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Appeals/Post-Conviction Relief

Appeals/Post-Conviction Relief

The criminal appeal process is complicated, time-consuming, research-intensive and often costly. The task involves an extensive and in-depth review of case files and transcripts, detailed legal research and significant time spent drafting legal briefs and memoranda. Attorney Julian Allatt of Rehmeyer & Allatt has extensive experience representing individuals on appeal following criminal convictions and has won numerous successes on behalf of his clients, some of which have resulted in published, precedential opinions out of the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

In addition to representing clients on direct appeal, Attorney Julian Allatt also has extensive experience representing individuals in Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) litigation. The Pennsylvania Post-Conviction Relief Act provides an additional avenue of relief for individuals who have been convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania. The body of law surrounding PCRA litigation is complicated and the rules that govern the filing and litigation of PCRA petitions are very specific and often hyper-technical. Essentially, the Post-Conviction Relief Act allows a criminal defendant to challenge a criminal conviction by alleging that something happened (or did not happen) at the trial phase that resulted in a conviction that is unworthy of confidence.The rules surrounding when a PCRA petition can be filed are strictly enforced—one year from the date that “judgment became final” in a particular case. Attorney Julian Allatt has filed many successful PCRA petitions that have resulted in various forms of relief for clients including overturned convictions and significantly reduced sentences.

The Benefits Of Hiring A Private Appellate Attorney

In many cases, individuals charged with criminal offenses qualify for public defense because of their income at the time of trial. However, it is not uncommon for these individuals to then seek the representation of private criminal defense attorneys for appeal or PCRA litigation. Sometimes family members are willing to assist with financing an appeal that were unwilling to assist at trial. Sometimes defendants sell assets following a conviction to finance and appeal. Whatever the situation, the benefits to individuals who are in a position to pay for private representation during the costly appeal process are substantial.

By hiring private counsel, not only do you have the ability to find someone who is the right fit for your particular needs but also are guaranteed greater access to your attorney who will typically be able to devote more time and attention to your case because public defenders are often burdened with extremely heavy caseloads.

Furthermore most, if not all, criminal defense attorneys structure fee agreements in such a way that representation during an appeal requires a separate fee agreement. Accordingly, individuals who were represented by private attorneys at trial who have been convicted of a crime and wish to file an appeal are typically in a position where they must retain private appellate counsel to represent them. If you are looking for Appellate or PCRA counsel, we urge you to contact attorney Julian Allatt at Rehmeyer & Allatt.

Time Is Of The Essence

A criminal defendant who wishes to file an appeal has some urgent decisions to make: Once you are sentenced in a criminal case, you have only 10 days to file Post-Sentence Motions or 30 days to file an appeal. If you do not file a timely Notice of Appeal or post Sentence Motion, your right to do so could be forever lost.

While there is less urgency for Post-Conviction Relief Act litigation (typically the deadline for filing a petition is one year from the date the judgment became final), the deadlines for filing a PCRA are strictly enforced.  The failure to file a timely PCRA petition will likely result in the permanent loss of the right to challenge a conviction under the Pennsylvania Post-Conviction Relief Act

How We Can Help

Attorney Julian Allatt of Rehmeyer & Allatt has extensive experience representing criminal defendants on both direct appeal and at the post-conviction relief stage. Appellate and Post-Conviction Relief Act litigation is a time-consuming, detail-oriented process that requires the time and attention of a dedicated criminal defense attorney with a thorough understanding of appellate procedure, the law of evidence and criminal procedure.

Though our criminal defense practice is focused largely on advocacy at the trial level, attorney Allatt has extensive appellate experience and would be happy to provide a consultation if you or a loved one is interested in pursuing a criminal appeal. Contact us by email or call 814-343-9860

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