Video: Understanding the Direct Appeal Process in Wisconsin

Watch this video to gain a better understanding of the direct appeal process in Wisconsin.

Video Transcript:

“If you want to appeal your criminal conviction in Wisconsin, you have the absolute right to what’s called the direct appeal. And you have 20 days to initiate that process from the date of conviction.

Direct Appeal is where you appeal directly to the court of appeals, which means you don’t do anything further in the Trial Court after a conviction, but you go directly to the Court of Appeals.

You start the process to appeal by notifying your attorney.

At the sentencing hearing you will fill out a form, you should get a form that says, “Notice of Intent to Pursue Post-Conviction Relief.” And that’s a form where it advises you that you have 20 days to file that necessary paperwork to initiate the process. You have to let your attorney know that. And in a direct appeal, everything is done in written format, written arguments, called legal briefs which are submitted to the court of appeals then the state has an opportunity to respond, the defendant—appellant—then has a right to reply, it’s submitted to the court for a written decision.

These are complicated legal matters so you really don’t want to be filing legal briefs on your own, in my opinion, because if you don’t properly raise certain issues or if they aren’t properly raised in the trial court, you waive or give them up. So, you really, it’s a risky thing to try to do it on your own.”

-Attorney Pat Stangl 

How To Appeal a Criminal Conviction in Wisconsin

If you’re interested in appealing your criminal case, you'll want to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney with a record of success.

Look for an attorney who offers a complimentary consultation, to help ensure you find your best match for defense.

FREE 10-Minute Consultation

Wisconsin Attorney Pat Stangl, specializing in criminal defense and appeals, is happy to offer a FREE 10-minute consultation to discuss your case, exploring your options for appeal. To start this process, simply click the link below to take the first step to appeal your conviction in Wisconsin.