Appeals Lawyer in Lancaster, PA

If your trial was unfair or your sentence too harsh, you have the right to appeal, but time is short. A criminal appeal in Pennsylvania doesn’t retry your case; it reviews legal mistakes that may have affected the outcome.

As a seasoned defense lawyer with over 15 years of experience, Attorney Stephen W. Grosh assists clients in challenging convictions by identifying errors, such as unlawful searches, ineffective representation, or faulty jury instructions. At the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh, we’ve seen firsthand how a strong appeal can lead to a new trial, a lighter sentence, or even complete dismissal.

What Exactly is a Criminal Appeal?

A criminal appeal asks a higher court, typically the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, to review your case for legal errors. Appellate judges don’t hear new evidence. They study the record to determine if the trial court followed the law correctly.

In Lancaster County, appeals often involve:

• Constitutional violations like unlawful searches or coerced confessions
• Improper jury instructions
• Prosecutorial misconduct
• Sentencing errors or misapplied guidelines

Appellate relief is uncommon. Appeals succeed in a minority of cases; that’s why precision and experienced legal representation are immensely crucial. That’s what you’ll get when you let our Lancaster appeals lawyer at the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh handle your case.

Remember, since appellate courts only review the trial record for legal errors, not reweigh evidence, only carefully framed, well-supported arguments stand a realistic chance of securing a reversal, a reduced sentence, or other relief.

Can I Appeal After a Conviction in Lancaster?

Yes. Even after conviction, Pennsylvania law allows for appeals and petitions for post-conviction relief if new evidence or procedural errors are discovered. Many clients assume their options are over, but appellate courts routinely modify or reverse convictions when legal mistakes are proven.

Even when a complete reversal isn’t possible, appeals can lead to reduced sentences, corrected parole eligibility, and opportunities for expungement later.

About the Deadlines and Procedure for Criminal Appeals

You have 30 days from the date of sentencing or final judgment to file a Notice of Appeal. Missing that deadline can forfeit your right to appeal entirely. After filing, your attorney submits a statement of errors explaining what went wrong in your trial. The opposing side then responds, and both parties file written briefs. In some cases, the court may allow oral argument.

Because appellate judges rely heavily on written briefs, clarity, precision, and legal strategy matter more than ever. A single strong argument, backed by the record, can make or break your case.

How Our Lancaster Appeals Attorney Fights to Overturn Wrongful Convictions

Appeals demand a different skill set than trial defense. Instead of arguing before a jury, our Lancaster appeals lawyer at the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh will build a meticulous written argument based on your record. He can analyze trial transcripts line by line, identify reversible errors, and research appellate precedents that apply to your case. Likewise, he can:

• Review whether your trial attorney preserved key objections for appeal.
• Identify legal errors that prejudiced your case.
• Draft compelling appellate briefs tailored to the Pennsylvania Superior or Supreme Court.
• Request sentence modification or post-conviction relief if deadlines have passed.

Trust Attorney to Deliver the Right Results for You

A criminal appeal can be your second chance at justice, but only if handled with precision and urgency. At the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh, we know the local appellate system inside and out.

Contact our Lancaster appeals attorney at 717-208-4599 or online for a confidential case evaluation and find out whether your case qualifies for appeal or post-conviction relief. Your path forward may still be open, but time is limited.