Appeals Attorney in Corvallis

Experienced Guidance After A Difficult Court Decision

Receiving a criminal conviction, a harsh sentence, or a family court order you did not expect can leave you feeling frustrated and unsure what to do next. If you are considering an appeal, you may not know whether you have legal grounds or how much time you have to act. This is where our team at Jennifer I. Nash & Nicolas Ortiz, P.C. can help.

Our attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience in criminal defense and family law, and we regularly handle contested matters in Oregon courts. That trial background gives us a detailed understanding of how the record is created and how appellate judges evaluate alleged errors. We focus on clear, candid advice so you can decide whether pursuing an appeal is the right step for you.

From our office in Corvallis, we review criminal and family cases from Benton County and surrounding areas. We work to guide you through the appellate process with professionalism and respect while keeping your goals at the center of our strategy.

Have questions about appealing a court decision? Contact a Corvallis appeals attorney by calling (541) 243-0678 or schedule a consultation online.

Why Work With Our Appeals Team

When you are evaluating an appeals lawyer in Corvallis, you are not only looking for legal knowledge. You want a team that understands what you have already been through in the trial court and can offer practical guidance about what comes next. Our firm is built around that type of representation.

With more than four decades of combined experience in criminal defense and family law, we have spent years examining police reports, motions, hearings, and trials. That history helps us identify potential appellate issues in the record, such as misapplied legal standards or rulings that might have affected the outcome. Our trial readiness also means we understand how decisions are made in real courtrooms, not just on paper.

We are committed to a client-centered approach. At the beginning of an appellate consultation, we ask you to describe what you hope to change and what you need most from the process. We then explain the options that may be available, including appeals and other post-judgment remedies, and we are honest about risks and possible outcomes. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision, not to push you into an appeal that does not match your objectives.

Every appeal is different, so we tailor our strategy to your situation. That can include narrowing the issues to the strongest arguments, focusing on the parts of the record that matter most, and presenting your concerns clearly in written briefs. Throughout the process, we work to keep you informed about deadlines, filings, and developments in your case so you are not left wondering what is happening.

Clients who come to our firm often tell us they appreciate the respect and focused attention they receive. We strive to treat every appellate matter with the seriousness it deserves, whether we are reviewing a prison sentence or a custody decision that affects your relationship with your children.

Understanding Appeals In Oregon Courts

Before you decide whether to move forward, it helps to know what an appeal can and cannot do. An appeal is not a new trial. Appellate judges typically review what happened in the trial court to determine whether there were legal errors or procedural problems that might have affected the result. They rely on the written record, which usually includes transcripts, exhibits, and filed documents.

For many criminal and family cases that begin in Benton County Circuit Court, the next level of review is the Oregon Court of Appeals. Some cases, particularly those that raise significant legal questions, may later be reviewed by the Oregon Supreme Court. Which court will hear your case depends on factors such as the type of judgment, the charges or claims involved, and whether the higher court agrees to take review.

Appeals focus on questions of law. For example, whether the trial judge used the correct legal standard, allowed or excluded evidence properly, or followed required procedures. Appellate courts generally do not hear new witnesses or consider new evidence. If you are hoping to present information that was not part of your case before, there may be other options, but a standard appeal may not be the right tool for that goal.

Timing is critical. In Oregon, notices of appeal typically must be filed within a short period after the judgment or order. The exact deadline depends on the type of case and the specific statute or rule that applies. Missing that deadline can severely limit your options, which is why speaking with an attorney promptly is so important.

Once a notice of appeal is filed, the record is usually prepared and transmitted to the appellate court. The parties then submit written briefs that explain their positions, cite legal authority, and refer to relevant parts of the record. In some cases, the court may schedule an oral argument, where attorneys answer questions from the judges and expand on key points. Ultimately, the appellate court will issue a written decision that may affirm, reverse, or modify the trial court’s ruling, or send the case back for further proceedings.

We know that this process can sound technical and intimidating. Part of our role is to translate these steps into clear terms, explain what to expect at each stage, and help you understand how the rules apply to your particular judgment or sentence.

Criminal & Family Appeals We Handle

Many of the people who contact our firm are dealing with serious criminal consequences. Others are facing family law decisions that affect parenting time, custody, or financial stability. We review both types of matters to see whether an appeal may be appropriate.

In criminal cases, clients often reach out after a conviction, a significant jail or prison sentence, or the imposition of strict probation conditions. Potential appellate issues can arise from rulings on motions to suppress evidence, jury instructions, sentencing decisions, or other legal questions that were disputed in the trial court. When we review a criminal file, we typically examine the charging documents, key motions, hearing and trial transcripts, and the final judgment to look for issues that might support an appeal.

In family law cases, the orders at stake often involve custody, parenting time schedules, relocation requests, or support obligations. Parents sometimes feel that important facts were overlooked or that the law was not applied correctly. While not every disagreement with a judge’s decision is a basis for appeal, there are situations where appellate review may be available, such as when a court relies on an incorrect legal standard or fails to make findings that the law requires.

Part of our work in these matters is to separate emotional reactions, which are understandable, from potential legal errors. We aim to be candid about that distinction, even when it is difficult to hear. If we believe that an appeal is unlikely to change the result, we explain our reasoning so you can decide whether to proceed or consider other options.

Examples of issues that may support an appeal include:

• Improper admission or exclusion of key evidence during trial or hearing
• An incorrect legal standard applied to a custody, sentencing, or evidentiary decision
• Failure to follow the required procedures that protect a party’s rights
• Insufficient findings or explanation where the law requires more detail
• Rulings that conflict with controlling Oregon statutes or appellate decisions

These are only illustrations. Whether similar issues exist in your case depends on the specific record. Our role is to examine that record carefully and discuss with you whether those potential errors justify the costs and time involved in a formal appeal.

What To Do After An Unfavorable Ruling

Learning that a judge has ruled against you can be upsetting, but the steps you take next can influence your options. The most important thing is to pay attention to timing. Oregon appeal deadlines are strict, and once they pass, it can be very difficult or impossible to pursue review.

You do not need to understand every rule before you reach out for help. However, some practical actions can make it easier for our team to evaluate your situation and protect your rights. We can then help you decide whether appealing the decision, seeking reconsideration, or exploring another path fits your goals.

If you are considering an appeal, it can help to:

• Write down the date you received the judgment or final order
• Gather key documents such as the judgment, sentencing entry, or parenting plan
• Keep any correspondence from the court or your prior attorney
• Avoid contacting the opposing party directly about changing the order
• Schedule a consultation with an appellate lawyer promptly to review your options

We understand that you may be disappointed with how your case was handled before. As part of an appellate consultation, we can review what happened, listen to your concerns, and give you a straightforward assessment. Even if an appeal is not the best route, having clear information can provide some peace of mind and help you plan your next steps.

How Our Corvallis Firm Handles Appeals

When you contact our office in Corvallis about a possible appeal, our priority is to understand your situation. During an initial consultation, we typically review the judgment or order, ask about the key hearings or trial dates, and talk with you about what you hope to accomplish. We also discuss timing so you know how soon decisions need to be made.

If you choose to move forward with us, we then obtain and study the relevant parts of the trial court record. That can include transcripts, exhibits, and written motions. Our attorneys analyze the record for potential legal issues and research the statutes and appellate decisions that might apply. We aim to focus on the strongest points, since effective appellate advocacy often means choosing the most persuasive issues rather than raising every possible argument.

We prepare written briefs that explain the legal errors we are challenging, refer to specific parts of the record, and present our position clearly to the appellate judges. If the court schedules oral argument, we appear on your behalf and answer the panel’s questions about the case. Throughout, we keep you updated on significant milestones, such as briefing schedules, hearing dates, and decisions.

Communication is central to our approach. We work to respond to your questions, explain what each new development means, and revisit your goals as the case moves forward. Our attorneys strive to be realistic about potential outcomes, whether that involves affirmance, reversal, or a remand for further proceedings. We find that clients value straightforward discussions, even when the answers are complex.

If you are ready to have your judgment, sentence, or family order reviewed, our appeals attorney Corvallis team can walk you through your options. You do not have to navigate the appellate courts alone. We are here to provide structure, legal analysis, and support as you decide how to move ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do I have to file an appeal?

Appeal deadlines in Oregon are short and depend on the type of case and judgment. In many criminal and family matters, the time limit is measured in days, not months. It is important to speak with an attorney quickly so your specific deadline can be identified and protected.

Can you tell me if my case has appeal grounds?

We can review your judgment and key parts of the record to look for potential legal errors. Not every disappointing result has grounds for appeal, so we focus on whether the law may have been applied incorrectly. After our review, we explain our assessment and discuss your options with you.

Do I have to use the same lawyer for my appeal?

No, you are generally not required to keep the same lawyer for an appeal. Many people choose different counsel for appellate work so they can gain a fresh perspective. Our firm can evaluate your case even if another attorney handled your trial or prior hearings.

What can a criminal or family appeal change?

An appeal can sometimes lead to affirmance, reversal, modification, or a remand for further proceedings. Appellate courts usually review legal questions, not new evidence. The possible outcomes depend on the issues raised and the record. We will discuss realistic possibilities for your specific case before you decide to proceed.

How do you charge for handling an appeal?

Appellate representation is typically handled through a fee structure that reflects the work required to review the record and prepare briefs. During your consultation, we explain our anticipated fees and what they cover. Our goal is to provide clear information about costs so you can plan and decide whether to move forward.

Talk With Our Team About Your Appeal

Deciding whether to appeal a criminal judgment or a family court order is an important choice. You deserve clear information about your options and a thoughtful review of what happened in your case. Our attorneys at Jennifer I. Nash & Nicolas Ortiz, P.C. are available to listen, answer your questions, and discuss options that may align with your goals.

From our office in Corvallis, we assist clients who are navigating the Oregon appellate system and seeking a careful second look at their court decisions. If you are unsure where to start, a conversation with our team can provide direction and help you understand both the possibilities and the limits of an appeal.

Speak with a Corvallis appeals attorney today to review your case and explore your options. Call (541) 243-0678 or schedule a consultation online.