Criminal Appeals
- Direct appeals from criminal convictions
- Post-conviction relief and habeas corpus
- Sentencing appeals
- Fourth Circuit criminal appeals
- Virginia Court of Appeals and Virginia Supreme Court
- Federal district court appeals
Appeals
Appeals
Appellate Advocacy in Virginia and the Fourth Circuit
When the trial court gets it wrong, we take it further.
Our Approach
Our Appeals Practice
An unfavorable verdict or ruling is not necessarily the end of the road. The appellate process exists to correct legal errors — and experienced appellate counsel can make the difference between a reversed judgment and a permanent one.
Greenberg Costle & Bradley handles criminal and civil appeals at every level of the Virginia court system and in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Our attorneys have argued before the Virginia Court of Appeals, the Virginia Supreme Court, and the Fourth Circuit — bringing the same trial-ready preparation and strategic discipline to the appellate process that we bring to every matter.
What We Handle
Appeals Services
Civil Appeals
- Appeals from civil judgments and orders
- Interlocutory appeals
- Injunction and preliminary relief appeals
- Fourth Circuit civil appeals
- Virginia Court of Appeals civil matters
- Post-trial motions and renewed motions for judgment
Our Philosophy
Quality Over Volume
Effective appellate advocacy requires a different skill set than trial work. We identify the strongest issues on appeal, craft persuasive written briefs, and present focused oral arguments that give our clients the best opportunity to prevail.
Every client who retains Greenberg Costle & Bradley works directly with a named partner. We do not hand cases off to junior associates. We do not process volume. We focus on the cases that matter — and we give them the attention they deserve.
Why Choose Us
Why Greenberg Costle & Bradley?
✓ Experience arguing before the Virginia Court of Appeals, Virginia Supreme Court, and Fourth Circuit
✓ Strong appellate writing — persuasive briefs grounded in the record
✓ Strategic issue selection to maximize the chances of reversal
✓ Direct partner involvement throughout the appellate process
✓ Honest assessment of appellate prospects before you commit to an appeal
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a notice of appeal in Virginia?
In Virginia criminal cases, a notice of appeal must generally be filed within 30 days of the final order. In civil cases, the deadline is also typically 30 days. Missing the deadline can forfeit your right to appeal, so it is critical to consult with appellate counsel promptly after an adverse ruling.
What issues can be raised on appeal?
Appeals are generally limited to legal errors that were preserved at the trial level — meaning they were raised and ruled on by the trial court. Factual findings are given deference on appeal. The strongest appeals identify clear legal errors: improper jury instructions, erroneous evidentiary rulings, constitutional violations, or insufficient evidence as a matter of law.
Can GCB handle an appeal if they did not try the case?
Yes. We regularly handle appeals in cases tried by other counsel. In fact, fresh appellate counsel often has an advantage — we review the record without the assumptions that trial counsel may carry, and we are better positioned to identify the strongest issues objectively.
What is the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals?
The Fourth Circuit is the federal appellate court with jurisdiction over Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia. It hears appeals from the federal district courts in those states, including the Eastern District of Virginia. Our attorneys have argued before the Fourth Circuit in both criminal and civil matters.
Related Practice Areas
Ready to Speak with an Attorney?
Contact Greenberg Costle & Bradley today. Your consultation will be conducted by a named partner — not a paralegal or intake specialist.