Tampa, Florida Federal Appeals Attorney

Tampa Federal Appeals Team Lead
Former Deputy Chief, Appellate Division
Why Consider Our Tampa, Florida Federal Appeals Attorney for Your 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 seniot attorney from day one — no junior attorneys or assistants.
The Tampa. Florida federal appeal attorneys at the national defense firm Oberheiden P.C. can help you challenge the verdict of the trial court in Tampa, Florida. While we understand that some defendants are reluctant to appeal, this could become necessary for your case if you want to get justice. Federal convictions have serious and lasting consequences that put your future at risk. Appellate lawyers can be crucial in ensuring a positive case outcome by reviewing and supporting every action and word during the trial. Although it will take a substantial amount of time to appeal, letting a guilty verdict stand could create even worse outcomes.Although it will take a substantial amount of time to appeal, letting a guilty verdict stand could create even worse outcomes.
Not only will this have a negative impact on your professional and personal life, but you could even lose your fundamental rights, tarnish your reputation, and lose future employment opportunities. Considering what is at stake, we highly recommend contacting our appellate practice. Our team can discuss your options in detail and provide you with insightful counsel during this stressful time.
What to Expect From the Federal Criminal Justice System
Most cases that enter the federal criminal justice system will be resolved with a plea bargain. This is due to the intense nature of the federal courts and their high conviction rates. However, if your case in Tampa goes to trial, it will be held in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
There are five courthouse locations in the Middle District. Defendants who have been accused in Tampa will dispute their charges at the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse located at 801 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, Florida.
The judge, prosecution team, and federal agency handling your case will do their best to give you a fair trial. But mistakes can be made in federal court. The individuals trying to prosecute you and those responsible for hearing your case are not perfect. In fact, their actions could result in legal errors that invalidate the court’s verdict.
Keep this in mind as you make your way through the criminal justice system, especially if you end up being found guilty of a federal offense. No one wants to lose their case in the district court, but as we mentioned, the rates of conviction are high. You need to consider other options if you cannot prove your innocence.
Luckily, defendants have the right to appeal if their case was mishandled. Appeals cases in Tampa are heard at the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The judges on this court have jurisdiction over appeals in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Your case generally will be reviewed at the Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse located at 300 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, Florida.
Unlike the district court, defendants do not have to appear before the circuit court judges. Most of the action happens behind closed doors. However, if an oral argument is requested, your Tampa Florida appeal lawyers will prepare for this and will represent you in the appellate court.
Our senior lawyers will do everything they can to reverse your conviction or sentencing. If you do not get the appellate results you are looking for we can motion for a rehearing or bring your case to the Supreme Court.
Criminal Cases Oberheiden P.C. Handles
The appeals team at Oberheiden P.C. has worked with clients in the Eleventh Circuit for years. With our extensive experience, we can help you meet your legal goals and overturn your unjust conviction. Some of the appellate cases that we have been involved with include these areas of the law:
- Drug crimes
- Bribery
- Conspiracy
- Securities fraud
- Mail and wire fraud
- Tax evasion
- Money laundering
- Import/Export Violations
- Embezzlement
- Public corruption offenses
- Healthcare fraud
- Other white-collar crimes
A federal conviction is serious and should be dealt with as soon as possible. While the appeals process can be slow and can potentially take years to finish, defendants must take action immediately. The circuit court has tight deadlines that cannot be missed. Your Notice of Appeal and other documents need to be turned in early on to initiate your appeal.
So, if you are planning on filing an appeal, we suggest contacting our team. Our law firm knows the procedures of the court and will make sure you send in your request promptly and correctly. This way you do not miss out on your chance to seek justice.
The Appeal Process in Florida
On appeal, many defendants expect to go through the same legal procedures that they experienced at the trial court. However, the appeals court in Florida will not grant you a new trial. There is no new jury, evidence, or testimony during a federal appeals. Instead, you and your legal team will try to convince a panel of appellate judges that your conviction or sentencing was unjust.
Our law firm will look through your court records and search for specific errors made during your trial. Our trial lawyers will collaborate closely with our Tampa Florida federal appeals attorney. We will also research your case and see if any unsettled legal matter was present. Most appeals cases hinge on a single legal error, but your lawyer will go over every detail to create the best arguments for your case. Possible grounds for an appeal that we look out for could include:
- Juror misconduct or bias
- Misapplication of the law by the judge
- Insufficient evidence that does not support the verdict
- Unresolved legal issues that put your conviction into doubt
To begin the appeal process, you will need the assistance of a Tampa, Florida federal appeals lawyer. Make sure to talk with our law firm first so we can start filing your Notice of Appeal. This document is a crucial part of your case. You will only be filling out basic information, but sending it to the district court will make you eligible for the appeals process. If you do not file a notice you lose your right to appeal.
Again, no new evidence is submitted to the appellate court during an appeal. Instead, your attorney will write a brief that goes over the important points of your case. This includes errors made by the district court or other legal issues that were not properly addressed.
Our team will explain your situation to the circuit judges thoroughly and try to convince them that you were wrongfully convicted. We will also be up against the prosecution team who will write their own brief and argue that the district court’s conviction was legitimate.
Occasionally, the circuit court will schedule an oral argument to better understand the points made in the legal briefs that have been submitted. Both sides will get the chance to speak about the case, include additional details that were not fleshed out enough in the briefs, and answer the judges’ questions about the case.
After the arguments, briefs, and facts are reviewed by the circuit court, you will receive a final verdict in the mail. If you win your appeal you could get a complete reversal of your conviction, new legal instructions could be given to the district court, or a brand new trial could be ordered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Appeals and Oberheiden P.C.
When Should I File a Notice of Appeal?
You should file the appropriate paperwork promptly. After your sentencing, the federal court will set the deadline for you. Defendants are not given a lot of time to decide what their next legal steps will be. In fact, you must have your paperwork filled out and sent to the district court within only fourteen days after your sentencing.
Making an appeal is a huge decision. However, if you want to retain your freedom and rights you need to meet the court’s deadline. Our legal team will walk you through this process and discuss whether this is the right option for your case. So, make sure to contact us after your trial. This is something you cannot delay.
What Are the Legal Repercussions if I Lose My Appeals Case?
If you get convicted, appeal your conviction, but then lose your appeals, then the sentence that was imposed by the district court will go into effect. For federal offenses, this frequently includes prison time, a hefty criminal fine, disgorgement of illegally-obtained property and funds, probation, and other penalties. There will also be collateral consequences that you will suffer due to the blemish on your criminal history, such as increased difficulties in getting a job after you have served your prison sentence.
In a sense, though, you lose nothing if your appeal is not successful. It just means that the sentence that was already imposed will go into effect.
Why Does Oberheiden P.C. Not Call Itself the Best Appeals Law Firm?
Oberheiden P.C. has a successful track record in the federal court system. However, we do not call ourselves the best law firm in the country. While we know we can help you with your appeals case, we suggest reading through these testimonials from our previous clients. This is a better way to see if we are the right law firm to represent you in court.
Contact Oberheiden P.C. Today for Legal Counsel by Tampa, Florida Federal Appeal Lawyers
If you need legal counsel in Tampa, you can reach us through our website or by calling us: 813-322-6783. Once you get in touch with our team, we can help you schedule a free consultation and begin formulating a defense strategy for the appellate court. The appeals process can be intimidating, but Oberheiden P.C. can defend you as you make your way through the circuit court and fight for your freedom.
