At Brownstone Law, we specialize in navigating the complexities of Alabama’s federal appellate courts, including the Alabama Court of Appeals and the Alabama Supreme Court. Our experienced federal appellate attorneys are dedicated to providing exceptional representation in both civil and criminal appeals throughout the state.

Alabama Appellate Court Structure

Alabama’s appellate court system is divided into two primary courts:

  • Alabama Supreme Court: As the highest court in the state, it has the authority to review decisions from lower courts and interprets the laws and constitution of Alabama.
  • Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals: This court handles all appeals in criminal cases, including felony and misdemeanor convictions, as well as post-conviction writs.

Process for Appealing a Case in Alabama

Appealing a case in Alabama involves several critical steps:

  1. Notice of Appeal: File a notice of appeal with the clerk of the trial court within the prescribed time frame—typically within 42 days of the judgment or order being appealed.
  2. Record on Appeal: Assemble the trial court record, including all relevant documents and transcripts, to be reviewed by the appellate court.
  3. Briefs: Submit written arguments detailing the legal errors alleged to have occurred during the trial.
  4. Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments to allow attorneys to present their positions in person.
  5. Decision: The appellate court will issue a written opinion, affirming, reversing, or remanding the case based on its findings.

Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure

The Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure govern the appellate process, outlining requirements for filings, deadlines, and procedures. Adherence to these rules is essential for a successful appeal.

High-Profile Cases Handled by Alabama Appellate Courts

The Alabama appellate courts have presided over numerous significant cases, including:

  • LePage v. Center for Reproductive Medicine, P.C. (2024): The Alabama Supreme Court addressed the applicability of the state’s wrongful-death statute to pre-implantation embryos, expanding the definition of “person” under Alabama law. citeturn0search13
  • Williams v. Reed (2025): The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Alabama’s requirement to exhaust administrative processes before pursuing federal due process claims unlawfully blocked claimants from seeking timely relief in state court. citeturn0search18

Contact Information for Alabama Appellate Courts

Alabama Supreme Court

  • Address: 300 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104
  • Phone: 334.229.0700
  • Website: https://judicial.alabama.gov/appellate/supremecourt
  • Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Coordinates: 32.377716, -86.300568

Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals

  • Address: 300 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104
  • Phone: 334.229.0751
  • Website: https://judicial.alabama.gov/appellate/criminalappeals
  • Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Coordinates: 32.377716, -86.300568

Brownstone Law Services

Our firm offers comprehensive appellate services, including:

  • Alabama Federal Appeals: Representation in federal appellate courts for cases originating in Alabama.
  • Alabama Habeas Corpus: Assistance with habeas corpus petitions challenging unlawful detention.

For more information on our services, visit our Alabama Federal Appeals and Alabama Habeas Corpus pages.

At Brownstone Law, we are committed to guiding you through the appellate process with expertise and dedication, ensuring your case is presented effectively before Alabama’s appellate courts.