How Do You Appeal A Capital Punishment Verdict?
According to federal records, 37 percent of appeals of a capital punishment verdict are successful. This means that many people can actually be saved if lawyers act within a reasonable amount of time and file the appropriate papers. An appeal can be successful because it proves the innocence of the convict or simply because it shows that the punishment was too severe to fit the crime committed. Find out what the laws are in your state. A capital punishment verdict may qualify for an automatic appeal or you may have to initiate one directly. Each state also has a different office or court where the actual appeal is requested. Make sure you gather all the details before moving on to the next step. Find a criminal lawyer who specializes in capital punishment. Most states will not allow an appeal unless filed by a lawyer and only those specializing in this type of case will know the laws and exceptions that make the appeal possible. Contact the American Civil Liberties Union to find out if
