Did you lose your case in the trial court?

Call American Justice to appeal your case (773) 463-1601

Have you lost your case at trial? It is important to act quickly to file a notice of appeal. In State courts, you must file within 30 days and in Federal court, you have only 10 days to file– see, Illinois Supreme Court Rule 303(a)(1), and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, 4(b)(1).

After a final judgement, you may also be entitled to file motions for reconsideration, a motion for a new trial, or other motions to address errors in the proceedings before the trial.

Why should you hire American Justice to handle your appeal?

First, you need an attorney who is both a trial lawyer and appellate lawyer. American Justice principal James C. Ten Broeck, Jr. is experienced in all phases of criminal trials, as well as appellate procedures. This allows him to analyze the way your trial was conducted, and identify the errors and oversights from your criminal trial which will contribute to a successful appeal.

Second, a fresh perspective is often required for an aggressive appeal. The lawyer who lost your case at trial may be reluctant to admit his own mistakes made in your defense. American Justice can objectively and vigorously inform the apellate court of all errors made by the prosecution and defense to ensure your interests are put above those of the lawyers involved in the initial trial.

Post-Conviction Relief

Even if you are currently appealing your case, or failed to do so, you may still be entitled to bring a petition for post-conviction relief. We can help you determine if you were deprived of rights required by constitutional due process. If we can argue you had ineffective assistance of counsel, that the government suppressed exculpatory evidence or that other violations occurred, we can file a post-conviction petition on your behalf. The scope of these violations is very narrow, but the remedies can be significant.
Case Study

Shawn J. was charged with domestic battery against his ex-wife. At trial, over the objections of American Justice, the prosecution entered into evidence prior acts of violence of Shawn against his wife. The judge found Shawn guilty.

On appeal, American Justice argued that the admission of the prior acts was improper. Prior acts are inadmissible because they improperly imply that the defendant committed the present offense.

The Appellate Court, First District, reversed the finding of guilty, and remanded the case for a new trial in front of a different judge.