Criminal Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief

The appellate attorneys at Patterson Harkavy have decades of experience successfully pursuing criminal appeals and post-conviction relief. We have represented criminal defendants across North Carolina, successfully obtaining orders that reverse convictions, grant new trials, and reduce sentences.

With offices in Chapel Hill and Greensboro, North Carolina, our appellate attorneys have achieved notable results across the state. Contact us toll-free at 1 (800) 458-2541 to see if we can help.

Challenging Improper Criminal Convictions and Sentences

In North Carolina, every criminal defendant has the right to appeal a conviction to either the North Carolina Court of Appeals or the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. For some, relief may also be obtained through Motions for Appropriate Relief or Petitions for Habeas Corpus. But the rules for such relief are complicated, the issues are often challenging, and prevailing is generally difficult.

Patterson Harkavy has represented numerous criminal defendants in direct appeals. We have also challenged state convictions in federal court using writs of habeas corpus, including one such case where we were able to overturn a death sentence to get our client a new trial.

Read More about Patterson Harkavy’s legacy of defending criminal defendants.

Protecting Defendant’s Rights North Carolina Appeals Courts

At Patterson Harkavy, our criminal appeals lawyers are adept at scouring transcripts, court files, and legal precedent to find the legal errors that occurred in criminal trials. We have had decades of success representing criminal defendants on direct appeal to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court, and on writs of habeas corpus to federal district courts. We can assist with appeals based on the following:

• Faulty indictments
• Evidence that should have been suppressed
• Improper jury selection
• Evidentiary errors
• Insufficient evidence of a crime
• Sentencing violations
• Improper jury instructions
• Capital cases involving death sentences
• Constitutional rights violations

Make an Impact: Protect Your Rights

Patterson Harkavy is here to help, even after you have been convicted. We can review the record in your case, evaluate possible issues to challenge, and litigate your appeal in the state and federal courts. Following a conviction, time is often of the essence to ensure your rights are preserved. Contact us today to discuss your case.