Driven by a passion for justice, founding member Heather Harris has made appellate law a cornerstone of Harris Nevada Law. If you believe your trial was compromised by errors, contact us immediately—appeal deadlines are strict and time-sensitive.
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.
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.
1. Master Legal Precedent
Thoroughly analyze relevant case law, understand its implications, and strategically apply it to strengthen arguments.
2. Craft Persuasive Briefs
Write clear, concise briefs that focus on key issues, using strong arguments supported by compelling evidence.
3. Deliver Compelling Arguments
Present concise, well-structured arguments that directly address the court’s concerns, engaging the judges effectively.
Thoroughly analyze relevant case law, understand its implications, and strategically apply it to strengthen arguments.
Write clear, concise briefs that focus on key issues, using strong arguments supported by compelling evidence.
Present concise, well-structured arguments that directly address the court’s concerns, engaging the judges effectively.
Appellate courts are free to decide which cases they will or will not hear. Appeals cases are about determining if there were an error in the lower court, so judges will generally only hear cases if the notice of appeal shows:
“I am proud that my past appellate cases have helped shape appellate law in Nevada. I always strive to bring my clients optimal results and make sure that justice has been served.”
Thoroughly analyze relevant case law, understand its implications, and strategically apply it to strengthen arguments.
Write clear, concise briefs that focus on key issues, using strong arguments supported by compelling evidence.
Present concise, well-structured arguments that directly address the court’s concerns, engaging the judges effectively.
4. File a Docketing Statement
all the necessary forms, and serve to all parties within 21 days.
5. 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.
There are specific guidelines to the appeals process.
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.
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.”
Harris Nevada Law is currently accepting appeals cases on a flat fee or contingency bases. Timelines for filing appeals are strict, so please contact us as soon as possible.
Appellate law governs the rules and procedures for appeals in civil and criminal cases.
What is appellate law?
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.
When might an appeals court reverse a decision?
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.”
Can I appeal without a lawyer?
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.
What does it mean when an appeals court vacates a sentence?
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.
What is an appeals court?
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.
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.