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Criminal Appeals

Pittsburgh Criminal Appeals Lawyer Time Is of the Essence in Criminal Appeals

For many people, the criminal conviction is still a beginning stage of the criminal proceedings. Every person convicted of a crime — whether in state or federal court — has the absolute right to appeal the conviction. There are several stages in the criminal appeals process, and at each stage there are strict and unforgiving deadlines.

If you do not meet the deadline at any specific stage in the criminal appeals process, you will be forever barred from bringing that appeal.

“I can count too many times when I could have done some good for a criminal appeals client, but I couldn’t do anything because the client waited too long and missed the deadline.” — Attorney Thomas N. Farrell, of Farrell Weaver & Okun, Attorneys at Law

Learn About Your Rights in the Criminal Appeals Process

At the Pittsburgh criminal defense law firm of Farrell Weaver & Okun, criminal appeals are a major focus of our practice. Thomas N. Farrell — who began his career with the district attorney’s office for Allegheny County — has decades of appellate experience.

We provide clear explanations of the criminal appeals process to our incarcerated clients and their families — always emphasizing the importance of being on time with every piece of paper.

Detailed information about each appeals stage in a criminal case is available on the Stages of a Criminal Case page of this Web site. At Farrell Weaver & Okun, we are available to file criminal appeals at any stage, whether or not we handled the original case, including:

  • The immediate post-sentencing motions
  • The immediate appeal by right to the Pennsylvania Superior Court or the Federal Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • All later discretionary appeals, including petitions under the Post-Conviction Relief Act and petitions to the federal court for writ of habeas corpus
Get Answers to Your Questions About Criminal Appeals

At Farrell Weaver & Okun, we offer a free and confidential initial consultation to all new potential clients. Our offices are in downtown Pittsburgh, one block from the Allegheny County Courthouse, near the First Avenue T stop. Ample parking lots are located in the area.

To schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers, call us at (412) 201-5159, or send an e-mail.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"This firm is absolutely amazing! From Erika who is sweet and always helpFul. To Tom's right hand ace attorney Lyle Weaver, and the man Tom Farrell is The Top appellate and criminal lawyer in Allegheny county and Pittsburgh!! These men gave me a second chance at my life... and while they are half way there! They got me a new trial, my freedom, and have no doubt they will get me the best resolution possible in the end! As I said Tom screw John Wayne your my hero! Thank you more than words can say!" J
★★★★★
"Polite, courteous, respectful, and nice. Did a great job handling my traffic case." J.A.
★★★★★
"Professional, Personable, Respected by his Peers, Tom Produces Results" D.C.
★★★★★
“Courteous, professional, and knowledgeable… it felt like I was dealing with someone I knew. Lisle provided a quality of service I would have been happy to pay for, but I didn't have to, bill zero” J
★★★★★
"The team did remarkable work. They were sharp, direct, and focused throughout the whole process. Theres a saying that goes quoted by a famous boxer Ali " Dont count the days, make the days count." Everyday they provided there teamwork, arguments, and professionalism to get to the bottom of the outcome and won the case. Im deeply thankful for the hard work and service they gave my cousin!!" L.B.
★★★★★
"My advice to you? Get the right defense at the magistrate level, and don't wait to be drowned further before finding a decent attorney like Justin and his team." Anonymous