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I have been representing people facing drug charges, both in the federal courts and in Missouri and Illinois courts, since 1991.

All of those terms are defined by statute, in the case law, and also in jury instructions. Generally speaking, these definitions are uniform between federal and state.

If you were convicted and sentenced to prison after a jury trial, then you have the option of filing a direct appeal. That means that you can challenge the conviction after you are found guilty and sentenced.

The penalties and alternatives to sentencing are quite diverse. The federal system does not, as I said, have as many misdemeanors and the penalties in the federal system are, as a general rule

The issues that can be raised in a direct appeal are primarily limited to what is called trial court error. Specifically, issues that can be raised include

Yes, I can handle your appeal. I have filed numerous appeals in the Missouri court of appeals and in the federal courts of appeal.

After sentencing in federal court, a defendant has 14 calendar days to file a notice of appeal. The notice of appeal is filed in the trial court. The filing fee is $505. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can file as a poor person.

Prior to law school, I worked as a secretary at a law firm. The lawyers at the firm practiced personal injury law, and I was very interested in the work that they were doing.

Each state has its own unique postconviction proceedings. When hiring a post-conviction lawyer, it is important that he or she is familiar with the procedures for the state in which you were convicted.

When looking to hire a criminal defense attorney, you need to look for one who is going to be open to you and willing to look at your case with fresh eyes.