Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

appeal

I was found guilty of 4th degree assault with DV and I believe that I am innocent. I would like to appeal the decission but i do not know where to start. I have a public deffender but she is not helping me at all, so i would like to take this mater into my own hands instead of waiting on somebody that I feel does not have my best interest in mind. Please help with some direction so I can get my baring on the best way to deal with this situation.


Asked on 10/07/08, 3:47 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: appeal

You can appeal with your public defender free of cost. The problem with this is that the very system you feel did you wrong the first time is responsible for the appeal. However, hiring a private attorney is expensive, 5-10 thousand dollars. So, if you have the money you can hire a defense attorney to write and present your appeal. Contact me directly if you'd like further assistance.

At your service,

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Answered on 10/07/08, 5:01 pm
Jeffrey Bassett Jeffrey P. Bassett, Attorney

Re: appeal

Adding to Mr. White's post, please understand that you don't get to retry the case on appeal--i.e., no "do-over". The matter will only be reviewed to determine whether the trial court erred in matters of fact or law. If you do decide to hire private counsel, it's best to ensure they have prior appellate experience.

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Answered on 11/26/08, 6:55 pm


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