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Pensacola, FL 32502
Pensacola, FL 32502
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When a person is convicted of a crime in Florida, it is important to understand that a judge or jury’s decision is not necessarily the final say. You may have the right to appeal your conviction or the sentence you received.
Even when the time for an appeal has passed you may still be able to file a motion seeking post-conviction relief. The appellate process is extremely complex and you can greatly benefit from the help of knowledgeable legal counsel.
Were you recently convicted of a criminal offense in Florida? You should immediately contact Terrezza Law to explore all of your legal options.
John Terrezza is a criminal defense attorney in Pensacola who provides appellate representation for clients in Gulf Breeze, Milton, Navarre, Pensacola Beach, and surrounding areas. Call (850) 764-5291 or complete an online contact form right now to take advantage of a free initial consultation.
Criminal appeals are the first opportunity for review of a conviction.
It is easier to appeal an issue if the trial attorney made some kind of objection to the trial court's ruling. Some common basis for appeals include, but are not limited to:
Every county in Florida has a county court and the State also has 20 circuit courts. Generally, misdemeanors are handled in county courts and felony offenses are heard in the circuit courts.
Appeals are handled in the District Courts of Appeal. Florida has six District Courts of Appeal.
Pensacola is in Escambia County, which is in Florida’s First Circuit. The First Circuit is one of five Circuits in Florida’s First District.
An appeal of a District Court of Appeal decision is filed with the Florida Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the State. Most trial court decisions that are appealed are never heard by the Florida Supreme Court.
Federal criminal cases in Pensacola are handled in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida and an appeal of the District Court in handled by the United States Courts of Appeal for the Eleventh Circuit which is mainly located in Atlanta, GA but also sits in Montgomery, AL, Jacksonville, FL and Miami, FL.
The United States Supreme Court can hear appeals of decisions from the United States Courts of Appeals, but is very selective about which cases are heard.
Florida First District Court of Appeal — Florida District Courts of Appeal provide appellate review of trial court cases, and the First District handles appeals from the state’s First, Second, Third, Eighth, and Fourteenth Circuits. Appeals are usually handled by three-judge panels. On this website, you can find recent court opinions, learn more about the judges, and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Eleventh Circuit | United States Court of Appeals — The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has appellate jurisdiction over all United States District Courts in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Similar to Florida, the appeals are usually heard by panels three judges. On this website, you can learn more about rules and procedures of the court, download forms, and read recent opinions.
If you are seeking post-conviction relief in Florida, it is in your best interest to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Terrezza Law is experienced in handling post-conviction issues for clients throughout Santa Rosa County, Escambia County and in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida.
Pensacola criminal defense attorney John Terrezza handles appeals for various kinds of criminal cases and files writs in cases of extraordinary cases. You can have him review your eligibility for appeal or post-conviction motions by calling (850) 764-5291 right now to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
