Notice of Appeal with the trial court within 30 days of the decision.
- Prepare the Record on Appeal, including transcripts and legal documents.
- Submit Briefs—the appellant (party appealing) files an initial brief, the appellee (opposing party) responds with an answer brief, and the appellant may file areply brief.
- Oral arguments may be requested, though most cases are decided on the briefs.
- The court issues a written opinion after reviewing the case.
4. Where is the Second District Court of Appeal located?
The Second District Court of Appeal is now headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, but Tampa cases are still handled there.
- Address: 811 E. Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801
Federal District Courts in Hillsborough County (Tampa)
5. What federal court serves Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Tampa Division). This court handles federal cases arising in the area.
6. What types of cases does the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida handle?
The Middle District Court hears cases involving:
- Federal criminal offenses
- Civil rights violations
- Immigration matters
- Federal labor and employment disputes
- Intellectual property cases
- Bankruptcy appeals (from U.S. Bankruptcy Court)
7. Where is the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Tampa Division) located?
Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse
801 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602
8. How do I file a federal appeal from the Middle District of Florida?
If appealing a federal case:
- File a Notice of Appeal within 30 days (or 60 days if the U.S. government is involved).
- The appeal goes to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, based in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Follow federal appellate procedures, including briefing and possible oral arguments.
9. What happens if I lose an appeal in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals?
If your appeal is denied, you can:
- Request a rehearing from the Eleventh Circuit.
- File a petition for review in the U.S. Supreme Court (granted only in select cases).
10. How can I check the status of a case in federal court?
You can check federal case updates through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at:
https://pacer.uscourts.gov
If you need assistance with an appeal in Tampa’s state or federal courts, consult an experienced appellate attorney.
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