Appeals
Appellate law focuses on reviewing and challenging decisions made by lower courts. It is essential for ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law in our legal system.
What is an appeal?
An appeal in Colorado is a legal process that allows a party to challenge a court's decision. It involves submitting a request to a higher court to review the case for errors in law or procedure. Appeals can lead to a reversal, modification, or affirmation of the original ruling.
Colorado Court of Appeals / Colorado Supreme Court
A person would appeal to the Colorado Court of Appeals or Supreme Court when seeking to challenge a lower court's decision due to legal errors or injustices. The Court of Appeals hears appeals as of right from the District Courts (including family, probate, and juvenile courts) after the District Court issues a final order.
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The Colorado Supreme Court is the state's highest court and is a constitutional court. It hears appeals from the Court of Appeals at its discretion, and it also hears emergency appeals when no other appellate remedy would suffice.
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If you want to explore taking a case to the Colorado Court of Appeals or Supreme Court, I have substantial experience doing so. Please contact me today to learn more.
Appeal Defense
Did you receive an order with which you agree, and now you received a notice of appeal? I can help with that, too. I have significant experience defending the trial court's discretion and its legal and factual decisions in the Colorado appellate courts.
Reviews of Magistrate Decisions
When a district court magistrate makes a decision, sometimes that decision must be appealed to the district court judge before it can be appealed to the Colorado Court of Appeals. The timelines for these are short, so you need an experienced attorney to address these cases properly and promptly.
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The rules for responding to these petitions also require quick, thoughtful, and thorough briefing. Call me today if you have received a petition for review, and let's talk about your case.
County Court Appeals
County court decisions (for example, protection order cases or civil suits with smaller dollar amounts) must be appealed to the district court. There are special rules for these cases, and the practice may vary by jurisdiction, so finding someone who knows the county court appellate system is critical to your case.
Administrative and Other Appeals
There may be other kinds of decisions you want to appeal. For example, if the Department of Human Services makes an adverse finding against you, there are administrative appellate remedies. I have significant experience with these cases, and I can help!
Appellate Consulting
Do you have a complicated case? Do you have tons of motions and brief drafting to do to preserve your trial record? I can help. I have experience helping lawyers and clients avoid appeal by winning close issues at trial or, alternatively, drafting careful briefs at the trial level to preserve issues.
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My experience shows that you are most likely to win your appeal by avoiding it altogether and winning at trial. But your second best option is to make such a good record that the Court of Appeals is more likely to agree with you. I have more success on appeal with cases where I helped brief the issues at trial. So I can help. Call me today, or have your trial lawyer reach out! Adding me to the team can help you out in the toughest cases.