Grand Rapids Criminal Appeals Attorney

Yes. Skinner Law Office handles criminal appeals originating from all Kent County courts, including the Kent County Circuit Court in Grand Rapids. Attorney Skinner reviews the trial record, identifies reversible legal errors, and files appellate briefs in the Michigan Court of Appeals on behalf of Grand Rapids-area defendants.

The Michigan Court of Appeals is Michigan's intermediate appellate court and the first stop for most criminal appeals. It has four districts and holds oral arguments in Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids. Kent County cases fall within the appellate court's Grand Rapids district, so appeals from Grand Rapids convictions are often heard locally at the Michigan Court of Appeals' Grand Rapids location.

In certain circumstances, yes. Even after a guilty plea, defendants may be able to appeal sentencing errors, challenge whether the plea was knowing and voluntary, or argue ineffective assistance of counsel in connection with the plea. The right to appeal after a guilty plea is more limited than after a trial verdict, but it is not entirely foreclosed. Contact Skinner Law Office to discuss what options are available given your specific plea agreement and sentence.

Failure to retain or present a qualified expert witness when one was necessary to contest the prosecution's evidence is a classic form of ineffective assistance of counsel. In Grand Rapids cases involving forensic evidence, medical testimony, or technical subjects, the failure to provide the jury with a qualified defense expert can be a powerful appellate argument. Attorney Skinner will evaluate whether this failure, combined with its prejudicial effect on the outcome, rises to the level of constitutional error.

Obtaining the trial court record is typically the responsibility of the appellate attorney once the appeal is initiated. When Attorney Skinner takes a Grand Rapids case, he will request the complete trial court record — including all transcripts, exhibits, motions, and rulings — from the Kent County Circuit Court. You do not need to gather these materials yourself before calling. Attorney Skinner can advise on what you should be assembling in the meantime during your initial consultation.