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Appeals


Favorable decisions for prisoners from the August 2026 U.S. Courts of Appeals
Here is the latest report of favorable decisions from the US Courts of Appeals for August 2026.
Sep 1


Understand the meaning of appeal waivers and how they affect direct appeals and postconviction cases
What does an appeal waiver actually mean, and what happens if you decide you want to appeal a conviction after your sentence?
Aug 24


What is a certificate of appealability and what are the requirements after a 2254 or 2255 denial?
Before making an appeal, some federal and state prisoners must obtain a certificate of appealability. In this article, we explain what a COA is and the steps to obtain it.
Aug 7


Need to know timelines for appealing a criminal conviction - Requirements for Alabama, Minnesota, and Federal prisoners
Once a person is convicted and sentenced, there is still an option to appeal. This article explains the process and varying time frames depending on where you were sentenced.
Jul 4


U.S. Supreme Court rules that a "miscarriage of justice" exception now applies to appeal waivers.
The US Supreme Court ruled that a "miscarriage of justice" can now be applied to appeal waivers.
Jun 23


Death row inmate, Gary Richard Whitton, gets reversal on denial of federal habeas corpus from the U.S. Supreme Court
Early June 2026 updates from the U.S. Supreme Court include a reversal in the denial of federal habeas corpus for a Florida state inmate.
Jun 5


Can ineffective assistance of counsel be raised on direct appeal?
What claims can be made for an ineffective assistance of counsel appeal?
Jun 3


What does a “per curiam” opinion mean for your case?
What does "per curiam" and "per curiam affirmed" actually mean for an appeal?
May 19


Small Victories are Still Significant: Latest Decision on Felony Murder Case - Alabama v. Antonio Deandre Hawkins
The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals released a new decision in the felony murder case of Antonio Hawkins.
May 5


U.S. Supreme Court News | District of Columbia v. R.W.
Read the latest Supreme Court opinion in the case of District of Columbia v. R.W.,608 U.S. which highlights why 4th Amendment and unreasonable search issues can be complicated.
Apr 17


My Rule 32 was denied without a hearing! What do I do now?
If your Rule 32 petition was denied without a hearing, don't worry. Here's what you need to know.
Apr 2


Murder conviction reversal leads to new trial in the case of Alabama v. Jammie LaJoyce Hughes
AL Court of Criminal Appeals recently reversed the murder conviction of Jammie LaJoyce Hughes for a new trial.
Mar 26


What is federal habeas corpus for state prisoners in Alabama? What are the time limits?
What does federal habeas corpus mean for Alabama state prisoners, and what are the timelines?
Mar 23


Why is the time limit for filing a Rule 32 petition so short?
Why is it so hard to make the time limit for filing a Rule 32 Petition?
Mar 14


“My lawyer didn’t call my witnesses at trial. Is there anything I can do?”
What to do if your attorney did not call a specific witness at trial, and does it qualify as ineffective assistance of counsel?
Mar 6


“I took a plea. Can I appeal? Can I file for ineffective assistance of counsel?”
Can you file for ineffective assistance of counsel if you took a plea?
Mar 2


I just lost my appeal! Can I appeal to the Supreme Court?
Can you appeal to the Supreme Court if your initial appeal was denied?
Feb 28
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