
Are There Any Time Limits for Filing a Criminal Appeal?
Losing a criminal trial can be devastating, but the defendant may have the right to appeal the decision in certain situations. Although being found guilty is not, by itself, enough to sustain an appeal, procedural errors and other violations of the defendant’s due process and constitutional rights could justify appealing. However,...

Can an EEOC Decision Be Appealed?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a government agency whose purpose is to enforce federal laws against employment discrimination. The EEOC has the authority to investigate claims of workplace discrimination and make decisions that can substantially impact the rights of employees. Workers naturally want to know whether...

Types of Civil Rights Violations That Can Be Appealed
State and federal appellate courts have jurisdiction over a number of matters that involve individuals’ civil rights. These cases affect some of the most important protections and liberties that Americans enjoy and have fought to secure for generations. They also bring into focus the sometimes contentious relationship between people and the government....

Can New Evidence Be Introduced During a Criminal Appeal?
As a general rule, new evidence cannot be introduced during a criminal appeal. The appellate court must weigh whatever evidence is already in the record on appeal and decide accordingly. However, there are exceptions, and new evidence can influence the outcome of your appeal. Understanding how this happens will help you better...

Utilizing Expert Witnesses in Intellectual Property Appeals
Appealing an intellectual property case is a delicate process that takes time and attention to detail. Presenting the best case on appeal, regardless of whether you are the appellant or appellee, begins at the trial level. It is at this stage that a party needs to focus on making the strongest...

Seventh Circuit Win in RICO Conspiracy Appeal
This week, an appellate opinion was issued by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in United States v. Watkins, et al., Case No. 20-2048. I represented the Appellant Lloyd Dotson in this appeal of a jury trial finding of guilt against Mr. Dotson and a dozen other defendants for RICO violations. One of...

What to Expect From the Appellate Process in Intellectual Property Disputes
Parties who believe that a legal, factual, or procedural error took place during their intellectual property trials have the right to appeal. These cases are usually federal in nature and must follow a series of steps while meeting the requirements necessary for an appeal. Regardless of whether you are the...

Navigating the Appellate Process in Civil Rights Cases
Civil rights litigation can be highly complex. When the outcome of a trial does not seem to reflect the rights and protections the law guarantees you, filing an appeal can be a critical step in your pursuit of justice. For this reason, it’s imperative to understand the appellate process and what...

What Are the Grounds for an Appeal in Federal Courts?
In the nuanced and complex landscape of federal litigation, understanding the grounds upon which you can pursue an appeal is critical. Whether it’s a civil or criminal case, finding a legitimate basis for appeal is critical so an appellate court can take a second look at your case. Appellate courts can’t re-try...

The Slew of Schedule A Cases in the Northern District of Illinois
A cursory glance at the daily calendar in the Northern District of Illinois reveals a recurring theme: "Schedule A" cases. Such matters are prevalent in the district court judges' court calls. In fact, the Northern District of Illinois is by far the most popular court for filing Schedule A patent infringement cases. These matters get...