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Thomas M. Devine, experienced Appeals, Discrimination attorney in Racine, WI with 825 reviews
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44,19
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4.9/5
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5.0
1 Reviews
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4.9
824 Reviews
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23 Dec, 2024 by Kurt huber
Excellent communication and service. Durkin Law Offices help me win my case. Thanks for a job well done!
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21 Dec, 2024 by Hanlin zhou
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19 Dec, 2024 by Liedaisha price
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Brian P. Dimmer, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Racine, WI with 165 reviews
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44,07
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4.9/5
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5.0
20 Reviews
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4.9
145 Reviews
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17 Dec, 2024 by Jj irigoyen
Brian is an incredibly reliable and the most competent attorney one could ask for. My family and I have used him on three different occasions, with optimal results. Just retain him and have no worries, because he will do everything to help you out and get the best results possible.
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12 Dec, 2024 by Linda block
Attorney Brian Dimmer is an ourstanding, professional, knowlegeable attorney. He took on our case and gave us an end result far exceeding our expectations. While watching him in the courtroom, you could tell the judge and courtroom staff knew and highly respected him. He knows the players in his field of expertise and picks up on the details going on in the courtroom. Nothing slips by his attention. He thinks fast, responds quickly and knows courtroom dynamics. I would highly recommend him to anyone that is in need of a knowledgeable defense attorney. LB 11/2024
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03 Dec, 2024 by Mihaela popa
Back in 2022 I used Brian to help me with a few speeding tickets. He did a great job, and got some points back. I cannot recommend him enough.
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Mark D. Richards, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Racine, WI with 211 reviews
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43,06
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4.8/5
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5.0
8 Reviews
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4.8
203 Reviews
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30 Oct, 2024 by Nathan lalor
Ms. Wisco did an excellent job on my case. I'm proud to say if needing an attorney. She will be a good chance to win your case. I highly recommend her and Mr. Richards.
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27 Aug, 2024 by Norma cardenas
Natalie is an absolute professional! Dismissal on all charges and one of the most difficult charge to fight. Highly recommend whether you are retaining for a loved one or yourself! Do not hesitate, she will have your back along with a very comprehensive pay schedule! Ecstatic with the results, thank you Natalie!
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21 Apr, 2024 by Kathryn o'donnell
I cannot thank Brian Dimmer enough for the incredible job he did representing me during my injunction hearing. From the moment I contacted him, he was prompt in answering my call and walked me through the entire process with ease. His calming demeanor and expertise in the field immediately put me at ease and gave me confidence in my case. Brian went above and beyond by offering for me to come to his office during the hearing, which was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process. He was quick to defend me and helped me prove that the accusations against me were false. His knowledge and professionalism were truly a sight for sore eyes on the day of my hearing. I would highly recommend Brian to anyone in need of legal representation, especially when dealing with a difficult situation like a crazy ex. He handled the situation with grace and skill, ultimately leading to a successful outcome for me. Even after the case was thrown out, Brian remained calm and composed when my ex tried to contact him for more information. I am grateful to have had Brian by my side during this challenging time, and I cannot thank him enough for all of his hard work and dedication to my case. Thank you, Brian, for everything you have done for me.
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Kristin Marie Cafferty, experienced Appeals, Car Accident attorney in Racine, WI with 8 reviews
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39,25
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
8 Reviews
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24 Aug, 2020 by Susan
I can't say enough about Kristin and her paralegal, Jana Kim. They are kind, caring, compassionate people. After my accident, I could barely think for myself. They took care of everything for me, I did very little. They worked tirelessly for me and I appreciate everything they did. If you need an attorney, Kristin is the one. I will be forever grateful. I felt more like a friend instead of just a client.
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01 May, 2020 by Anonymous
Kristin Cafferty put me at ease and made me feel better the first day I met her. Kristin and her paralegal Melissa Richer were great to work with. I was kept informed along the way and was happy with my settlement. My only regret is not contacting Kristin sooner.
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08 Mar, 2020 by Connie
I highly recommend Kristin. She’s so caring and thorough. Her para-legal Jana Kim is a great asset. Fantastic team. She got me more than I thought I would. I wish I would of not waited a year to seek help. She gave me first sense of relief since the accident and long recovery.
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Natalie L. Wisco, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Racine, WI with 203 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
33,81
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4.8/5
Google Maps
4.8
203 Reviews
star star star star star
30 Oct, 2024 by Nathan lalor
Ms. Wisco did an excellent job on my case. I'm proud to say if needing an attorney. She will be a good chance to win your case. I highly recommend her and Mr. Richards.
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star star star star star
27 Aug, 2024 by Norma cardenas
Natalie is an absolute professional! Dismissal on all charges and one of the most difficult charge to fight. Highly recommend whether you are retaining for a loved one or yourself! Do not hesitate, she will have your back along with a very comprehensive pay schedule! Ecstatic with the results, thank you Natalie!
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21 Apr, 2024 by Kathryn o'donnell
I cannot thank Brian Dimmer enough for the incredible job he did representing me during my injunction hearing. From the moment I contacted him, he was prompt in answering my call and walked me through the entire process with ease. His calming demeanor and expertise in the field immediately put me at ease and gave me confidence in my case. Brian went above and beyond by offering for me to come to his office during the hearing, which was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process. He was quick to defend me and helped me prove that the accusations against me were false. His knowledge and professionalism were truly a sight for sore eyes on the day of my hearing. I would highly recommend Brian to anyone in need of legal representation, especially when dealing with a difficult situation like a crazy ex. He handled the situation with grace and skill, ultimately leading to a successful outcome for me. Even after the case was thrown out, Brian remained calm and composed when my ex tried to contact him for more information. I am grateful to have had Brian by my side during this challenging time, and I cannot thank him enough for all of his hard work and dedication to my case. Thank you, Brian, for everything you have done for me.
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Christopher A. Geary, experienced Appeals, Government attorney in Racine, WI with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Joanne M. Breese-Jaeck, experienced Appeals, Discrimination attorney in Racine, WI with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Edward J. Bruner Jr., experienced Appeals, Government attorney in Racine, WI with 0 reviews
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0,00
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Hilary Dawn Edwards, experienced Appeals, Civil Rights attorney in Racine, WI with 0 reviews
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What an Appeals Lawyer Can Do for You

An appeals lawyer specializes in representing clients in appellate courts, challenging or defending lower court decisions. If you believe that a legal error was made during your trial or that the court’s decision was unjust, an appeals lawyer can help you appeal the ruling to a higher court. They work to identify mistakes made during the trial, such as improper application of law, exclusion of key evidence, or jury misconduct. On the other hand, if you're defending a favorable judgment, an appeals lawyer can help protect the decision from being overturned.

Appeals lawyers don’t retry the case but instead focus on legal arguments and procedural issues to convince the appellate court to either overturn, modify, or uphold the lower court’s decision.

When Should I Hire an Appeals Lawyer?

Hiring an appeals lawyer is necessary when you are involved in a legal appeal, either as the appellant (the party appealing the case) or the appellee (the party defending the lower court’s ruling). Common situations in which you should hire an appeals lawyer include:

  • Appealing a conviction or ruling: If you’ve been convicted in a criminal case or lost a civil case and believe the decision was based on legal errors or improper procedures, an appeals lawyer can review the case and file an appeal on your behalf.
  • Challenging a sentence: In criminal cases, if you feel that the sentence is excessively harsh or not in line with legal standards, an appeals lawyer can work to reduce or modify the sentence.
  • Defending a lower court ruling: If the opposing party has filed an appeal to overturn a favorable ruling, an appeals lawyer can help defend the judgment and argue that the lower court’s decision should be upheld.
  • Complex legal issues: If your case involves complicated legal issues or interpretations of the law, an appeals lawyer can provide the necessary expertise to argue those points effectively before an appellate court.
  • Reviewing trial errors: Appeals lawyers can examine whether mistakes such as jury misconduct, improper exclusion or admission of evidence, or incorrect jury instructions occurred during the trial.

You should hire an appeals lawyer as soon as you decide to appeal or are informed that the other party is appealing the case, as appellate procedures are time-sensitive.

What Does an Appeals Lawyer Do?

An appeals lawyer provides specialized legal services to challenge or defend a lower court decision. Their role focuses on legal arguments, reviewing the trial record, and persuading the appellate court to either reverse or uphold the ruling. They can:

  • Review the trial record: Appeals lawyers meticulously review transcripts, evidence, and rulings from the original trial to identify any legal errors or procedural mistakes that could be grounds for appeal.
  • Prepare and file briefs: Appeals lawyers write legal briefs that present persuasive arguments to the appellate court. These briefs focus on the legal errors made during the trial and how they affected the outcome.
  • Present oral arguments: In many appeals, lawyers present oral arguments before a panel of judges, explaining why the lower court’s decision should be reversed or upheld based on legal principles.
  • Monitor case law developments: Appeals lawyers stay updated on changes in the law and precedents set by higher courts, which can be crucial in shaping the arguments they present during the appeal.
  • Provide legal advice on the likelihood of success: Appeals lawyers can offer a realistic assessment of your chances of winning the appeal based on the legal errors and evidence from the trial.

How Are Appeals Lawyers Paid?

Appeals lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the appeal and the amount of work required to prepare briefs and present arguments. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Many appeals lawyers charge by the hour due to the significant amount of research, writing, and preparation involved in appeals. Hourly rates can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the case’s complexity.
  • Flat fee: For some straightforward appeals, a lawyer may charge a flat fee that covers all the work necessary to complete the appeal.
  • Retainer fee: In complex or high-stakes appeals, a lawyer may require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers the initial stages of the appeal. The lawyer then bills against this retainer for ongoing work.

It's important to discuss fees and costs upfront with your lawyer during the initial consultation to ensure you understand the financial commitment involved.

How Much Does an Appeals Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an appeals lawyer varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the amount of work involved. General cost estimates include:

  • Straightforward appeals: For simpler appeals, such as those involving minor legal errors, fees can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the scope of work.
  • Complex appeals: Appeals that involve complicated legal issues, multiple grounds for appeal, or high-stakes outcomes can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, especially if the case requires extensive legal research, brief writing, and oral arguments.
  • Hourly rates: Many appeals lawyers charge hourly rates ranging from $200 to $600 per hour, with higher rates often associated with more experienced attorneys or particularly challenging cases.

Before proceeding with your appeal, it’s crucial to ask for a clear estimate of the costs involved so you can budget appropriately.

Top Questions to Ask an Appeals Lawyer

Before hiring an appeals lawyer, it’s essential to ask questions to ensure they are well-suited for your case and that you understand the appeals process. Important questions include:

  1. What experience do you have with appeals?
    Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience handling appellate cases, particularly in the area of law relevant to your case (e.g., criminal, civil, family, etc.).
  2. How do you charge for appeals?
    Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a retainer, and request an estimate of the total costs for handling your appeal.
  3. What is the likelihood of success for my appeal?
    A good appeals lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses and the chances of winning the appeal.
  4. How long will the appeal process take?
    Ask for an estimate of how long the appeal process might take, from filing the initial briefs to a final decision by the appellate court.
  5. Will you personally handle my appeal?
    In larger law firms, junior attorneys or legal assistants may handle some of the research or drafting. Clarify who will be responsible for preparing and arguing your case.
  6. What is your approach to handling appeals?
    Some lawyers may be more inclined to focus on procedural issues, while others emphasize broader legal arguments. Make sure the lawyer’s approach aligns with your goals.

How to Check the Credibility of an Appeals Lawyer

To ensure that you’re hiring a reputable appeals lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for appellate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or profile to ensure they specialize in appellate law and have successfully handled appeals similar to yours.
  • Check client reviews and testimonials: Look for client feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to get insight into the lawyer’s track record and client satisfaction.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their expertise and success in handling appeals.
  • Look for recognition in appellate law: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers (AAAL) or awards and recognition in appellate law can indicate a lawyer’s expertise in this specialized area.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with an appeals lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Trial transcripts and court records: The lawyer will need a complete record of the original trial, including transcripts, motions, exhibits, and the final judgment or order.
  • Legal briefs from the trial: If any briefs or motions were filed during the trial, bring copies so the appeals lawyer can review the legal arguments that were presented.
  • Written decision or verdict: Bring the court’s written ruling, verdict, or decision so the lawyer can identify any potential errors or issues to raise on appeal.
  • Questions about the appeal process: Write down any questions you have about the appeal’s timeline, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • List of potential legal errors: If you believe specific mistakes were made during the trial (e.g., improper evidence, legal misinterpretations), provide a list of those issues.

Being well-prepared for your consultation allows the lawyer to assess your case more effectively and provide the best guidance on how to proceed with your appeal.

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