Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Federal Appeals Attorney
629 W. Main Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
405-504-3811
Federal Appeals Team Lead
Former U.S. Attorney
Contact Brian
Federal Appeals Team Lead
Former Deputy Chief, Appellate Division
Federal Appeals Team Lead
Contact NickWhy consider an Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Federal Appeals Attorney for your federal appeals case?
- Our team has been involved in over 500 federal appeals cases.
- Over 50 years of combined frontline experience.
- You will work directly with your Sr. attorney from day one — no Jr. Attorneys or Assistants.
Obtaining legal representation is important no matter what stage of the legal process you are in. However, hiring a lawyer while you make your appeal in a federal criminal case is absolutely crucial. Federal appeals are highly time-sensitive. And, since a verdict has been made on your federal criminal case, your freedom may already be in jeopardy.
Filing for a federal appeal can seem complicated, but our law firm will help you handle this aspect of your criminal case. Our federal criminal appeals lawyers will guide you through the appeals process step-by-step. This can help you secure the best possible outcome you are looking for.
Appeals trials require in-depth knowledge and the right legal experience. Thankfully, our team of Oklahoma City federal appeal attorneys at the national defense firm Oberheiden, P.C. can ensure that your rights and freedom are protected as you make a federal appeal in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Federal Criminal Justice System in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Before you make your appeal, you will go through many different steps in the criminal justice system. The federal criminal justice system in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, shares some similarities with its state counterpart. However, you will find that the penalties are more serious and the legal process far more complex in federal court.
In the initial stages of your legal journey, federal investigators and agents will already be investigating you and looking for evidence of a crime. Once they find probable cause and get the approval of a grand jury you will be charged and arrested.
After hearing your charges and seeing some of the evidence in court during the pre-trial process, you can make a plea deal with the prosecution team. Otherwise, defendants will go to federal court to fight their charges in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. If charged in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, you will be sent to the William J. Holloway Court located at 200 NW 4th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
This could be the final stop in your legal battle. However, not all federal criminal trials end with the conviction. In some cases, trials can be mishandled or wrongfully judged. If you think that your case falls under this category, then you can appeal your case to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Here, you can make your case to have your sentence or conviction overturned. Your court decision in Oklahoma City will be handled at this Circuit’s only appeals courthouse, which is located in Denver, Colorado.
Most defendants will not have to travel to this courthouse to make their appeal. However, if you need an appellate attorney to advocate on your behalf during an oral argument, Oberheiden, P.C. will send one of its attorneys as your Oklahoma City federal appeals lawyer. Just know that most of the appeals process happens behind closed doors, with many decisions being issued based on the legal briefs, alone.
Put our highly experienced team on your side
Dr. Nick Oberheiden
Founder
Attorney-at-Law
Lynette S. Byrd
Former DOJ Trial Attorney
Partner
Brian J. Kuester
Former U.S. Attorney
Hon. Kevin McCarthy
55th Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives (ret.)
Government Consultant
Mike Pompeo
Of Counsel
Former U.S. Secretary of State
John W. Sellers
Former Senior DOJ Trial Attorney
Linda Julin McNamara
Federal Appeals Attorney
Nicholas B. Johnson
Former Prosecutor
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (DOJ)
Chris J. Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Michael S. Koslow
Former Supervisory Special Agent (DOD-OIG)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Types of Criminal Cases That Oberheiden P.C. Handles
Oberheiden P.C. has extensive experience in a range of criminal cases. Over the years, our law firm has defended clients in the federal district courts and appellate courts. We are prepared to defend your rights and get you justice. An Oklahoma City federal appeals attorney can aid you with the following criminal cases:
- Bribery
- Public corruption offenses
- Tax evasion
- Healthcare fraud
- Mail and wire fraud
- Import/Export Violations
- Money laundering
- Drug crimes
- Conspiracy
- Embezzlement
- Securities fraud
We also defend clients with other types of federal charges. While you might not be sure if you have grounds for an appeal yet, do not wait to find representation. The appeals courts are demanding and have tight deadlines. You want to start building your appeals case with an Oklahoma City federal appeals lawyer as soon as you can. This way you can end up with legal results that you are happy with.
The Appeals Process in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
To successfully make your appeal in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, you will have to follow the procedures and guidelines of the United States Court system. Our legal team will ensure that you are taking the right steps throughout the appeals process. Still, you want to know what to expect as you try to appeal your criminal conviction, as no new evidence will be presented and you will not get a new trial at this point. Instead, you are looking for a valid grounds for an appeal.
To begin, defendants will have to file a Notice of Appeal within 14 days. Once this has been filed with the District Court, the record of the trial will be prepared and sent to the Tenth Circuit Court. Your criminal defense team will then research and write a brief that explains why the appellate court should overturn the district court’s decision based on legal arguments or legal errors. The prosecutor’s office will prepare one, as well, urging the appellate court to affirm the lower court’s ruling.
In some cases, the appeals court will schedule an oral argument to better understand the case. Still, most appeals are resolved using the briefs, alone.
After looking over the evidence, the appeals court will send a letter in the mail that explains the court’s final judgment. The decision of your appeal could result in an affirmation of your conviction, a reversal of your case’s outcome, or even a new trial. Whatever the outcome of your appeal, the lawyers at Oberheiden P.C. will see that you get the justice you deserve, even if this means taking your case to the Supreme Court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Appeals and Oberheiden P.C.
What Are the Grounds for a Federal Appeal?
It is possible for the district court to make mistakes during or before your trial. If this happens, then you have grounds for an appeal and could have your conviction or sentence overturned or lowered. Some common grounds for federal appeals include:
1. An Unlawful Arrest or Faulty Warrant
Errors can occur before your trial even begins. If law enforcement arrests you without probable cause or they arrest you without a proper warrant you have grounds for an appeal.
2. Issues With the Jury
Jury misconduct, incorrect instructions given to jury members, and biased jury members could give you the grounds you need for an appeal.
3. Sentencing Errors
The judge overseeing your trial could make errors. Whether they misapply the law or incorrectly sentence you, this could help you get an appeal.
4. Incompetent Legal Representation
Another common ground for an appeal is incompetent legal representation. If your previous legal team was incompetent, you may be entitled to an appeal.
5. Insufficient Evidence
Finally, if the evidence presented is not enough to prove your guilt, you could apply for an appeal. There should be enough evidence to convict you. If there is not, contact an appeals lawyer.
There is a range of other trial mistakes and errors that could be made while you are in federal court, but these are just some of the most common ones to look out for.
Why Should You Hire a Federal Appeals Lawyer to Handle Your Appeals Case?
Many defendants mistakenly assume that any federal lawyer can aid them in the appeals process. While a federal criminal lawyer can help you fight off your initial charges, you will want the experience and knowledge of a federal appeals lawyer behind you if you plan on appealing your case.
The legal process of a federal appeal is completely different from a criminal trial. Your case will require extensive review and a completely different set of legal skills. This is why we highly recommend that clients work with our appeals lawyers when challenging their conviction or sentence. Our appeals team at Oberheiden P.C. has previously worked in the appellate court and understands the best ways to strongly advocate on your behalf.
Clients will need solid grounds for an appeal and their attorney might even have to defend them in an oral argument. To prepare for this long and complex legal proceeding, you should strongly consider hiring a federal appeals lawyer in order to be adequately prepared for the appellate court.
Why Does Oberheiden P.C. Not Call Itself the Best Law Firm for Appeals?
Oberheiden P.C. has provided clients with successful appellate results for many years. However, we think that hearing statements like these from our past clients will help you better understand the quality and ability of our legal team than if we said them. We highly suggest reading testimonials from our clients. This way you can know whether we are the right federal appeals law firm for your case.
Contact Oberheiden, P.C. Today to Speak with an Oklahoma City Federal Appeals Lawyer
The appeals process can be highly intimidating and complex. Most people do not understand this legal procedure. However, Oberheiden, P.C. is dedicated to helping you navigate the appellate court and finding a legal solution that suits your goals. Our Oklahoma City federal appeal lawyers can be contacted through our website. Do not wait to appeal your unlawful conviction or sentencing. Instead, schedule a free consultation with us to see what legal options may be available.
