Practice areas / Appeals and post-conviction
725 ILCS 5/122 · 735 ILCS 5/2-1401 · 28 U.S.C. § 2255
Appeals and post-conviction relief
A conviction is not always the end. Errors at trial, an unlawful sentence, or a lawyer who did not do the job can be grounds to challenge a conviction or sentence. Deadlines are strict, so act quickly.
Deadlines that matter
| Filing | Court | Usual deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of appeal | Illinois | 30 days after judgment |
| Notice of appeal | Federal | 14 days after judgment |
| Motion under § 2255 | Federal | 1 year, in most cases |
| Post-conviction petition | Illinois | Depends on the case |
Deadlines can be extended or start later in some situations. Do not rely on this table for your own case. Call to confirm.
What we handle
- Direct appeals to the Illinois Appellate Court and the Seventh Circuit
- Petitions under the Illinois Post-Conviction Hearing Act
- Section 2-1401 petitions for relief from judgment
- Federal motions to vacate under 28 U.S.C. § 2255
- Claims of ineffective assistance of counsel
- Sentence reduction motions, including compassionate release
Questions
Can I raise new evidence on appeal?
Generally no. A direct appeal is decided on the trial record. New evidence is usually raised through a post-conviction petition, which is a separate proceeding.
My trial lawyer made mistakes. What can I do?
If your lawyer's performance fell below professional standards and it affected the outcome, that can be grounds for relief. We review the record and tell you honestly whether the claim is strong.