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Criminal Appeals Lawyers in California

Compare criminal appeals lawyers in California — ratings, reviews and contact details.

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Criminal Law638

Arrests, DWI, drug and assault charges

Family Law648

Divorce, custody, child and spousal support

Personal Injury1,375

Car, truck and work accidents, malpractice

Get help from a criminal appeals lawyer in California

A criminal appeals lawyer challenges convictions and sentences in higher courts and handles post-conviction relief — focusing on legal errors made at trial.

Questions to ask before you hire

Have you handled this exact charge in California courts?
What could happen — fines, probation, jail, a record?
Can this be reduced, dismissed or kept off my record?
Is your fee flat or hourly, and what does it cover?
Who will be in court with me?

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9 attorneys in California

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CGM Local in California

Diane Letarte Atty

·Encinitas, CA·Attorneys

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California Criminal Law guides

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Plain-English guides to the law. General information, not legal advice.

Your Rights If Arrested in California

Your federal constitutional rights apply if you're arrested in California — Miranda, right to remain silent, right to counsel. Phone-call rule: 3 calls within 3 hours of arrival at booking facility (PC 851.5).

Assault Charges in California

California assault charges: simple assault is typically Misdemeanor up to 6 mo (PC § 240); aggravated forms can reach Felony assault PC § 245 — up to 4 years (great bodily injury) or longer with weapon.

Criminal Appeals in California

California criminal defendants have a right to appeal — but appeals are limited to legal errors preserved at trial, run on tight deadlines (often 30 days), and reverse only ~10% of cases.

Cyber Crime Defense in California

California cyber-crime cases combine state computer-crime statutes with federal CFAA and other digital-crime laws. Federal prosecution is common for major cases.

Domestic Violence Charges in California

California domestic violence charges combine an underlying assault/battery offense with state-specific DV enhancements. No mandatory arrest on probable cause.

Drug Court Eligibility in California

California drug courts offer eligible defendants treatment-based alternatives to incarceration. Successful completion can result in dismissed charges or reduced sentences.

Drug Crime Penalties in California

California drug law: cannabis is legal for adult recreational use.

Expungement and Record Sealing in California

California's record-clearing process is called expungement (pc 1203.4) + automatic sealing. Among the most generous in the country — recent Clean Slate reforms now automatically clear many records without a petition.

Federal Criminal Charges in California

California federal criminal charges differ from state — federal sentencing guidelines, mandatory minimums, no parole, and 90%+ conviction rates. Specialized federal-experienced counsel essential.

Felonies vs Misdemeanors in California

California divides offenses into felonies (more serious) and misdemeanors (less serious). Felonies are punishable by death (rare), life imprisonment, or imprisonment in state prison.

Gun Laws in California

California concealed carry: Shall-issue (post Bruen 2022 forced reform); strict requirements. Open carry: Banned in most populated areas. Red flag (ERPO) law: Yes — Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO).

Hate Crime Laws in California

California hate crime laws enhance penalties for offenses motivated by bias against protected categories: Race, color, religion, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to appeal a conviction?

Deadlines are short — often 30 days after sentencing. Contact an appeals lawyer immediately.

Is an appeal a new trial?

No. Appeals review the trial record for legal errors; new evidence usually isn't considered.

Should I talk to the police before I have a lawyer?

You have the right to stay silent and to ask for a lawyer. Politely say you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions.

How soon should I hire a criminal defense lawyer in California?

As soon as you're charged or know you're being investigated. Early help can affect bail, evidence and whether charges are filed at all.

Can a criminal charge be dismissed?

Sometimes — for weak evidence, an illegal stop or search, or through programs like pretrial diversion. A local defense lawyer can tell you what's realistic for your case.

How many criminal appeals lawyers are listed in California?

There are currently 9 criminal appeals lawyers listed in California on CGMIMM.