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Appeals Attorney in Columbus

Experienced Appellate Advocacy

When you need to challenge a trial court’s decision or preserve a favorable result, you need a seasoned appeals attorney in Columbus clients can trust. At Ted Morgan Law, our appellate practice is dedicated to serving clients throughout Columbus, Ohio, in civil and criminal appeals before the Ohio District Courts of Appeals, the Ohio Supreme Court, and federal appellate courts.

 If your trial ruling didn’t go in your favor, don’t wait. You have limited time— contact our Columbus appeals attorney now. Call (706) 622-6255.

What Is an Appeal and How the Columbus Appellate Process Works

An appeal is not a retrial. It is a legal proceeding where a higher court reviews whether legal or procedural errors occurred during your trial. In Ohio:

  • Ohio District Courts of Appeals serve as intermediate appellate courts. Columbus cases are heard by the Tenth District Court of Appeals, which generally resolves appeals as a panel of three judges
  • The Ohio Supreme Court may accept discretionary review of appellate decisions.
  • For federal cases, appeals proceed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Critical deadlines apply: generally a notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of the trial court’s decision. Missing this window can permanently forfeit your right to appeal.

At Ted Morgan Law, we provide comprehensive appellate services including:

  • Case‑file review and issue identification
  • Transcript evaluation
  • Legal research and persuasive brief writing
  • Oral argument preparation
  • Filing memoranda in support/opposition of jurisdiction before the Ohio Supreme Court

Why You Should Hire an Appeals Attorney in Columbus

Precision and Procedural Knowledge

Appellate procedure demands strict adherence to rules. Even a minor formatting error or a missed court rule can be fatal to your case.

Strategic Issue Identification

Not all trial errors justify an appeal. Our attorneys can recognize which legal errors—such as jury instruction mistakes, improper sentencing, violation of constitutional rights—carry appellate merit.

Persuasive Writing and Advocacy

An appellate brief must be clear, focused, and persuasive. We draw on expertise in effective appellate writing and oral argument delivery, shaped by years handling appeals before both state and federal courts.

Continuity and Targeted Strategy

Whether your case originated with us or another firm, we can step in seamlessly, reviewing what’s been done and pursuing the best outcome forward—including cross‑appeals or post‑conviction motions if appropriate.

If you believe your conviction was unjust, our appeals attorneys in Columbus are ready to review your case for potential grounds for appeal. Ted Morgan Law is committed to uncovering any legal errors or injustices that may have occurred during the original trial, working tirelessly to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Our process involves a comprehensive review of trial documents, evidence, and legal procedures to identify mistakes or oversights. With our understanding of the appeals process, we strive to ensure that your case receives the attention and detail it warrants, offering you renewed hope and potential for a reversal or reduction of your sentence.

Engaging in the appeals process is not merely about identifying the flaws in the original trial; it is about presenting these issues compellingly and persuasively to a higher court. Our attorneys use their in-depth knowledge of both state and federal appellate procedures to craft appeals that are not only technically sound but strategically crafted to address errors that impacted the fairness of the original proceedings. This meticulous approach emphasizes our commitment to rectifying injustices you may have faced.

Practice Areas – Civil and Criminal Appeals

Civil Appeals

We handle appeals in business disputes, insurance denial cases, tort wrongs, contract disagreements, personal injury verdicts, and administrative law matters. Clients require appellate advocacy when trial outcomes are unfair, damages are misapplied, or procedural errors exist. Our appellate litigation team has experience briefing issues across:

  • Ohio state courts (courts of appeals and Supreme Court)
  • Sixth Circuit and federal appellate review
  • Extraordinary writs (mandamus, prohibition, procedendo) and amicus briefs

Criminal Appeals

If you’ve been convicted in Ohio state or federal court and believe legal errors affected your outcome, our team can pursue:

  • Discretionary appeals
  • Post‑conviction relief (habeas corpus, delayed appeals)
  • Motions for new trial or judicial release
  • Sentence‑related appeals and cross‑appeals

You may also want to explore our broader Criminal Defense or Commercial Litigation pages to see how our trial practice helps preserve issues for appellate review.

Time is critical in appeals. Contact Ted Morgan Law today for a prompt evaluation of your appellate options. Call (706) 622-6255 now and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is an Appeal Different From a Trial?

Unlike a trial, an appeal does not involve a jury or witnesses. The focus is on identifying and arguing legal errors rather than re‑litigating facts. The appellate court reviews the record from the trial court to determine if the law was applied correctly. The outcome can include affirming the trial court’s decision, reversing it, modifying it, or sending it back to the lower court for further action.

How Much Time Do I Have to File an Appeal in Ohio?

In most Ohio cases, you have 30 days from the entry of the final judgment to file a notice of appeal in the appropriate court. This deadline is strict; missing it typically means losing your right to appeal entirely. Certain criminal appeals and post‑conviction remedies have different timelines, so consulting an attorney immediately is critical to preserving your rights.

Can I Introduce New Evidence During an Appeal?

Generally, no. Appeals are confined to the record from the trial court. New evidence is typically only allowed in very limited circumstances, such as when seeking a new trial based on newly discovered evidence or in specific post‑conviction relief proceedings. An appellate lawyer can advise whether your situation qualifies for any exceptions.

Can I Appeal If I Pled Guilty?

In some cases, yes. While pleading guilty waives certain rights, you may still appeal sentencing errors, jurisdictional issues, or argue that the plea was not entered knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently. Post‑conviction relief petitions may also be available depending on the circumstances.

Don’t let errors in your trial go unaddressed. Reach out to a trusted appeal attorney in Columbus. Call (706) 622-6255 or contact us online to start your appeal today.

Our Reviews

Trusted by Clients in Their Most Critical Moments
    The Law Firm shows that they truly care about who they represent and are willing to the extra mile.
    “Ted Morgan's law firm was very user friendly during the entire process. It was a new experience dealing with a law firm and I was very impressed with the time taken to explain the process and assist with every step until the completion of my case. The Law Firm is in a great location inside an excellent facility in downtown Columbus, GA. Mr. Morgan was recommended by a friend to assist me with my legal process, and I have since referred Ted Morgan's law firm to two fellow co-workers for legal assistance. The Law Firm shows that they truly care about who they represent and are willing to the extra mile.”
    - Nay
    He did a FANTASTIC job and got me the outcome that I couldn't be happier with!
    “I used Ted Morgan to handle a case. He did a FANTASTIC job and got me the outcome that I couldn't be happier with! He was very persistent and took my case very personal. His assistant was very informative as well and keep me posted throughout the course of the case.”
    - Zack
    I felt supported during the event and was very pleased with the final outcome.
    “Anytime one goes through legal issues involving a court appearance, it's always wise to engage with someone who knows the law and can advise on options and how to prepare for the best possible outcome. My experience with Ted Morgan was extremely positive. He can be trusted, and exudes confidence in his abilities to help. He is a good listener and he questions to understand so that he can provide direction and guidance in terms of the approach that will leverage the best possible outcome. I felt supported during the event and was very pleased with the final outcome.”
    - Former Client
    A man of his word and no nonsense about getting the job done.
    “Ted (as he asked to be called) immediately made me comfortable from the initial consult. A man of his word and no nonsense about getting the job done. Highly recommend, professional, honest and always puts his client first.”
    - Alan
    He was the most prepared attorney, and it showed.
    “Ted assisted my wife and me with litigation that took over 7 years to finalize. When our first attorney had a conflict arise, Ted immediately developed a strategy and consulted with us on how we should proceed. Throughout the process Ted and his assistant kept us "in the loop" as to what was happening and our next steps.

    Ted was able to offer the direct contact that only a smaller, experienced firm can offer. We had several meetings at our home and even on a few weekends to make sure we were adequately prepared for our hearing. We attribute our final success (even after appeal by the other side) to Ted's tenacity and research of case law. He was the most prepared attorney, and it showed.

    The professionalism of the firm also extended to his legal assistant. She was organized and prepared and definitely part of the legal team. I would recommend Ted without hesitation to anyone needing legal guidance.”
    - Ryan
    I would recommend Ted to anyone going through this process.

    Ted kept me continuously in the know of what options were available to me during my case. He was understanding to circumstances that come up which can postpone trial dates and agreeable outcomes and because of this, we were able to effectively work in our favor the desirable outcome that met all parties' time frames. He is very knowledgeable in the tangibles of the law relating to DUI less safe and what should and should not be conducted at specific points in time. It is this experience that lends itself to success. I would recommend Ted to anyone going through this process.”
    - Brian
    Very competent, accessible & professional.
    “Very competent, accessible & professional. He will challenge case on your behalf with best of his ability, does not waste time and unnecessary resources. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a good attorney.”
    - Rinkesh
    I had a great experience with this firm.
    “I had a great experience with this firm. I was always kept in the loop about what was going on with my case. Any questions I had were answered in a timely manner . Ted and his assistant Michelle were both a pleasure to work with. Oh and more importantly we won my case. I highly recommend this firm.”
    - Brittany
An Attorney Who Cares
For more than 30 years Ted Morgan has helped thousands of clients with their legal troubles. His client-first approach enables him to understand your unique situation and ensures he skillfully fights for the best possible result for your case.

Why Choose Ted Morgan Law?

  • Over 30+ Years of Experience
    There's no substitution for experience. With Attorney Ted Morgan on your side, you can be confident you're in the best hands.
  • Zoom Appointments Available
    Unable to make it into the office? No problem. With Zoom appointments, we make meeting with an attorney easy.
  • Strong Reputation in the Legal Community
    Attorney Ted Morgan is respected not only by his peers, but by key people within the legal system.
  • Hands-on Approach to Your Case
    At Ted Morgan Law, your case will receive the attention and personalization it deserves by an attorney who truly has your best interest at heart.