Appeals Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
What is your experience in criminal appeals?
What is your experience in criminal appeals?
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So, I only handle direct appeals in my practice. My firm does not engage in any post-conviction appeals or petitions for post-convictions. Many people may not be certain about the distinction between a post-conviction and a direct appeal.
A direct appeal is the immediate appeal that follows a trial loss, where the individual has an absolute right to appeal their conviction to the appellate court. These are the types of appeals that I handle. I do not manage appeals that arise years after conviction, commonly known as post-conviction appeals – a specialty handled by other lawyers.
Additionally, if there is a compelling issue to raise to the Supreme Court, whether at the state or federal level, I pursue an appeal to the Supreme Court. This occurs typically after the direct appeal has been denied. Although not an absolute right, you can request the appellate court, including the Supreme Court, to consider your case. The Supreme Court might agree to hear your case, especially if there is an unsettled issue or one that pertains specifically to constitutional questions.
Throughout my career, I have argued before the Illinois Supreme Court twice, a considerable experience compared to many other lawyers who have handled appeals. The Supreme Court selectively takes cases, and what I focus on is direct appeals and, in some instances, appeals to the Supreme Court through a petition for leave to appeal.
Chicago, IL criminal defense attorney Gal Pissetzky talks about his experience in criminal appeals. So, the legal professional exclusively handles direct appeals in their practice. He explains that he focuses exclusively on direct appeals in his legal practice. His firm does not handle post-conviction appeals or petitions. Many clients may not fully understand the distinction between a direct appeal and a post-conviction appeal.
A direct appeal is the immediate appeal following a trial loss, providing the individual with an absolute right to challenge their conviction in the appellate court. These are the appeals he manages. Appeals that arise years after a conviction—commonly referred to as post-conviction appeals—fall outside his practice and are typically handled by other attorneys specializing in that area.
In addition, when a compelling issue arises that may warrant review by the Supreme Court, whether at the state or federal level, he pursues an appeal at that level. This generally occurs after the direct appeal has been resolved. While there is no absolute right to have the Supreme Court hear a case, a petition for leave to appeal can be filed. The Court may agree to review cases that involve unsettled legal questions or significant constitutional issues.
Over the course of his career, he has argued twice before the Illinois Supreme Court, an experience that distinguishes him from many other appellate attorneys. The Supreme Court exercises selective review, and his practice remains concentrated on direct appeals, with select petitions to the Supreme Court when appropriate.
