A criminal appeal is your final chance to correct a wrongful conviction, excessive sentence, or miscarriage of justice. When the trial court gets it wrong, the consequences can last a lifetime. The appeals process is complex, technical, and unforgiving—one misstep can cost you the opportunity for relief. You need an Andover appeals lawyer. At Erkan & Sullivan, P.C., our criminal defense attorneys have over forty years of combined criminal law experience. We are strategic, relentless, and honest. We know how to identify judicial errors, procedural flaws, and constitutional violations that could change the outcome of your case.
An appeal is not a retrial. Rather, it is a focused legal challenge that examines what went wrong in the lower court. A defendant has the right to appeal a conviction or sentence based on legal error, improper procedure, or insufficient evidence. Appeals are typically filed with the Massachusetts Appeals Court or, in some cases, directly with the Supreme Judicial Court.
Common grounds for appeal include:
Our Andover appellate attorneys meticulously review the trial transcript, motions, and rulings to uncover reversible errors. We then draft a comprehensive appellate brief that demonstrates exactly how your constitutional or statutory rights were violated.
Timing is critical. In most cases, a notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of the judgment. Missing that deadline can end your case permanently. Our firm ensures every filing is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
At Erkan & Sullivan, P.C., we approach every appeal as a strategic battle for justice. Our lawyers personally manage your case from start to finish—no delegation, no shortcuts. We analyze every detail from the trial record to identify overlooked arguments, weak prosecutorial evidence, and procedural missteps that could warrant reversal or a new trial.
In Andover, our lawyers have successfully appealed cases involving the following:
For example, in Commonwealth v. Lindsay Hallinan, one of the most influential decisions in decades, we convinced the court to open the door to a new trial for some 29,000 individuals wrongfully convicted due to flawed and misleading breathalyzer testing.
Our legal arguments are rooted in precision, backed by precedent, and presented with authority. We often collaborate with expert witnesses, forensic specialists, and former prosecutors to strengthen our position.
If you have already exhausted a direct appeal, we can also pursue post-conviction relief motions, such as motions for a new trial or motions to vacate. We explore every available remedy until all options are exhausted.
Our firm’s reputation is built on integrity, experience, and results. With over forty years of combined criminal defense practice, our attorneys know how to navigate the appellate courts in Andover and across the state. We have earned respect for our ethical advocacy and our ability to expose weaknesses that others miss.
We understand that most clients come to us after losing hope. We listen, analyze, and act decisively. We do not make empty promises—but we do promise to fight for every possible legal remedy. When your future depends on the outcome of an appeal, you need lawyers who understand the system from every angle.
A criminal conviction is not always the end of your case—it can be the beginning of a stronger fight. Do not accept an unjust verdict or sentence without exploring your options. An Andover appeals lawyer at Erkan & Sullivan, P.C. has the knowledge, precision, and commitment to help you pursue the justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We will review your case, explain your appellate options, and begin building a strategy designed to overturn or reduce your conviction.
(978) 474-0054 