Criminal Appeals in North Carolina

A SECOND LOOK AT JUSTICE

A criminal appeal is not a new trial—it’s a legal review of what went wrong. At Blau | Hynson, our attorneys focus exclusively on post-conviction litigation and appellate advocacy. We represent clients who have already been convicted and seek to challenge the outcome based on legal error, constitutional violations, or unfair sentencing.

Most of our appellate cases are heard in North Carolina’s appellate courts, including the North Carolina Court of Appeals and North Carolina Supreme Court. We also represent clients in select matters before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

What Makes an Appeal Different

Unlike a trial, an appeal does not involve calling witnesses or introducing new evidence. Appellate courts review the record of the original case to determine whether the trial judge, prosecutor, or defense attorney made a mistake. These errors may include:

• Misapplication of the law
• Improper admission or exclusion of evidence
• Ineffective assistance of counsel
• Procedural violations or sentencing errors

To succeed on appeal, your lawyer must craft persuasive written arguments, identify legal issues with precision, and present oral argument to a panel of judges. Experience matters, and so does clarity.

A Focused and Skilled Appellate Team

Founding partner Daniel M. Blau is a Board Certified Specialist in Appellate Practice with decades of experience before North Carolina’s appellate courts. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Chief Judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals and has since secured dozens of reversals, new trials, and sentencing modifications for clients across the state.

Partner Warren Hynson and associate Emily Maggio bring deep knowledge and critical insight to every case. As a team, Blau | Hynson is recognized as the preeminent appellate law firm in North Carolina, dedicated solely to criminal appeals and post-conviction relief.

Should You Appeal?

Appeals are time-sensitive, and not every case qualifies. In most instances, you must file a Notice of Appeal within 14 days of your sentencing. If you believe the law was misapplied in your case—or your trial lawyer failed to protect your rights—you may have grounds to pursue relief.

Take the Next Step

If you believe your conviction or sentence resulted from a legal error, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. Our firm will evaluate your case honestly and determine whether an appeal is possible and strategically sound. At Blau | Hynson, we do not offer false hope—but we do offer clarity, precision, and unrelenting advocacy.

📞 Call us at (919) 256-3606 for a confidential consultation.