Criminal Defense

Knoxville Criminal Appeals Lawyer

Criminal Appeal

If you believe your trial had legal errors or unfair rulings, we can help you appeal your conviction or sentence in Tennessee.

Criminal Appeal

You Deserve a Second Chance. Let Us Help You Fight for It.

When you've been wrongfully convicted or faced an unfair trial, it can feel like the justice system failed you. The consequences are real: your freedom, your future, and your reputation are on the line. But this isn't the end. You have the right to appeal and fight for the justice you deserve.

At Burks & Ogle, we help individuals like you challenge unfair convictions and sentencing. We know how to navigate the appellate courts and uncover legal errors that could change your case. We are your advocates, your voice, and your path forward.

Call (865) 522-4964 or contact us online now to schedule your Free Consultation.

What Is a Criminal Appeal in Tennessee?

A criminal appeal allows you to ask a higher court to review and possibly reverse or modify a trial court's decision. If you were found guilty, you have the right to appeal the verdict. While the prosecution cannot appeal an acquittal, both sides can appeal sentences or specific decisions made by the judge, like the admissibility of evidence.

Appellate courts focus on legal errors, not new evidence. They review whether the trial was fair, whether the law was applied correctly, and whether your rights were upheld.

Grounds for a Criminal Appeal

To win an appeal, we must show that a serious legal error affected the outcome of your trial. Common grounds include:

  • Serious Error of Law: Incorrect jury instructions, sentencing mistakes, or misapplied law.
  • Abuse of Discretion: Unreasonable rulings by the judge.
  • Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Poor legal representation that denied you a fair trial.
  • Prosecutorial Misconduct: Withholding evidence or improper actions during trial.
  • Improper Jury Conduct: Jurors who acted unfairly or violated court rules.

What Could Happen After an Appeal?

The appellate court might:

  • Uphold your conviction and sentence.
  • Reverse your conviction.
  • Send your case back for a new trial or resentencing.
  • Modify your sentence.

Acting quickly increases your chances of a successful appeal.

Why Choose Burks & Ogle for Your Appeal?

You need more than hope. You need a plan and a guide who knows how to fight for you. At Burks & Ogle, we:

  • Carefully review your trial record for errors.
  • Craft strong legal arguments tailored to your case.
  • Stand by you throughout the process, explaining every step.

You do not have to accept the outcome of an unfair trial. You can take control of your future.

Call (865) 522-4964 or contact us online now for your Free Consultation.

More Than A Firm. Your Legal Partners.

Hear what our past clients say

We encourage you to take a look at our testimonials to see the experiences of those that have placed their trust in our firm.

Connect With Us Today.

Every case begins with a conversation. Tell us what you’re facing, and we’ll help you understand your options and if we’re the right fit to represent you.

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Criminal Appeals

Convicted After an Unfair Trial? Your Case May Not Be Over

A guilty verdict isn't always the final word. Our Knoxville appellate attorneys comb through your trial record for the legal errors that can lead to a reversal, a new trial, or a reduced sentence.

The Burks & Ogle legal team walking through downtown Knoxville.

A Verdict Is Not Always the End of the Road

Hearing the word "guilty" in a courtroom can feel final. Maybe the judge allowed evidence that never should have come in. Maybe your lawyer missed something important. Maybe the sentence was far harsher than the law permits. Whatever happened, you're left wondering whether anything can still be done.

Often, something can. Appeals are won on the trial record and the law, and they reward careful, detailed work. Our team knows how to spot the mistakes that matter and turn them into arguments a higher court will take seriously.

Take Action Now & We Will Fight For You

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Call for a Consultation

We start by learning what happened at trial, where your case stands now, and how much time remains to file.

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Build a Strong Defense

We review transcripts, rulings, and evidence line by line to find the legal errors that may have changed the outcome.

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Fight for Your Freedom

We write persuasive briefs and argue before the appellate court, pressing for a reversal, a new trial, or a fairer sentence.

How an Appeal Is Different From a Trial

An appeal isn't a do-over. There are no new witnesses and no jury. Instead, appellate judges review the record from your trial to decide whether the law was applied correctly and whether your rights were protected. That makes the quality of the written argument critical.

Errors That Can Win an Appeal

Common grounds for appeal in Tennessee include:

  • Evidence that was improperly admitted or excluded
  • Incorrect jury instructions
  • Ineffective assistance from your trial attorney
  • Prosecutorial misconduct, such as withholding evidence
  • Sentencing errors or a sentence the law doesn't support

Deadlines Are Short and Strict

In Tennessee, key deadlines like the motion for a new trial and the notice of appeal are often just 30 days. Missing one can cost you the right to appeal entirely. If you or a loved one was recently convicted, contact us right away.

Possible Outcomes of an Appeal

  • Your conviction is reversed
  • Your case is sent back for a new trial
  • Your sentence is reduced or modified
  • The original decision is upheld

We'll give you an honest assessment of your case's strengths and weaknesses before you decide how to move forward.

Why Appellate Experience Matters

Appeals call for a different skill set than trial work. Success depends on in-depth legal research, a clear understanding of how appellate judges review cases, and persuasive written briefs. Our attorneys bring that focus to every appeal we take on.

Your Next Step

If you have your judgment, sentencing order, or other court paperwork, bring it to your consultation. If you don't, we can obtain the record for you. What matters most is reaching out before the deadline passes.

One unfair trial shouldn't decide the rest of your life. Let's see what your record reveals.

Hear What Our Past Clients Say

We encourage you to take a look at our testimonials to see the experiences of those that have placed their trust in our firm.

Connect With Us Today.

Every case begins with a conversation. Tell us what you’re facing, and we’ll help you understand your options and if we’re the right fit to represent you.

Thank you
Your message has been submitted.
Oops! Something went wrong.