top of page
Federal Law
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
One conviction reversal and two compassionate release denials highlight this week's Supreme Court opinions.
Racial issues and compassionate release are the topics of this week's U.S. Supreme Court opinions.
Jun 1
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
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
“I need an appeal!” But what kind of appeal?
How to understand the appeals process if you or your loved one has been convicted.
Feb 24
What is equitable tolling?
What is equitable tolling and how does is affect federal habeas corpus?
Feb 17
What is Hobbs Act robbery?
Understanding Hobbs Act robbery, and what to do if your loved one is convicted for this offense.
Feb 10
What are the federal sentencing guidelines?
What are federal sentencing guidelines and does an error in sentencing help in an appeal?
Feb 5
What is the difference between an unpublished denial on appeal & a published opinion?
One of the many concepts to understand is the idea of published and unpublished opinions. Let us explain what that means, and what it means when the court denies the appeal without an opinion.
Jan 29
The Alabama Solution Nominated for Academy Award!
New documentary exposes prisoner abuse and horrific living conditions in Alabama's state prisons.
Jan 23
bottom of page