Practice Area
Appeals & Post-Conviction Representation
A conviction is not always the end. If something went wrong during your case — a legal error at trial, ineffective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, or constitutional violations — post-conviction options may be available. Deadlines are strict, and acting promptly matters.
Direct Appeals
A direct appeal is filed after a conviction, asking a higher court to review whether legal errors occurred in the trial court. In Ohio, misdemeanor convictions from municipal court are appealed to the county Court of Common Pleas. Felony convictions from Common Pleas Court are appealed to the Ohio Court of Appeals.
An appeal is not a new trial. The appellate court reviews the record of the proceedings below — transcripts, exhibits, motions, and rulings — and decides whether errors of law occurred that affected the outcome. New evidence is generally not introduced on direct appeal.
Notice of appeal deadlines in Ohio are strict. A notice of appeal must typically be filed within 30 days of the judgment entry. Missing this deadline can forfeit your right to a direct appeal. If you were recently convicted and believe an error occurred, contact us immediately.
Post-Conviction Relief Options
Post-Conviction Petition (R.C. 2953.21)
An Ohio post-conviction petition allows you to raise constitutional claims that were not properly raised on direct appeal — including claims of ineffective assistance of trial or appellate counsel, newly discovered evidence, or violations of constitutional rights. These petitions must typically be filed within 365 days of the filing of the trial transcripts.
Motion for New Trial
Ohio courts may grant a new trial when newly discovered evidence exists that the defendant could not have discovered with due diligence before trial, and that evidence would likely have changed the verdict. This is a high standard, but it applies in the right cases.
Habeas Corpus
Federal habeas corpus petitions under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 challenge state convictions on constitutional grounds in federal court. These are available after state remedies are exhausted and have strict filing deadlines (one year from the final state judgment in most cases).
Sealing and Expungement
Some Ohio criminal records may be eligible for sealing, which removes the conviction from public access. Eligibility depends on the charge type, the outcome, and the time elapsed. Not all convictions are eligible.
Sentence Modification
In some circumstances, courts retain jurisdiction to modify a sentence. This depends heavily on the specific case, the court, and when the sentence was imposed.
Believe Something Went Wrong in Your Case?
Appeal deadlines are short. Post-conviction deadlines vary but also require prompt action. Call or request a consultation to review your situation.
A consultation does not commit you to proceeding. But it gives you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Call (330) 331-9172