Appeals

Following an unsuccessful result in court, the options available to appeal that result will depend on which court decided the case. In Virginia state court, when a General District Court makes a decision in a civil or criminal case, there exists an absolute right to appeal the court’s decision to a Virginia Circuit Court. A new trial in the Circuit Court will include the right to a trial by jury. For cases decided by a Virginia Circuit Court, an opportunity to appeal the decision will rest with either the Virginia Court of Appeals or the Virginia Supreme Court. Whether an appeal should be made to either or both courts will depend on the nature of the case.

Similarly, in the Federal system, various Federal rules and statutes define when an appeal can be made from a case originating in a Federal court and to what court the appeal must be noted.

Consultation with experienced attorneys provides necessary guidance regarding whether an appeal is appropriate and how to use the appellate process to attempt to obtain a better result. Appellate advocacy begins by assuring the proper protection of the trial court record to ensure that an appeal has the best possibility for success. Our attorneys have significant experience in appellate advocacy, making innovative and fully-researched arguments on behalf of our clients.

  • Virginia Supreme Court
  • Virginia Court of Appeals
  • Virginia Circuit Court
  • Virginia General District Court
  • Administrative Appeals
  • Federal Courts of Appeal