Criminal Appeals Attorney in Merced

Serious Convictions Need Careful Second Looks

If a jury verdict or sentence did not go your way in Merced County, whether in a criminal appeal, an attorney can help determine whether there is a realistic path to challenge the result.

I am Christopher Loethen, and for nearly two decades, I have defended people facing criminal charges in Merced courts, handling roughly ten thousand cases, including those with long prison terms, strikes, and life-changing consequences. I review the record carefully and provide a direct, honest assessment of your options so you can make informed decisions about the next step.

If you believe your conviction or sentence deserves a second look, don’t wait to explore your options. Contact me today for a thorough, honest review of your case and a realistic path forward.

Why Work With Me On Appeal

An appeal is a focused review of what happened in the trial court, based on law and the written record. To handle it effectively, an appeals lawyer must understand both how trials unfold and how appellate judges review them. I began my career as a public defender and have spent nearly twenty years defending people accused of serious crimes, carrying that courtroom perspective into every appeal I handle.

I have defended thousands of serious felonies in Merced County, including murder, sex offenses, violent crimes, and strike cases. That experience helps me identify which errors are likely to matter on appeal. My approach is direct, I explain what the court can and cannot do and guide clients on the best path forward based on their case and goals.

After A Conviction In Merced

The days after a conviction or sentencing in Merced County are stressful, and deadlines are tight. In California, most felony and misdemeanor appeals must be filed quickly, or options can be lost. A criminal appeal is not a new trial, the court reviews the existing record to determine whether legal errors occurred and affected the outcome. Acting quickly and preserving your rights is critical.

After a conviction, secure copies of your court paperwork, document key moments from trial and sentencing, and avoid contacting the prosecutor or probation department on your own. Contact an appeals attorney promptly to discuss deadlines, possible filings, and whether an appeal is warranted. I work with clients to identify key dates, review the record, and take immediate steps to protect the right to appeal.

How Criminal Appeals Work Here

Criminal appeals from Merced County Superior Court go to the California Court of Appeal, which reviews the written record from the trial rather than holding a new trial. The process begins with filing a notice of appeal, followed by preparation of the record and submission of written briefs outlining the legal issues. In some cases, the court may hold oral argument before issuing a written opinion resolving the appeal. These appeals can involve serious cases such as gun crimes, domestic violence, drug crimes, felonies, and gang charges.

Common issues on appeal include errors in jury instructions, improper admission or exclusion of evidence, pretrial rulings, sentencing mistakes, and constitutional violations. The timeline varies based on case complexity and court workload. My role is to guide you through each stage, explain the process clearly, and evaluate whether additional post-conviction remedies might be appropriate.

My Approach To Appeals Cases

Every appeal starts with listening. I begin by hearing your account of the trial, noting where things felt rushed, unfair, or ignored. Those concerns guide my review of transcripts and court documents with the same attention to detail I bring to serious felony trials, including cases involving white collar crimes. Having handled thousands of cases, I focus on jury instructions, evidentiary rulings, prosecutorial conduct, judicial decisions, and sentencing choices that could affect an appellate court’s review.

My philosophy is to raise clear, focused arguments grounded in law rather than overwhelming the court with weak claims. I stay straightforward with clients, explaining which issues are strong or weak, including in DUI cases, what relief is possible, and the realistic range of outcomes.

Talk With Me About Your Appeal

Facing a conviction or harsh sentence is one of the hardest experiences a person and a family can endure. The process that follows often feels confusing, impersonal, and slow. You deserve clear information about your options and an appeals lawyer Merced residents can turn to for straight answers.

When you contact Law Office of Christopher Loethen, I review the judgment and the paperwork you have, talk with you about what happened at trial and sentencing, and explain whether a direct appeal, a sentencing challenge, or some other path may be worth considering. The first conversation is about clarity, not pressure. My goal is to make sure you understand what an appeal can and cannot do for your case before you make any decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to appeal my case?

In many California criminal cases, the deadline to file a notice of appeal is relatively short and is usually measured in days from the judgment. The exact limit depends on the type of case and ruling. If you are unsure about timing, contact me as soon as possible.

Can an appeal change my prison sentence?

An appeal can sometimes lead to a reduced sentence, a new sentencing hearing, or in some cases a new trial. That depends on whether the appellate court finds legal error that affected the sentence. Part of my job is to evaluate whether such issues exist in your case.

Do you review what my trial lawyer did?

Yes, I look closely at how your trial was handled, including key decisions and objections. Concerns about trial counsel can sometimes lead to legal claims, but not every mistake is grounds for relief. I walk you through what the record shows and how appellate courts treat those issues.

What will our first meeting about an appeal cover?

In our first meeting, we talk about the verdict, sentence, and what you believe went wrong. I review any documents you bring, explain appeal deadlines, and outline possible next steps. The goal is to give you clear information so you can decide how to move forward.

How much does it cost to hire you for an appeal?

Appeals involve significant time reviewing transcripts and preparing briefs, so fees reflect that work. I discuss costs with you upfront, based on the complexity of your case and the size of the record. My aim is to be transparent so there are no surprises later.

Facing a serious conviction in Merced? Contact me, Christopher Loethen, to get a thorough, honest review of your case and explore whether an appeal offers a real chance to challenge your verdict.