Wisconsin Appellate Litigation Lawyer

Offices in Madison, Wisconsin Dells, and Manitowoc

Receiving an unfavorable decision from a court or agency is never ideal, and in many cases, it will be in your best interest to pursue an appeal. You may also benefit from a favorable outcome but find your opponent has decided to appeal the decision. Appeals are handled substantially differently than civil trials, and you will likely need and want experienced advocacy if you wish to prevail.

Experienced Appellate Assistance in State and Federal Courts

No matter the nature of your case, our appellate lawyers are ready to help you explore all of your appeals options. Our litigators at have substantial experience defending favorable decisions and fighting adverse rulings in both state and federal courts.

If you are currently represented by another firm that is not familiar with the appellate process, we are prepared to augment and assist your existing legal team and pursue all available remedies. Our team is committed to providing high-quality legal services to individuals and businesses and will do everything possible to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

To schedule a consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys in Baraboo, please call or contact us online today

Once an appeal has been initiated, the appellant — the party appealing the decision — must prepare a written argument that complies with the court’s rules, arguing why the case was decided incorrectly. The opposing party, commonly called the respondent, will also have the opportunity to file a written argument explaining why they believe the original decision was appropriate. The appellant can typically submit a final written argument to address the respondent’s brief.

The appellate court will review all briefs and, depending upon the court, provide an opportunity for the attorneys to make oral arguments. If your case is pending before the Wisconsin Courts of Appeals or the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims it is unlikely that oral arguments will be provided. In those circumstances, the court will likely make a decision based on the content of the written arguments.

Our Wisconsin appellate litigation attorneys understand how to craft robust, detailed, and persuasive briefs that effectively represent and advance our clients’ positions. If we represented you in the original proceeding, we will carefully assess the applicable law, and evidence to determine how best to move forward. If we are new additions to your legal team, we will meticulously examine every element of your case while reviewing and assessing your appeals options.

We are prepared to present oral arguments if given the opportunity to do so and will diligently represent your interests in and out of the courtroom.

Our appellate litigators at West & Dunn have represented clients in cases involving:

Do not wait to contact us online or call 608-490-9449 if you are considering appealing a decision in a civil case. Our Wisconsin appellate litigation lawyers offer free initial consultations.

Criminal Appeals

An appellate attorney plays a crucial role in criminal appeals by reviewing trial court decisions and identifying potential legal errors that could have impacted the outcome of the case. These errors may include improper jury instructions, insufficient evidence to support a conviction, or violations of constitutional rights.

An experienced appellate attorney thoroughly examines the trial transcripts, evidence, and legal arguments to build a strong case for an appeal. They will craft a persuasive appellate brief that outlines these errors and presents compelling legal arguments for why the original decision should be overturned or modified.

In addition to identifying trial errors, an appellate attorney helps navigate the complex appellate process, ensuring that all necessary documents are filed within strict deadlines. They can also handle oral arguments before the appellate court, presenting the case in a clear and concise manner.

By understanding appellate law and leveraging relevant precedents, an appellate attorney can provide valuable insights and strategies for challenging a conviction or sentence. Their expertise increases the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome, whether it’s a reduced sentence, a new trial, or the complete reversal of the conviction.

Ways an Appeal Attorney Near Me Can Help:

Reviewing Trial Court Errors
An experienced appellate attorney can thoroughly examine the trial court proceedings to identify any legal or procedural mistakes that may have impacted the outcome of your case, ensuring your appeal is based on valid grounds.
Filing Appeal Documents
An appeal lawyer can assist with preparing and submitting all necessary legal documents, such as the notice of appeal, appellate brief, and supporting materials, ensuring your appeal follows proper legal procedures.
Challenging Convictions or Sentences
If you were convicted or sentenced unfairly, an appeal lawyer can help challenge the decision on various grounds, such as insufficient evidence, incorrect jury instructions, or violations of constitutional rights.
Handling Post-Conviction Relief
An appeal lawyer can guide you through the post-conviction relief process, including motions for a new trial or appeals based on new evidence or ineffective assistance of counsel during the original trial.
Negotiating Reduced Sentences
In some cases, an appellate attorney can negotiate with the court to reduce sentences or modify convictions, especially when there are mitigating factors or errors that impacted the sentencing phase.
Handling Complex Legal Research
An experienced appeal lawyer can conduct extensive legal research to uncover case law and precedents that support your appeal, providing a solid legal foundation for your case.
Appealing Administrative or Civil Cases
If you’re involved in an administrative or civil matter, an appeal lawyer can handle appeals related to government agency decisions, contract disputes, or workplace issues, helping you seek a fair resolution.
Explaining Appeal Procedures
The appeal process can be complicated, but an attorney will explain the procedures, timelines, and requirements involved in your specific case, ensuring you understand each step along the way.
Seeking Appellate Court Reviews
If you believe your case was wrongly decided by a trial court, an appeal attorney can file an appeal with a higher court, seeking a fresh review of your case and possibly overturning the original decision.
Providing Guidance on Appellate Strategy
An appellate attorney can help you craft a comprehensive strategy for your appeal, ensuring your arguments are presented effectively to maximize your chances of success in the appellate court.

How the Appellate Process Works in Wisconsin and Federal Courts

It is important to understand that an appeal is not a new trial and will not resemble one. There is no discovery process, no new evidence will be presented, and no new witnesses will testify. The applicable appellate court will review the decision of a lower court and determine whether a judicial error occurred.

You have limited time to file an appeal, so it is important to act quickly and immediately consult with a legal professional when a final decision or judgment has been rendered. For example, in Wisconsin state court, in most situations you will have between 45 and 90 days to initiate the appeals process once the court has made a decision.