How to Appeal a Criminal Case is the process of challenging the conviction or sentence of a criminal case that has been decided in a lower court. Depending on the jurisdiction, there are typically three types of appeals: direct appeals, discretionary appeals, and habeas corpus petitions. Direct Appeals: These appeals are made to the court that handled the original trial. This type of appeal is used to challenge the verdict or sentence handed down by a lower court. The defendant can raise legal issues, such as insufficient evidence or improper jury instructions, or argue that their constitutional rights were violated. Discretionary Appeals: In certain jurisdictions, the court of appeals may consider discretionary appeals. These appeals are more limited in scope and usually involve review of the lower court’s decision rather than a full trial. Habeas Corpus Petitions: These petitions are used to challenge the legality of a person’s detention. The defendant may argue that their conviction or sentence was illegal, or that their rights were violated during the trial. In order to appeal a criminal case, the defendant must typically file a Notice of Appeal in the court where the conviction was handed down. The defendant must also provide a written brief outlining their arguments and any supporting evidence. Depending on the jurisdiction, the defendant may also be required to serve the opposing party with a copy of the appeal documents. The appeal process typically involves several hearings and may take several months to complete.