Long Island Federal Criminal Appeals Lawyer

Federal Criminal Appeals Attorney in Long Island, NY

Just because you’ve had a federal conviction does not mean your case is over. If any legal errors occurred during your case proceedings, trial, or sentencing, hiring a Long Island federal criminal appeals lawyer may be an opportunity to challenge the outcome of your case. At the Law Office of Jonathan Savella, our skilled legal team can walk you through the highly technical federal appeals process, pushing for optimal case outcomes.

A Long Island federal criminal appeals lawyer from our team has rigorous experience with legal standards and procedures. We also know how federal courts evaluate decisions at the lower court levels.

Appellate courts don’t hear any new testimony or evidence. Instead, they look at how sentencing errors, legal mistakes, or constitutional violations may have impacted fairness in original proceedings. That’s where our careful legal analysis comes in.

Understanding Federal Criminal Appeals on Long Island

Federal criminal cases that originate on Long Island typically get tried in the Eastern District of New York, with appeals being heard by the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. These courts are applying intricate legal standards, with only specific issues being raised on appeal. Therefore, being able to identify a viable argument calls for an intensive review of court filings, transcripts, jury instructions, and sentencing decisions.

An appeal can involve a claim of:

• Misapplication of federal sentencing guidelines
• Misconduct on behalf of the prosecution
• Ineffective assistance of counsel
• Improper admission of evidence

Depending on the case, even a small legal error can serve as the basis for a new trial, reduced sentencing, or even a reversed conviction.

The appeals process can take several months or even years, depending on the district and its caseload. An attorney can review relevant deadlines to make sure your case stays on track.

Why Federal Appeals Matter in the Long Island Community

The population of Long Island is highly educated and economically diverse, with 44.3% of residents aged 25 and above having a bachelor’s degree or higher. This reflects a community that is deeply engaged in professional, financial, and regulated industries, which, as a result, can lead to complex legal and regulatory issues at the federal level.

Economic pressures remain significant at the same time, with approximately 166,000 Long Islanders living below the national poverty line. This highlights just how devastating a federal conviction or excessive sentence can be for a community member and their family. For those affected, successful appeals can be a lifeline to restore stability and opportunity.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office received $3.2 million in aid to support the investigation and prosecution of serious felony perpetrators from New York State in 2025. This shows just how many resources are behind pursuing and defending convictions. When prosecutors have so much power, appellate advocacy becomes an invaluable tool to fight back against legal overreach.

FAQs

What Is a Federal Criminal Appeal and How Is It Different From a Trial?

A federal criminal appeal typically does not include bringing forward any new witnesses or a retrial. On the other hand, it requires looking at whether there were any legal errors that happened during the initial trial, plea, or sentencing that had an impact on the final outcome. After a conviction in federal court in Long Island, appeals are usually heard by the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

How Long Do I Have to File a Federal Criminal Appeal in New York?

How long you have to file a federal criminal appeal in New York is typically 14 days after the judgment. This is a general rule for the majority of federal criminal cases. Individuals who miss this deadline forfeit their right to appeal. Due to these strict federal appellate timelines, it is critical to consult with an appeals lawyer as soon as a sentence occurs. Your attorney can help you understand the specific deadline applicable to your case.

What Types of Errors Can Be Raised in a Federal Criminal Appeal?

These types of errors that can be raised in a federal criminal appeal include:

• Violations of constitutional rights
• Misconduct on behalf of the prosecution
• Improper jury instructions
• Sentences that go against federal guidelines
• Evidentiary rulings
• False application of federal legislation

In order to identify viable issues, the appeal process calls for diligent review of original trial transcripts.

Can I Appeal a Federal Sentence Even If I Pleaded Guilty?

Yes, it is possible to appeal a federal sentence, even if you pleaded guilty. Pleading guilty can limit some of your options. However, a defendant may still be able to appeal based on a violation of a plea agreement, unlawful enhancements, miscalculations of sentencing guidelines, and errors in sentencing. In some types of cases, a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel can also be brought forward post-conviction.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer Who Focuses on Federal Criminal Appeals?

You should consider hiring a lawyer who focuses on federal criminal appeal cases, as they require different skills than at the state or federal level. Look for an attorney who is familiar with appellate standards of review, knows how to write persuasive briefs, and has advanced legal research skills. A lawyer who has significant federal appeals experience has an intricate understanding of how appellate judges consider legal arguments.

Hire a Federal Criminal Appeals Lawyer Before Your Deadline Arrives

Federal appellate deadlines are unforgiving. Therefore, your notice of appeal must be filed right away, as missing your deadline can permanently bar you from review. When you act right away, you allow counsel to preserve your appellate rights and get started with the rigorous analysis needed to construct a persuasive appeal.

Just because you have been convicted on federal charges does not mean your story is over. If you believe that legal errors could have impacted your case outcome or sentencing, appellate review may be a viable option for you.

Don’t hesitate. Contact a Long Island federal criminal appeals lawyer from the Law Office of Jonathan Savella right away. During your confidential consultation, we can help you understand whether an appeal could be a path forward.