
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.
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.
To win an appeal, we must show that a serious legal error affected the outcome of your trial. Common grounds include:
The appellate court might:
Acting quickly increases your chances of a successful appeal.
You need more than hope. You need a plan and a guide who knows how to fight for you. At Burks & Ogle, we:
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.
We encourage you to take a look at our testimonials to see the experiences of those that have placed their trust in our firm.
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.


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.
We start by learning what happened at trial, where your case stands now, and how much time remains to file.
We review transcripts, rulings, and evidence line by line to find the legal errors that may have changed the outcome.
We write persuasive briefs and argue before the appellate court, pressing for a reversal, a new trial, or a fairer sentence.
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.
Common grounds for appeal in Tennessee include:
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.
We'll give you an honest assessment of your case's strengths and weaknesses before you decide how to move forward.
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.
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.
We encourage you to take a look at our testimonials to see the experiences of those that have placed their trust in our firm.
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.