Appellate Laws

Trusted Appellate Attorney for Nevada

A passion for helping people get justice has naturally led Harris Nevada Law into appellate cases, where founding member Heather Harris excels. If you feel there was an error in your trial, please contact us as soon as possible. There are strict timelines on appeals processes.

What Does an Appellate Attorney Do?

An appellate attorney represents a client in a higher court after an unsatisfactory ruling from a lower court.

In order to successfully argue an appeal, appellate attorneys:

  • Review trial records for errors
  • Develop a strategy for framing an appeals argument
  • Research and analyze relevant case laws
  • Prepare the appellate brief and other documents
  • File a notice of appeal
  • Argue the case in appellate course, if necessary

The state of Nevada has a large body of rules concerning appellate procedures. An experienced appeals attorney is familiar with the system and can make sure your appeal goes as smoothly as possible.

When will an appellate court agree to hear an appeal?

Appellate courts are free to decide which cases they will or will not hear. Appeals cases are about determining if there was an error in the lower court, so judges will generally only hear cases if the notice of appeal shows:

  • Legal error, such as incorrect instructions to the jury or misconduct in court
  • Violation of the appellant’s rights
  • Insufficient evidence to support the trial court’s verdict
  • Bias from the judge or jury

How Does an Appeal Work?

There are specific guidelines to the appeals process.

  • Review the case and file a notice of appeal

    An appellate attorney can help determine if you have a basis for appeal and file the notice. A notice of appeal must be filed and served to all parties within 30 days from the written notice of entry of the judgment in the State of Nevada. There are fees required for filing, which must also be paid at this time.

  • Attend a settlement conference

    In some cases, the appellate court may recommend a settlement conference. If so, you must comply with the recommendation to move the appeal forward.

  • Order transcripts

    or file a certificate that no transcripts are needed, if proceedings were not recorded. The State of Nevada requires requests for transcripts within 14 days.

  • File a Docketing Statement

    with all the necessary forms, and serve to all parties within 21 days.

  • Wait for a decision or hearing date

    Many appellate decisions are based solely on documentation with no additional court appearances. If a hearing date is set, make sure you have an attorney, as time frames for oral arguments are very limited.

Depending on the case, you may also need to file a Motion to Stay in the district court. Filing an appeal does not halt the underlying order from going into effect, but a Motion to Stay can pause those orders while your appeal is in process.

Honest Appellate Lawyers: How Harris Nevada Law Can Help

Heather Harris has been nationally recognized for her outstanding work as an appellate lawyer and has successfully argued multiple post-trial cases before the Nevada Supreme Court and the Nevada Court of Appeals.

“The unfortunate reality is the Trial Court does not always get it right,” Harris explains. “When that happens, I am even more motivated to overcome these legal hurdles and ensure justice for my clients.”

Schedule an Appeals Consultation

Harris Nevada Law is currently accepting appeals cases on flat fee or contingency bases. Timelines for filing appeals are strict, so please contact us as soon as possible.

Appellate Law Success

  • Step 1

    Master Legal Precedent

    Thoroughly analyze relevant case law, understand its implications, and strategically apply it to strengthen arguments.

  • Step 2

    Craft Persuasive Briefs

    Write clear, concise briefs that focus on key issues, using strong arguments supported by compelling evidence.

    Step 2

  • Step 3

    Deliver Compelling Arguments

    Present concise, well-structured arguments that directly address the court’s concerns, engaging the judges effectively.

Appellate Law FAQs

Appellate law is a legal process in which a higher court reviews the procedures and decisions of a lower court to determine if any legal errors were made that would impact the decision of the lower court.

An appeals court will reverse the decision of a lower court if it determines that a legal error led to an incorrect judgment or if the lower court’s findings were “clearly erroneous.”

The State of Nevada does not require an appellant attorney, but the Supreme Court of Nevada recommends representation from a licensed Nevada attorney for appeals cases.

When an appeals court vacates a sentence, it means that the higher court has voided the decision of the lower court. That initial decision is removed from the record as though it never existed.

An appeals court, or appellate court, is a body of judges that reviews proceedings and decisions of trial courts. Appeals courts do not hold new trials or investigate claims, they only serve to determine if the trial held in a lower court is legally valid. In the State of Nevada, the Supreme Court of Nevada reviews most appeals, but may recommend a case to the Nevada Court of Appeals.

Talk to a Nevada Appeals Lawyer Today

Appealing a trial court decision is a complex process. In many cases, oral arguments are not allowed, and decisions are made solely on documentation and paperwork.

If you want to appeal a decision from a trial court in Nevada, it’s not worth the risk of trying to do it yourself. Talk to an appeals lawyer who can help you through the process.

Harris Nevada Law is a leading firm in appellant law. We have won appeals before the Nevada Supreme Court before, and we can give you the best possible guidance and advice.