Can I file an appeal of my DUI conviction?

Posted on February 7, 2022

The California appellate process is somewhat limited and deals with specific legal issues. You can generally appeal your DUI case provided that it involves one of these “appeal-worthy” issues. It is important to understand the California appellate process to ensure an issue warrants an appeal.

1. When can a person appeal a DUI?

Before you can appreciate how to appeal a California criminal conviction, you must evaluate whether you should file an appeal. Disappointment in the case’s outcome or a personal belief that California’s DUI laws are too harsh are not appropriate grounds for appealing a California conviction. However, police misconduct, unethical prosecution, a biased jury, and/or incorrect legal rulings are.

2. How can an appeals lawyer help?

If you believe you may have been the victim of an unjust conviction, you should meet with a California appeals lawyer. He/she will review your case and explain exactly how to appeal your California criminal conviction.

He/she will explain the types of rules that regulate appeals, the types of written and oral arguments he/she will present, and all possible outcomes.

While it is possible for you to represent yourself during the appeals process, know that you will be held to the exact same technical and complex standards as a licensed attorney.

This means that unless you master the rules that govern how to appeal a California criminal conviction, you will surely be doing yourself a disservice.