Jaran R. Blessing
Attorney
Criminal Appeals in New Hampshire
We help people and families understand whether a New Hampshire criminal appeal or post-conviction matter may warrant further review.
A criminal appeal is often one of the most serious moments in a person's life. The client may be dealing with a conviction, sentence, incarceration risk, family consequences, employment consequences, or the sense that something important went wrong in the proceedings. Those concerns deserve to be taken seriously.
At the same time, an appeal is not a new trial. The appellate court generally reviews the record from the lower court and decides whether legal error, constitutional error, or another reviewable issue may justify relief.
Direct Criminal Appeals
Direct criminal appeals may involve trial errors, rulings on evidence, jury instructions, constitutional claims, sentencing issues, sufficiency of the evidence, or other questions preserved in the trial court record. The strength of an appeal often depends on what was raised below, what the record shows, and what standard of review applies.
In New Hampshire criminal appeals, timing can be especially important. The New Hampshire Supreme Court's public guidance notes that criminal notices of appeal are generally due within 30 days from sentencing. There may be other deadlines or procedural steps depending on the case. If you are considering a criminal appeal, contact an attorney promptly.
Constitutional Issues
Criminal appellate work often involves constitutional questions. That can include search and seizure issues, confrontation and trial rights, due process, jury instructions, sentencing concerns, plea issues, and whether counsel's performance affected the case in a legally meaningful way.
The website should not promise that a constitutional claim exists in every case. Many difficult outcomes are not appealable errors. But if the record suggests a potentially viable issue, we will identify it directly and explain what further review may be needed.
Criminal Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief
Some criminal matters belong on direct appeal. Others may require post-conviction relief, especially where the issue depends on facts outside the trial record or concerns ineffective assistance of counsel. During the screening call and preliminary record review, we can help sort out which path may fit the situation.
We begin with a free appellate screening call. If the matter appears potentially viable, we may offer a flat-fee preliminary record review, often starting at $250, followed by a short written assessment.
Work with the attorneys who handle this area
Jacqueline M. Blessing
Attorney
Related services
Appeals
When a judgment, conviction, sentence, or important order needs appellate review, Runyon Law Office can help evaluate whether an appeal may make sense.
Post-Conviction Relief
We help review New Hampshire post-conviction issues, including ineffective assistance of counsel and other constitutional concerns.
Civil Appeals
We help New Hampshire clients evaluate whether a civil appeal may be worth pursuing after an unfavorable result.
Common questions
Practical answers to common questions
Can I appeal after a criminal conviction in New Hampshire?
A direct criminal appeal may be available after conviction or sentencing, but timing and procedure are critical. The appeal usually focuses on legal errors, preserved trial issues, sentencing issues, constitutional questions, or other matters shown by the record.
If you or a family member is considering a Criminal Appeal, gather the sentencing order, docket information, plea or trial documents, and any paperwork from trial counsel, then seek review promptly.
Can sentencing issues be appealed?
Sometimes. Sentencing issues may raise appellate questions depending on the sentence imposed, the arguments made below, the governing law, and the record from the sentencing hearing.
A preliminary review can help determine whether the concern sounds like a direct appeal issue, a post-conviction issue, or something that may require a different procedural approach.
What constitutional issues can come up in a criminal appeal?
Criminal appeals may involve constitutional questions such as search and seizure, confrontation rights, due process, jury instructions, plea issues, sentencing concerns, or whether trial counsel's performance affected the case in a legally meaningful way.
Not every constitutional concern becomes a viable appeal. The record, preservation of the issue, timing, and standard of review all matter.
What records matter in a criminal appeal?
Important records may include the conviction or sentencing paperwork, docket entries, indictments or complaints, plea paperwork, motions, objections, jury instructions, trial exhibits, and transcripts from trial, plea, sentencing, or motion hearings.
A Criminal Appeals review usually begins with the materials available now and then identifies what additional records may be needed before a more complete assessment can be formed.
What is the difference between a criminal appeal and post-conviction relief?
A direct criminal appeal usually reviews issues shown in the existing trial court record. Post-conviction relief may be considered when the issue depends on facts outside that record, such as certain ineffective assistance of counsel claims.
The right path depends on timing, the record, prior filings, and the kind of issue involved. The first step is often to request a screening call and gather the key documents for review.
More questions about this area
We keep a broader set of practical questions organized by practice area, including criminal appeals.
Statewide appellate review
Want to know whether appellate review may make sense?
We begin with a free screening call. If the matter appears potentially viable, we may offer a flat-fee preliminary record review and a short written assessment before any full appellate representation is quoted.