Philadelphia Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief Attorney

It’s Not Over. Let’s Fight for a Second Chance.

If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania, it may feel like the end of the road—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether mistakes were made during your trial, your rights were violated, or new evidence has come to light, you may still have options. Appeals and post-conviction relief give you the chance to challenge the outcome and protect your future.

At Thomas & Robbins LLC, I represent clients who need a second shot at justice. I dig deep into your case records, trial transcripts, and constitutional issues to find real opportunities for reversal, resentencing, or dismissal.

Understanding Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief

An appeal is a formal request for a higher court to review your trial for legal errors. You’re not retrying the case—you’re arguing that something went wrong with the process, like faulty jury instructions or improper rulings.

Post-conviction relief (PCRA) is broader. It allows you to raise new issues, including ineffective counsel, new evidence, or violations of your constitutional rights.

Common issues we investigate include:

  • Improperly admitted or excluded evidence
  • Ineffective assistance of trial counsel
  • Unlawful sentencing or misapplication of sentencing guidelines
  • Prosecutorial misconduct
  • New evidence that could change the outcome
  • Violations of plea agreements

Appeals & Post-Conviction FAQ

Your Questions Answered

  • What’s the deadline to file an appeal or PCRA?

    In Pennsylvania, you generally have 30 days after sentencing to file a direct appeal, and one year from the date of final judgment to file a PCRA petition. Exceptions may apply if new evidence is discovered or rights were violated in a way that wasn’t known earlier.

  • Can I appeal if I pled guilty?

    In many cases, yes—especially if you believe your plea wasn’t truly voluntary or your lawyer gave you poor advice. You may be able to file a motion to withdraw your plea or seek relief under PCRA if your rights were violated.

  • What if I already lost on appeal?

    You might still be eligible for post-conviction relief, particularly if new evidence has come to light or you can prove ineffective assistance of counsel. I’ll review every available legal avenue to reopen your case.

  • Will I get out of jail if I win?

    If your conviction is reversed or your sentence is reduced, you may be released—or at least given a chance at a new trial with a fair process. The outcome depends on the reason the court grants relief.

  • Is there hope if my original lawyer did nothing for me?

    Yes. In fact, ineffective assistance of counsel is one of the most common and successful grounds for post-conviction relief. If your attorney failed to investigate, file motions, or properly advise you, I can raise that issue and fight to correct the injustice.