Michigan Appeal Lawyers for Civil, Criminal & Federal Appeals

Protecting your rights on appeal in Michigan takes more than disagreement with the verdict. It takes a record-based strategy under the Michigan Court Rules, disciplined brief writing, and counsel who regularly practices in the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, and federal appellate courts.

Brownstone Law is a nationwide appeals firm representing clients in Michigan civil and criminal appellate matters—from Detroit and Grand Rapids to Ann Arbor, Flint, and beyond. If you need a Michigan appeal lawyer after a judgment, conviction, or critical order.

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Michigan Appellate Representation Built for Appeals—Not Retrials

Michigan appellate courts review claimed legal error. They do not simply re-hear the trial for a second opinion on the facts. Our job is to isolate preserved issues, explain why the error matters under Michigan or federal law, and present a brief that respects the court’s time and standards of review.

Civil Appeal Attorneys in Michigan

Our Michigan civil appeals practice covers business and commercial disputes, professional and financial litigation, insurance coverage fights, property and eminent-domain issues, healthcare-related controversies, and other high-stakes civil judgments.

Representative Civil Appellate Areas

Securities, investment, and fraud-related civil appeals
Tax controversies and complex commercial disputes
Healthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid-related appellate issues
Intellectual property disputes on appeal
Business torts and corporate investigations
Broker-dealer and financial-services disputes
Insurance recovery and coverage appeals
Eminent domain/takings disputes

We handle complex appellate matters with an eye toward both the Michigan Court of Appeals and, where jurisdiction exists, further review in the Michigan Supreme Court.

Criminal Appeals in Michigan

A Michigan criminal appeal asks a higher court to correct legal error that affected the conviction or sentence. That may include instructional error, evidentiary rulings, sufficiency challenges, sentencing error, or other preserved issues arising from jury or bench proceedings.

Brownstone Law represents clients in Michigan criminal appellate matters and related federal proceedings. We review transcripts and dockets carefully to determine whether a direct appeal, application for leave, or another post-judgment path is the right vehicle.

Post-Conviction Relief in Michigan

When direct-appeal rights are limited or exhausted, post-conviction litigation may still be available. Depending on the case, options can include motions to vacate or correct a judgment or sentence, plea-withdrawal issues, and other collateral claims grounded in the record and applicable Michigan or federal authority. Deadlines and procedural bars are often decisive—early review matters.

Michigan Federal Appeals

Federal criminal and civil appeals from Michigan typically proceed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Federal practice has its own briefing rules, appendix requirements, and standards of review. Our federal appellate work includes:

Drug trafficking and possession appeals
White-collar and fraud appeals
Broader federal criminal appeals
Habeas corpus petitions and related collateral litigation
Complex sentencing and guideline issues

Michigan Locations We Serve

We work with clients across Michigan, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Flint, Warren, Pontiac, Sterling Heights, Lansing, and surrounding communities.

Why Choose Brownstone Law for a Michigan Appeal

Appeals-focused representation for state and federal matters
Practical guidance on deadlines, standards of review, and realistic options
Civil, criminal, and post-conviction appellate experience
Clear communication for clients and referring trial counsel
Nationwide appellate platform with Michigan coverage
Free consultation for new appellate matters

Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan Court of Appeals

RON VANALSTINE, and JOAN VANALSTINE v. LAND O’LAKES PURINA FEEDS, LLC

Plaintiffs operate a dairy farm in Eaton County. Defendant is a Minnesota corporation that manufactures and distributes animal feed and related products. Diversified Farms, LLC (Diversified) is a distributor of those products in Michigan. In July 2008, Diversified executed a Credit Application and Agreement (the Credit Agreement) with defendant that included a disclaimer of warranties and a remedy-limiting provision. “A motion for summary disposition under MCR 2.116(C)(10) tests the factual sufficiency of a claim, and is appropriately granted when, except as to the amount of damages, there is no genuine issue as to any material fact, and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Tomra of North America, Inc v Dep’t of Treasury.

We review de novo issues of statutory and contractual interpretation. Heritage Resources, Inc v Caterpillar Fin Servs Corp, 284 Mich App 617, 632; 774 NW2d 332 (2009). Plaintiffs were not parties to the Credit Agreement. Read more about this civil appeal in Michigan: Michigan Appeals.

United States v. Jerry Duval

June 4th, 2013, Case No. 12-2338

Appellants challenge the constitutionality of the Michigan Marijuana Act Read More about this Constitutional Appeal by clicking here. Jerry Duval Brief in Federal Court – Medical Marijuana

Bhan v. Battle Creek Health

August 19th, 2013, Case No. 13-1682

This case arises out of the suspension of Dr. Raakesh Bhan’s medical staff privileges at two Michigan hospitals: Battle Creek Health System (“BCHS”), located in Calhoun County, and Borgess Medical Center (“Borgess”), located in Kalamazoo County. Read more about this Michigan appeal here: Bhan v. Battle Creek Health – United States Court of Appeals – Western District of Michigan

United States v. Jonathan Agbebiyi

November 25th, 2013, Case No. 12-2559, Robert L. Sirianni, Esq.

Pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure Rule 34(a), Appellant, Jonathan Agbebiyi, M.D. (“Dr. Agbebiyi”), respectfully requests oral argument because the Court’s consideration of the issues presented by this appeal may be assisted or advanced by the presence of counsel before the Court to comment upon the issues and respond to inquiries from the Court. Read more about this Michigan appeal here: USA v. Agbebiyi – United States Court of Appeals – Eastern District of Michigan

Lashawn Redmond v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company

December 2, 2014, Case No. 1-0111348.

This is a civil appeal in Michigan. As the concurrence states: Moody was wrongly decided on both legal and practical grounds and should be overruled. Pursuant to MCR 7.215(J)(1), the Court must follow Moody despite a concurring judge’s disagreement with it. This would normally lead the Court to request a special conflict panel pursuant to MCR 7.215(J)(2). However, because the Supreme Court has granted leave to appeal in Moody, the Court believe such a request would be inappropriate.

Read more about this Michigan civil appeal here: Michigan Civil Appeal – Redmond v. State Farm Mutual Automobile

Mattie King v. Park West Galleries, Inc.

December 2, 2014, Case No. 314188

This case stems from a cruise plaintiff took in April of 1999 with her now deceased husband. While aboard the ship, plaintiff and her late husband decided to attend a shipboard auction put on by defendant Park West Galleries, Inc. During this auction, plaintiff purchased a complete set of Salvador Dali’s Divine Comedy collection. This art collection was represented by Park West’s auctioneer as a good investment that would increase in value over time. Further, defendant’s auctioneer stated that these works had been signed by Dali.

Plaintiff purchased the works at the auction for $165,000. Plaintiff, as part of the purchase, received certificates of authenticity and appraisals to ensure that representations made by Park West’s auctioneer were accurate. Defendant Albert Scaglione, the CEO of defendant Park West Galleries, Inc., signed the documents, and they were mailed to plaintiff after the cruise was over.

Read more about this Michigan civil appeal here: Mattie King v. Park West Galleries

People v. Leon Finnie, Jr.

December 2, 2014, Case No. 314200

Defendant appeals as of right his jury trial convictions of assault with intent to commit murder, MCL 750.83; torture, MCL 750.85; and two counts of unlawful imprisonment, MCL 750.349b. He was sentenced to concurrent terms of 20 to 40 years’ imprisonment for the assault with intent to commit murder conviction, 20 to 40 years for the torture conviction, and 8 to 15 years for each of the unlawful imprisonment convictions. Because there was sufficient evidence to convict a defendant of assault with intent to murder, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting expert testimony or allowing the late endorsement.

Read more about this Michigan criminal appeal here: Michigan Criminal Appeal – People of the State of Michigan v. Leon Finnie

Ready to protect your rights?

If you are facing a Michigan civil or criminal appeal—or need a hard look at post-conviction options—contact Brownstone Law today. Call (888) 233-8895 or submit the confidential form on this page for a free appellate evaluation.

FAQs About Appellate Law and Appellate Litigation

1. What is the Michigan Court of Appeals?

The Michigan Court of Appeals is the state’s intermediate appellate court. It reviews decisions from trial courts (including circuit and probate courts) and certain agency matters. It does not conduct a new trial; it reviews the record for legal error and applies the appropriate standard of review.

2. How is a Michigan appeal started?

Depending on the order and case type, a party may file a claim of appeal as of right or an application for leave to appeal. Timing is critical—many deadlines run from entry of the judgment or order, and the Michigan Court Rules control the exact procedure. Speak with appellate counsel promptly.

3. What types of cases does the Michigan Court of Appeals hear?

The court hears a wide range of civil, criminal, family, and administrative appellate matters. The common thread is claimed legal error in the proceedings below—not a simple request for a second factual hearing.

4. How long does a Michigan appeal take?

Timelines vary with complexity, transcript preparation, briefing schedules, and the court’s docket. Many appeals take many months from filing to decision; some resolve sooner, and complex matters can take longer. Your attorney can map a realistic timeline after reviewing the record posture.

5. Can I represent myself in the Michigan Court of Appeals?

Yes, parties may proceed without counsel, but appellate rules are technical and unforgiving. Formatting, issue preservation, and standard-of-review arguments frequently decide cases. Most litigants benefit from experienced appellate counsel.

6. What outcomes can a Michigan appeal produce?

The Court of Appeals may affirm, reverse, vacate, modify, or remand for further proceedings. The precise result depends on the issues raised and the relief available under Michigan law.

7. Does Brownstone Law handle Michigan Supreme Court and federal appeals too?

Yes. Where appropriate, we advise on Michigan Supreme Court review and federal appellate options, including Sixth Circuit appeals and related collateral litigation.

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