Sandy Criminal Appeals Lawyer

Trusted Criminal Appeals Attorney in Sandy, UT

If you or someone you love is facing the daunting possibility of a criminal conviction, know that not all hope is lost. The consequences involved with an official sentence and conviction are terrifying, from possible prison time to huge fines. Thankfully, whether you’ve been charged with felony robbery in Wildflower or were allegedly found in possession of heroin at your home in Farley Acres, a Sandy criminal appeals lawyer can protect your right to file an appeal. 

Blackley & Wingad: Your Top-Rated Appellate Attorney

For decades, Blackley & Wingad has served as a beacon of legal excellence and hope for convicted individuals and their families across the state of Utah. We have honed our drive, passion, and resilience as proven appellate lawyers and are ready to serve you when you need us most. Over our years of service, we have faced down hundreds of trials and have seen countless clients through the rigorous legal process of appeals. Now we are ready to serve you today.

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Defining a Criminal Appeal in Sandy, Utah

Every day, thousands of people across the United States are the victims of a wrongful conviction. If you believe you have been wrongfully convicted or do not agree with the outcome of your criminal case, you do have the legal option of seeking an appeal. In 2025, filings with the U.S. Court of Appeals grew by 3%, with 7.3% of these filings related to criminal cases. 

According to a study from 2025 put out by the U.S. Court of Appeals, the number of appeal cases regarding sex offenses, drug offenses, and justice system offenses decreased, while the number of appeal cases regarding property crimes, immigration offenses, and traffic offenses increased.

During a criminal appeal case, the person convicted requests that a higher court, an appellate court, review their original trial and either reverse or modify the decision made by the lower trial court.

When you are found guilty following a court trial, you have the right to appeal. However, should you be acquitted in your original case, the prosecution cannot seek an appeal. Under the U.S. Constitution, you are protected from double jeopardy, meaning you cannot be tried twice for the same allegation.

The appellate court is concerned with any legal errors that might have taken place during your original trial. They do not review evidence or make any findings related to your guilt or innocence. They simply examine the transcripts of the original trial to determine if any possible errors occurred in terms of criminal and court procedures, the law and statutes that were applied, and how they were applied. 

Why Seek a Criminal Appeal?

There are a number of reasons why you might have grounds to seek an appeal in Sandy. No matter your reason, however, you must be able to prove that the lower trial court made a significant mistake or error during your original trial that affected the outcome of your case. Common reasons to seek a criminal appeal can include:

• Sentencing error. The judge in your case needs to follow certain rules when it comes to sentencing you following a conviction. When these rules are violated or ignored, the sentence can be considered illegal, and the appellate court can remand the case back to the lower court for resentencing.
  
• Improper conduct by jury. You may be able to appeal your original conviction and sentencing if a juror acted improperly during either the trial or during deliberation. For example, if a juror speaks directly to a witness outside of the court, then this could be grounds on which to seek an appeal.
  
• Ineffective counsel. In Utah, you have the constitutional right to proper and adequate legal counsel and representation during your case. If you have any reason to believe that your original lawyer’s incompetence resulted in an unfair or biased trial, then you may be able to use this fact as a basis for appeal.

FAQs

How Long Can an Appeal Take?

There is no real timeline for how long an appeal can take, as the time it takes will ultimately depend on factors like the availability of the courts and the complexity of your appeal. However, you do need to keep in mind that following your original conviction and sentencing in the lower court, you only have 30 days to file an official Notice of Appeal. 

What Should I Do if My Loved One Is Convicted of a Crime?

If your loved one is convicted of a crime, you need to meet with their attorney or an appellate attorney to determine what legal next steps and options may be available. If an appeal is not possible or is not successful in your loved one’s case, you may still be able to seek a reduction in sentencing, or there may be jail-diversion or rehabilitation programs available depending on the nature of the case. 

What Are the Possible Outcomes of an Appeal?

When it comes to a criminal appeal in Utah, there are a number of possible outcomes that may be available. First, the appellate court may affirm the trial court’s decision and uphold both your conviction and sentence. However, they may decide to overrule or reverse the decision of the trial court, send the case back to the trial court for a retrial or resentencing, or modify your sentence based on their findings. 

Can You Appeal a Murder Conviction in Utah?

Yes, in Utah, you do have the ability to appeal a murder conviction. If you have been convicted of a murder charge in any Utah district court, then you can directly appeal that conviction with a higher court that can review your case for any procedural or legal errors that might have taken place. 

Hire a Criminal Appeals Lawyer Today

When you or a loved one needs to hire a criminal appeals lawyer, Blackley & Wingad can help. We understand that this is a scary and strenuous time, and want to do whatever we can to protect you and your future. Contact us online or by phone today to learn about our appellate services and to schedule your initial consultation.