The criminal law office maintains an active appellate practice in both state court and federal court.

   The work of a criminal appellate lawyer begins immediately after the client has been sentenced by the judge. Ms. Dunn will meet with the client and the client's trial attorney as soon as possible to discuss any potential grounds for appeal. Criminal appeals are based on legal errors made during the trial or sentencing hearing .

   Once Ms. Dunn has discussed the appeal with the client, Ms. Dunn combs the trial record searching for errors which may lead to a reversal on appeal. This work can be rather tedious, but coupled with exhaustive legal research, can produce a persuasive legal brief for the court of appeals.

   Please keep in mind that strict time limits may apply.

Contact Adrienne Dunn regarding your appeal.

   Some of Ms. Dunn's criminal appeal practice locations include:

• United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
• Texas courts of appeals

   Here is a sample of an appelate brief in PDF (2009).

I have been sentenced in state court. When do I need to file the notice of appeal?

   You have 30 days from the date you were sentenced.

I have been sentenced in federal court. When do I need to file the notice of appeal?

   You have 10 days from the date you were sentenced.

How long will the appeal last?

   Generally, appeals are slow processes. Whether you are appealing in state or federal court, your appeal will take several months and may take up to one year until the court of appeals issues an opinion.

If I win the appeal, what will happen to me?

   In most situations, a successful appeal will result in a new trial or a new sentencing hearing. There are other possible remedies depending on the grounds for appeal that are raised in your appeal.

Will there be a hearing that I must attend?

   In addition to briefing, the court of appeals may order oral argument. However, the appellant has no right to be present during the oral argument. As your attorney, Adrienne Dunn will represent you at the oral argument.

My family has enough money to hire an appellate attorney, but not enough to pay for the production of the trial transcripts. What can be done?

   If this is your situation, as your attorney, Adrienne Dunn will request that the court pay for the production of the trial transcripts.

I want to file an appeal, but my time in which to file a notice of appeal has expired. What can I do?

   You may be able to file a writ of habeas corpus.