There are many popular misconceptions surrounding the criminal justice system, especially when it comes to processes such as filing an appeal. James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law, a Cincinnati attorney committed to protecting the rights of his clients, knows that while an appeal can potentially be an extremely valuable tool for someone convicted of a crime, criminal attorneys often find that their clients lack a true understanding of the process.

Here, Attorney Bogen will discuss some common misconceptions about the appeals process:

• It’s Not A Second Chance At Trial: This error likely stems from TV shows and movies and leads people to believe that filing an appeal grants an automatic “do-over” of their trial, when in fact, the process involves judges investigating a very narrow issue of the original trial. Appeals center around whether or not there were any legal errors made at trial, and center around what is on the record.
• Appeals Are Slow: While you, the defendant, surely have a sense of urgency regarding your case, understand that the courts do not. Appeals for federal offenses typically take a year or even longer, so don't count on a speedy resolution to your case.
• You Don’t Have Only 10 Days To File: Generally, a notice to appeal, a short document describing the grounds for the appeal and the errors alleged to have occurred, must be filed within 10 days. However, this is just the notification that the defendant intends to appeal, not the deadline for the appeal itself. Don't procrastinate, however, because you'll want the best attorney available to represent you during your appeal.

With more than a decade of experience and an established track record of success, James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law provides high-quality legal services you can depend on. Visit his website to learn more about his range of criminal and DUI defense services, or just call (513) 503-7251 to schedule a consultation today.