Michigan Appeals
Wrongly decided
in Michigan.
The Michigan Court of Appeals reviews the record for error. We build the argument that the record supports.
A Michigan conviction or sentence can be challenged in the Court of Appeals, in the trial court through a motion for relief from judgment, and later in the Michigan Supreme Court or federal court. Each path has its own deadline, its own standard of review, and its own record. Missing one can permanently close the others.
Michigan Deadline Reality
The clock decides more cases than the merits do
Michigan's appellate rules reward precision and punish late filings. The Court of Appeals can dismiss an untimely claim of appeal outright, so the date on the judgment of sentence is the first thing we check.
Deadlines
Michigan filing windows
General timing only. Rules and case law change, and post-judgment motions can shift a date. Confirm against the current rules and the docket in your case before relying on any of these.
Claim of appeal (criminal)
Generally 42 days after the judgment of sentence
MCR 7.204
Application for leave to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court
Generally 56 days after the Court of Appeals decision
MCR 7.305
Motion for relief from judgment
No single fixed date, but delay and successive-motion limits apply
MCR 6.500–6.508
Federal habeas petition
One year from the final state judgment, with limited tolling
28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)
Where We Appear
The courts that decide Michigan cases
Michigan Court of Appeals
Three districts (Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids). Appeals of right from circuit court criminal judgments and many civil orders.
Michigan Supreme Court
Discretionary review by application for leave to appeal after the Court of Appeals decides.
U.S. District Court, E.D. & W.D. Mich.
Federal habeas review under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 after state remedies are exhausted.
What We Challenge
Issues we raise on appeal
- Errors in jury instructions or verdict forms
- Evidence admitted or excluded in violation of the constitution
- Prosecutorial misconduct, including suppressed favorable evidence
- Ineffective assistance of trial counsel under Strickland
- Sentencing errors, scoring disputes, and guidelines departures
- Newly discovered evidence and recanting witnesses
What Happens First
Three things we do before anything is filed
01
Fix the deadline
We pull the judgment and docket, confirm the entry date, and identify which Michigan window is actually open. If the window has closed, we say so plainly instead of filing something that cannot succeed.
02
Read the record
Transcripts, rulings, jury instructions, and the sentencing record are reviewed for preserved error. What was not preserved determines whether a post-conviction route is needed instead.
03
Price the work
You receive a written flat-fee quote and scope before the engagement begins, so the cost of the appeal is known while you are still deciding whether to pursue it.
Michigan Questions
Answers before you call
How long do I have to appeal a Michigan conviction?
For a criminal claim of appeal, the general rule is 42 days after the judgment of sentence under MCR 7.204. The rule is strict and the court can dismiss a late filing. Because the clock can be affected by post-judgment motions, we check the docket and the judgment before telling you a date.
What is a motion for relief from judgment?
It is Michigan's post-conviction vehicle under MCR 6.500–6.508, filed in the sentencing court. It is where claims that depend on facts outside the trial record are usually raised, including ineffective assistance of counsel and newly discovered evidence.
Can I appeal if I already pleaded guilty?
Often yes, though the available issues are narrower. A plea can be challenged on the validity of the plea itself, on jurisdictional defects, or through post-conviction relief. It requires a careful review of the plea transcript before anything is filed.
Do you handle cases outside your Troy office?
Yes. We appear in circuit courts and the Court of Appeals statewide, and most of the work is done remotely until argument. Hearings and arguments are attended in person.
Talk To An Appellate Lawyer
Find out where your Michigan case stands.
The initial review is free. Have the judgment, the docket number, and the date of sentencing ready if you can, and we will tell you what is still possible.