The criminal appellate process is essential in ensuring due process to every individual. However, the process itself can be long and complicated, and thus, having experienced counsel at your side may be crucial. Criminal appeals are commonly misunderstood, and not everyone wants or needs an appeal. The following is a general outline of the criminal appellate process in the State of Florida.

What is an appeal?

If you, or a loved one, have ever been involved in the criminal arena, after the judge pronounces sentence, you probably heard the following statement:

"You have thirty days from the date of this judgment and sentence to file an appeal."

There is no question that the above statement is a correct statement of the law; however, the first logical question for most people must be, "What is an appeal"?

The Appellate Rule of Procedure 9.140 sets forth the proceedings for appeals within the State of Florida. In general, an appellate court's sole function is to determine whether a trial court committed legal error.