North Carolina Criminal Appeals & Post Conviction Litigation
HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
Blau | Hynson is a focused criminal defense and appellate litigation firm built on experience, precision, and advocacy at the highest levels of the criminal legal system. Led by Daniel M. Blau and Warren D. Hynson, Blau | Hynson takes on only a small number of cases each year—those involving the most serious consequences, most significant constitutional issues, or highest stakes. We represent individuals facing life-altering criminal charges, as well as those seeking appeals and post-conviction relief after a wrongful or unjust conviction.
We are a resource not only for individuals but also for fellow defense lawyers navigating complex cases in the trial courts, helping to identify and preserve issues for potential appellate review. Our work is both collaborative and exacting, and we bring the full force of our firm’s experience to every case we accept.
Over the past decade, Dan Blau has handled thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases in North Carolina's state and federal courts and led dozens of state and federal appellate and post-conviction matters to resolution. He is known for his written and oral advocacy, especially before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. His appellate record is one of discipline, clarity, and success.
Warren Hynson is a skilled and respected appellate and post-conviction lawyer who has secured relief for clients across the State in high-stakes criminal litigation. He brings formidable experience in criminal appeals and post-conviction cases involving serious charges and possesses a deep understanding of the procedural and legal nuance needed to successfully navigate appeals and post-conviction cases. His tactical instincts and vision make him a formidable ally to have on your side in defending against serious criminal charges and challenging a conviction.
Together, they lead a team that provides deep, individualized attention to each case, prioritizing a commitment to professional excellence, clear communication, integrity, and results.
If your case demands the highest level of appellate or post-conviction skill, we invite you to reach out for a confidential consultation. We are discerning in the matters we take on, and fiercely dedicated to the people we represent.
State & Federal Appeals
Many criminal cases end at trial—but for those that don’t, the appellate path is exacting, high-stakes work. Our practice is sharply focused on criminal appeals in North Carolina, where we craft persuasive written arguments, identify reversible error, and advocate before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court, as well as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Our attorneys are known for their clarity, precision, and strategic insight in appellate briefing and oral advocacy. While we handle select federal appeals, our greatest experience lies in the North Carolina appellate court system, where our team has earned a reputation for excellence.
Post-Conviction Litigation
When direct appeal is no longer an option, post-conviction relief becomes the final legal recourse for individuals seeking relief after conviction. We bring clarity and rigor to this complex phase of criminal litigation. Our team has significant experience pursuing Motions for Appropriate Relief (MARs) and other state and federal post-conviction remedies grounded in constitutional error, ineffective assistance of counsel, newly discovered evidence, or changes in the law. These matters demand both strategic nuance and a deep understanding of trial and appellate records, as well as the unique procedural rules that govern MARs. We only take on cases where post-conviction relief may be legally and factually viable, and where we can have the greatest impact.
Strategic Support for Criminal Defense Attorneys
We offer trial-level consultation services for criminal defense lawyers handling high-stakes or procedurally complex cases. Our team assists with identifying legal, evidentiary, or constitutional issues that may arise before or during trial, drafting motions and special jury instructions, all of which are critical for preserving appellate issues. With decades of combined appellate and post-conviction experience, we provide behind-the-scenes guidance to help trial counsel protect the record, avoid waiver or invited error, and lay the groundwork for preserving issues for future appellate review. If you’re handling a case where the outcome may hinge on legal or procedural nuance or long-view strategy, we are available to help.
Defense of Serious State & Federal Crimes
We represent a small number of individuals charged with the most serious offenses in North Carolina’s state and federal courts, cases where liberty, life, or lifetime registration is at stake. While we receive hundreds of inquiries each year, we only take on a select few: those where our appellate and post-conviction insight can have the greatest impact. If your case involves complex issues, severe penalties, or potential constitutional violations, our firm offers strategic legal counsel rooted in deep courtroom experience and a relentless pursuit of justice.
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