Civil and Criminal Appeals

Cases and controversies are initially decided before a trial court which is charged with the legal duty of making findings of fact and conclusions of law. Trial courts serve as finders of fact either through juries in jury trials, judges in non-jury bench trials or via an administrative law judge in administrative actions. During the course of litigation, a trial court makes a number of legal rulings based on motions presented by the parties and also regarding admissibility of evidence and in determining which jury instructions will be utilized by the jury in deciding a case. Such rulings and decisions of a trial court are critically important in determining the chances of success of competing parties in litigation. Often these rulings are reached in error where a judge abuses their discretion, fails to follow applicable binding legal precedent, exceeds their jurisdiction, or otherwise acts in a manner inconsistent with the applicable rules and laws.