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. The attorney’s firm abstains from involvement in any post-conviction appeals or petitions for post-convictions, with the attorney recognizing that some individuals may not be familiar with the distinction between post-conviction and direct appeals.
Direct appeals, which the attorney specializes in, refer to immediate appeals following a trial loss, where individuals possess an absolute right to appeal their conviction to the appellate court. The attorney explicitly does not handle appeals that emerge years after conviction, commonly referred to as post-conviction appeals—a specialized area managed by other legal practitioners.
Moreover, if a significant issue arises for presentation to the Supreme Court, whether at the state or federal level, the attorney actively pursues an appeal to the Supreme Court. This typically follows the denial of a direct appeal. Although not an absolute right, individuals can request the appellate court, including the Supreme Court, to consider their case. The Supreme Court may choose to hear the case, especially if it involves unsettled issues or ones pertaining specifically to constitutional questions.
Throughout the attorney’s career, they have presented arguments before the Illinois Supreme Court on two occasions, a notable accomplishment in comparison to many other lawyers handling appeals. The Supreme Court selectively accepts cases, and the attorney’s focus remains on direct appeals and, in specific instances, appeals to the Supreme Court through a petition for leave to appeal.
