You Lost Your Criminal Case in Arizona—Now What? Understanding the Criminal Appeals Process

If you or a loved one was convicted of a crime in Arizona after a trial, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and uncertain about what comes next. You may be thinking: “Was the trial fair? Can anything be done now?” The good news is that the law provides a second chance—a process called a criminal appeal.

At Grand Canyon Law Group, we help people across Arizona, from Phoenix and Mesa to Tucson and beyond, understand and navigate their post-conviction options. Let’s break down what the criminal appeals process in Arizona really looks like, what it can (and can’t) do, and why having the right attorney matters.

What Is a Criminal Appeal in Arizona?

A criminal appeal isn’t a new trial—it’s a formal request for a higher court (usually the Arizona Court of Appeals) to review what happened during your trial to determine whether any legal errors were made that affected the outcome.

Let’s be clear: an appeal isn’t about arguing your innocence again. It’s about asking: Was the process fair? Did the judge make a legal mistake? Were your constitutional rights violated?

Think of it like watching a replay after a bad call in a football game. The refs (appeals court) review the tape (your trial record) to see if a crucial mistake was made—and if so, they may overturn the play.

Who Can File an Appeal in Arizona?

If you were convicted at trial (not by a plea agreement), you have an automatic right to appeal in Arizona. This means you can ask a higher court to review your case.

If you accepted a plea deal, you typically cannot file a direct appeal—but you may still pursue a different option called post-conviction relief (PCR).

What Can Be Appealed?

Here are just a few of the issues we’ve seen successfully raised on appeal:

• Judicial errors – Was the judge biased? Did they allow evidence they shouldn’t have?
• Prosecutorial misconduct – Did the prosecutor make unfair comments or hide evidence?
• Ineffective assistance of counsel – Did your lawyer fail to do their job?
• Improper jury instructions – Were jurors misled about the law?
• Violation of constitutional rights – Were you denied your right to remain silent? Was your search or arrest illegal?

One of our former clients in Maricopa County was convicted at trial for aggravated assault. Our team took the case on appeal and discovered that key evidence was admitted that shouldn’t have been. The appellate court agreed—and granted him a new trial. It’s cases like these that remind us: the system doesn’t always get it right the first time.

How Does the Criminal Appeals Process Work?

Here’s a simplified timeline of how a criminal appeal works in Arizona:

• Notice of Appeal – You must file this quickly—typically within 20 days after sentencing.
• Trial Record Preparation – The court gathers the transcript and evidence used at trial.
• Written Briefs – Your appeals attorney writes a legal brief explaining the errors and why the conviction should be overturned. The state writes a response.
• Oral Arguments – In some cases, the court allows both sides to present their arguments in person.
• Decision – The appellate judges review the case and issue a ruling. This could be:
  • Affirmed (conviction stands)
  • Reversed (conviction is thrown out)
  • Remanded (case sent back for new trial or sentencing)

Check out our related post on The Post-Conviction Relief Process for more info on your options beyond appeals.

Why You Need a Skilled Arizona Criminal Appeals Lawyer

A criminal appeal isn’t just a “do-over.” It’s a surgical review of legal errors and a highly technical process that requires deep understanding of the law, appellate procedures, and how to build a persuasive written argument.

At Grand Canyon Law Group, many of our attorneys are former prosecutors—we know how these decisions get made on both sides of the courtroom. We’ve handled appeals across Arizona and successfully overturned convictions, reduced sentences, and restored futures.

You deserve a second look. You deserve someone who will fight with precision and experience.

Real Questions We Hear from Clients

“I feel like my trial lawyer didn’t fight hard enough. Can I raise that on appeal?”
Yes. This is known as ineffective assistance of counsel, and it’s one of the most common grounds for post-conviction relief.

“I missed my appeal deadline—am I out of luck?”
Maybe not. There are sometimes exceptions, but you need to act fast. Talk to an attorney immediately.

“My loved one took a plea but now regrets it. Is there anything we can do?”
While a plea generally waives your appeal rights, you may still qualify for post-conviction relief if your attorney didn’t explain the plea properly or left out critical information.

Next Steps: Don’t Wait

Every day that passes after a conviction matters. Evidence gets harder to review. Deadlines tick by. And the chances of getting your case re-examined shrink. If you or a family member is facing a conviction in Arizona and believe something went wrong, don’t wait to find out.

📞 Call Grand Canyon Law Group today at (480) 573-6441
Or schedule your confidential consultation online.

Let’s take a second look—your future is worth it.