Legal Question in Appeals and Writs in Florida

Criminal appeals

Best thing is to look for someone with experience.You can find attorneys in the yellow pages orthrough the local bar association. Depending onthe complexity of the case, the cost should run from $5,000 to the sky is the limit.

Cost of Criminal Appeal

You appear to be in HI or FL. You should consult a competent attorney in your state for actual legal advice.

I agree with the prior legal answer. The minimum charge is about $5,000. Since you do not indicate the complexity of the charge, the forum -- federal or state -- and the type of crime, length of trial or the transcript, it is impossible to give you any accurate information. A complex state based appeal with a private firm in FL should run between $5,000 and $20,000. Its all cash and all up front, unless you have property to secure some type of payment arraingment.

If you appeal is in HI, we may be able to direct you to an appropriate appellate attorney. However, they will charge in excess of $5,000 all cash up front.

Appeal cost and time limit warning

I have done a number of appeals in California. The cost hs run between $1,000 and $6,000 depending on how complex the issues are. You had better check on time limits. I don't know about your state but most states have short time limits in which to file.

Finding an appellate attorney

Search for appellate cases concerning the same crime as your friend was convicted of committing. Look at names of attorneys and whether the case was affirmed or reversed. You and your friend will have to do some reading. Call one or more attorneys and ask them for price. Prices do indeed vary. Some appellate attys will say appeals take 40-100 hours. Really depends upon complexity of case and tenaciousness or even cleverness or imagination or daring of the appellate atty to find an issue or spin that will work on appeal. That zeal may cause extra hours to be spent. You may be able to reduce cost if you chip in in assembling exhibits. Again depends on case. White-collar crime will perhaps have lots of exhibits, lots of motions, etc., but the normal run of the mill crim case will have almost zilch. In any case, see if there is any way you can pitch in to save time and cost of applt atty. Good luck!