Federal Criminal Cases & Appeals

FEDERAL APPEALS REQUIRE PRECISION AND PERSPECTIVE

Federal criminal cases carry high stakes. When a conviction occurs in a U.S. District Court in North Carolina, the appellate process shifts to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, where outcomes often hinge on tightly framed legal arguments and procedural expertise. Blau | Hynson represents clients in federal appeals and post-conviction litigation, providing sophisticated legal strategy and a deep understanding of the federal system.

Our attorneys are not generalists. Our entire focus is criminal appellate and post-conviction relief, and we have successfully handled complex federal appeals in the Fourth Circuit.

What Makes a Federal Appeal Different?

Unlike trial-level litigation, appeals in federal court do not involve juries, witnesses, or the introduction of new evidence. The appellate court’s role is to review the trial court record to determine whether legal errors occurred that affected the outcome.

Federal appeals may arise from:

• Improper jury instructions
• Evidentiary rulings
• Sentencing miscalculations
• Constitutional violations
• Ineffective assistance of trial counsel
• Prosecutorial or judicial misconduct

These are matters of law—not fact—and the stakes could not be higher. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines can lead to severe penalties, and a single error may add years—or decades—to a person’s sentence.

When to Call a Federal Appellate Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been convicted in federal court, time is critical. Appeals and post-conviction petitions are subject to strict deadlines. Our firm can help evaluate your case quickly and determine whether a viable appellate or post-conviction path exists.

📞 Call Blau | Hynson at (919) 256-3606 for a confidential consultation.