Criminal Appeals

After a criminal, the path forward can feel daunting. In Washington, however, the law provides an opportunity to challenge those outcomes through the appellate process. At Findley-Wolf Law, attorneys Natalie Findley-Wolf and Samuel J. Wolf represent individuals and families throughout King County and across the state who are seeking justice after conviction. Whether the issue involves an unfair trial, an excessive sentence, or ineffective assistance of trial counsel, our firm brings careful analysis, persuasive advocacy, and creative lawyering to every appeal.

Appellate work is distinct from trial litigation. It requires extensive knowledge of the law and the ability to distill complex legal and factual issues into concise written and oral arguments. Our King County criminal appellate attorneys understand that an appeal is about using the law to cast doubt on the fairness, accuracy and reliability of a conviction. We work to uncover those errors, present them clearly to the appellate court, and pursue the relief our clients deserve.

The Washington Appellate Framework

Washington has a structured system for reviewing criminal cases called ‘direct appeals.’ Direct appeals are heard by one of the three divisions of the Washington Court of Appeals, while cases involving broader constitutional questions may sometimes be reviewed by the Washington Supreme Court. These courts do not retry witnesses or examine new evidence. Instead, they evaluate whether the law was correctly applied and whether the legal process in the court below was fair.

Filing an appeal requires strict adherence to procedural rules. A notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days after sentencing, and the trial court record must be carefully assembled. That record includes transcripts, motions, rulings, and exhibits. Each document becomes part of the foundation upon which the appeal is built. Our firm ensures that every filing is timely, complete, and compliant with Washington’s appellate rules. We understand that missed deadlines or incomplete records can jeopardize an entire case, so we act quickly and meticulously from the start.

The appellate process moves primarily through written submissions called briefs. The appellant’s brief identifies the legal or procedural errors, explains how they affected the outcome, and requests a specific remedy. The respondent’s brief, filed by the State, argues why the conviction or sentence should be upheld. Once both sides submit their briefs, the appellate court may request oral argument, giving the attorneys an opportunity to address questions and emphasize the strongest points of law.

Identifying Errors and Building the Appeal

The strength of an appeal begins with the record. Our attorneys review every page of transcripts, every exhibit, and each ruling to identify errors that may have changed the course of the trial. Our goal is to uncover mistakes that may have influenced the outcome of the trial or rendered it fundamentally unfair or unreliable.

Common grounds for appeal include improper admission or exclusion of evidence, prosecutorial misconduct, judicial bias, flawed jury instructions, or violations of constitutional rights. Sentencing issues are also frequent, especially when the court misapplied Washington’s Sentencing Reform Act, calculated offender scores incorrectly, or imposed multiple enhancements without proper justification.

Many appeals in Washington focus on sentencing. Courts sometimes make mistakes in calculating sentence ranges or applying sentence enhancements related to firearms, prior convictions, or aggravating circumstances. An error in any of these factors can add years to a sentence. We analyze each step of the sentencing process, checking whether the trial court followed statutory requirements, considered mitigating evidence, and exercised discretion properly. Correcting these mistakes can reduce punishment and open the door to earlier release or community-based alternatives.

Post-Conviction Relief

Not every claim can be raised on direct appeal. Some must be addressed through Personal Restraint Petitions (PRPs) or other post-conviction motions. These procedures allow defendants to present new evidence, raise issues not included in the original appeal, or challenge ongoing violations of rights. Our attorneys are experienced in this area and handle PRPs with thorough investigation, detailed research, and strategic timing. Post-conviction work often requires collaboration with experts, investigators, or forensic specialists to uncover information that was unavailable at trial.

One of the most common claims that must be addressed through post-conviction motions is ineffective assistance of counsel. To err is human, but we recognize that errors are more prone to happen to those attorneys who have too many cases or do not listen to their clients concerns. Defendants in Washington are entitled to not just a lawyer, but an effective, competent lawyer who ensures they receive a vigorous defense. Our attorneys are experts in attorney ethics and effective representation. Our lawyers skill and experience in building productive client relationships and providing stellar representation at trial allows us to vigorously advocate in post-conviction proceedings for defendants who received less than stellar representation from their trial attorney. 

Juvenile Appeals and Protecting the Future

Juvenile appeals require an understanding of both law and development. Washington’s juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration, but those principles are not always honored in practice. Young people may be adjudicated without proper consideration of their age, maturity, or capacity for change. We represent juveniles in appeals involving adjudications, sentencing, or transfer to adult court, focusing on whether their rights and future opportunities were fully protected.

Our attorneys examine how the court applied statutory requirements, whether mitigating factors were properly considered, and whether the outcome aligns with the rehabilitative goals of the juvenile system. A successful juvenile appeal can lead to a new hearing, modified disposition, or record sealing, protecting educational and career options. Each case receives a personalized approach that reflects both the legal issues and the human realities involved.

Strategy, Record Review, and Expert Support

Appellate work is methodical. Every case begins with a comprehensive review of the trial record, followed by identification of the key legal questions. We verify that the record is complete and correct, ensuring the appellate court has all necessary materials. If transcripts are missing or errors appear in the record, we move to correct them immediately. This preparation forms the basis for every argument we make.

Complex cases sometimes require technical expertise. Evidence involving digital data, forensic analysis, or complex medical or financial information may need expert interpretation to expose trial-level mistakes. We work with qualified professionals who can clarify those issues for appellate judges. This collaboration enhances our written and oral advocacy, demonstrating both legal error and factual consequence.

Strategic decision-making also shapes the outcome of an appeal. We anticipate the State’s counterarguments, evaluate how appellate judges have ruled in similar cases, and craft arguments that align with evolving Washington precedent. Our clients receive open communication throughout this process, including honest assessments of risks, potential benefits, and the realistic chances of success.

The Appellate Hearing and Possible Outcomes

After briefing is complete, the appellate court may schedule oral argument. This proceeding allows attorneys to present the case directly to a panel of judges, answer their questions, and clarify how specific errors affected the trial. The exchange is formal but conversational, focused on precision and logic rather than emotion. Our attorneys prepare extensively, anticipating questions and refining points that could influence the court’s decision.

When the court issues its opinion, several outcomes are possible. The conviction can be reversed entirely, resulting in dismissal or a new trial. The sentence may be reduced, an enhancement may be removed, or the case may be remanded for reconsideration. Even when a full reversal does not occur, an appeal can still yield important relief by correcting sentencing errors, reducing financial penalties, or clarifying probation terms. If the Washington Court of Appeals denies relief, clients may seek discretionary review by the Washington Supreme Court, which can take cases that raise significant legal or constitutional questions.

Why Appellate Advocacy Matters

Appellate law is about accountability. It ensures that trial courts apply the law fairly and consistently. It also provides a pathway to correct mistakes that may have deprived someone of liberty or reputation. At Findley-Wolf Law, we view appellate practice as both technical and human. It is technical because it demands mastery of procedure and precedent. It is human because it involves real lives and futures shaped by legal outcomes. Our role is to bridge those two dimensions with clarity, diligence, and compassion.

Clients come to our firm after some of the most difficult moments of their lives. They need honest guidance and dependable advocacy. We provide both. From the first consultation through the final ruling, we keep clients informed, explain the process, and ensure that every decision reflects their goals. Whether pursuing a direct appeal, challenging an unlawful sentence, or filing a post-conviction motion, we commit fully to each case.

Choosing Findley-Wolf Law

Attorneys Natalie Findley-Wolf and Samuel J. Wolf have earned a reputation for thorough preparation, strong legal writing, and courtroom credibility. They bring together years of defense and appellate experience, allowing them to identify trial errors quickly and present arguments effectively. Their practice covers appeals in felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases throughout King County and the State of Washington. They understand how appellate judges evaluate briefs, what persuades them, and how to frame arguments that matter.

Our firm’s approach combines legal precision with practical understanding. We analyze every detail of the record while never losing sight of the person behind it. Clients rely on us for consistent communication, transparent strategy, and genuine commitment to achieving the best possible result.

If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime in King County or anywhere in Washington, contact Findley-Wolf Law to discuss your appellate options. The deadlines for appeal are short, and early action can make the difference between opportunity and finality. Our attorneys will review your case, identify viable grounds for appeal, and design a tailored strategy to seek relief. 

Call our office or send a confidential message through our website to schedule a consultation. We are ready to stand with you, challenge injustice, and protect your future through skilled appellate representation.

An appeal is both a legal process and a statement of belief that fairness still matters. Every client we represent receives not only a detailed review of the record but also the reassurance that their voice has not been lost in the system. At Findley-Wolf Law, we see appellate work as a chance to restore confidence in justice and provide the second look that every person deserves under Washington law. Our team stands ready to help you take that next step toward accountability, balance, and hope.