Federal Criminal Appeals

If you are convicted, even if you pled guilty, you have the right to appeal your case. A notice of appeal must be filed within 10 days after judgment (your sentencing order) is entered, or you lose that right. An appeal is an opportunity to tell the appellate court (the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals) exactly how the judge did not follow the law, or what rights you were denied. Typically, an appeal will take 6 months to a year to be decided. While your case is on appeal, it is unlikely that you will be released. You do not have an automatic right to bail while appealing. The 10-day time period allowed for filing a notice of appeal is critical. You must inform your attorney immediately after sentencing if you wish to appeal.