Criminal Appeals in Massachusetts

A guilty verdict isn’t the end of the road. If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Massachusetts, you have the right to challenge that conviction through the appellate process. Appeals are complex, high-stakes matters that require legal precision and a deep understanding of both trial records and the law.

I handle direct criminal appeals, Rule 30 motions, and post-conviction litigation throughout Massachusetts. With over a decade of experience, I know how to identify legal errors, preserve your constitutional rights, and fight for a second chance.

What Is a Criminal Appeal?

An appeal is not a retrial. It’s a legal argument made to a higher court that something went wrong in your original trial or plea—something serious enough to affect the outcome.

I handle appeals involving:

  • Incorrect jury instructions

  • Unlawful search and seizure

  • Ineffective assistance of counsel

  • Evidentiary rulings or prosecutorial misconduct

  • Sentencing errors

  • Constitutional violations

If successful, an appeal can lead to a new trial, a reduced sentence, or even a complete reversal of the conviction.

Types of Appeals I Handle

🔹 Direct Appeals

Filed immediately after conviction and focused on errors that appear on the record—such as trial rulings, jury instructions, or the denial of pretrial motions.

🔹 Rule 30 Motions (Motions for a New Trial)

Post-conviction motions based on newly discovered evidence or constitutional violations like ineffective assistance of counsel.

🔹 Appeals from Pleas and CWOFs

Even negotiated outcomes can be appealed if they were entered involuntarily, unknowingly, or without proper advice.

🔹 Sentence Appeals

I can also challenge excessive or unlawful sentences, even when the conviction itself isn’t appealed.

Why You Need an Attorney Who Focuses on Appeals

Appellate work is a different animal than trial work. It requires:

  • Deep legal research

  • Strategic issue framing

  • Persuasive writing

  • A strong grasp of procedural rules and deadlines

I’ve handled criminal appeals in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court. I know how to build a compelling record and present persuasive written arguments to appellate judges.

Time Limits Matter

Most appeals must begin within 30 days of your conviction or sentencing. If you think something went wrong in your case, you need to act quickly to preserve your rights.

Why Clients Choose Me

  • Over 11 years of focused appellate and criminal defense experience

  • Personal attention—you work directly with me, not a junior associate

  • Clear explanations of the appellate process and your legal options

  • Deep knowledge of Massachusetts law and constitutional protections