Can You Appeal a First-Degree Murder Conviction?

Suppose the results of your murder trial were not what you had hoped for. In that case, you must comprehend that you cannot appeal a murder conviction—or any other criminal conviction—based on whether you think the jury made the incorrect decision. In other words, your lawyer must prove that the court made a mistake at your initial trial before you can challenge particular legal rulings made by the lower court on appeal.

What Is the Appeal After a Murder Conviction Called?

A “direct appeal” is the term for the first appeal you file after your murder trial, and it should highlight legal errors made during the trial. Your conviction might take a positive turn, allowing your attorney to renegotiate a plea bargain better or to have your case retried if the judge in your murder trial rendered erroneous rulings or ones that were illegal.

What Claim Can You Make After a First-Degree Murder Conviction?

You might be able to make the following claims regarding legal mistakes:

1.    Evidence Suppression in Murder Conviction

Your counsel may file a motion to suppress evidence, and if it gets denied, an appellate court may reconsider the decision. Furthermore, you might have a Fourth Amendment appeal if they illegally obtain the evidence in your case.

2.    Statement Suppression

It could be a matter of an appeal if a motion to suppress a statement you made to a police officer that eventually affected your case were made and denied. In Miranda v. Arizona, the court clarified under what conditions a jury may not be allowed to hear a defendant’s statement.

3.    Insufficient Evidence

There might be grounds for an appeal if insufficient evidence was presented during the trial to establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

4.    Prosecutorial Misconduct in Murder Conviction

You might have grounds for an appeal if the prosecutor in your case went above and beyond to convict you, by all means necessary, instead of just pursuing justice. You may be eligible for appeal relief If the prosecutor in your murder case violated the rules governing prosecutorial behavior before and during a trial.

5.    Excessive Sentence Following Conviction

The lower courts have some discretion when deciding on a sentence, but this discretion is limited, especially in murder cases. Therefore, you can appeal an excessive ruling from the lower court.

A first-degree murder conviction might not be the end of the road. There can be an appeal on a suitable basis and with the right criminal defense attorney.