Appellate Practice
When the Trial Court Gets It Wrong, We Fight to Make It Right
An unfavorable verdict or sentence is not necessarily the end. Lisa Rasmussen brings rigorous legal analysis and persuasive written advocacy to Nevada state and federal appeals.
The appellate process is fundamentally different from trial. It is a battle of legal argument — written briefs, meticulous record review, and oral argument before panels of judges. Success requires an attorney who understands appellate procedure, can identify reversible error, and knows how to frame legal issues compellingly. We bring that skill to every appeal we handle.
What We Handle
Appellate Matters We Handle
Criminal Appeals
Challenging convictions and sentences in Nevada state courts and the Ninth Circuit. We review trial records for constitutional violations, evidentiary errors, ineffective assistance of counsel, and improper jury instructions.
Civil Appeals
Appealing adverse judgments in contract, business, property, and personal injury matters. We identify legal errors that affected the outcome and build the strongest possible appellate record.
Interlocutory Appeals
Some rulings can and should be challenged before final judgment. We evaluate whether an interlocutory appeal is available and advisable in your case.
Federal Court Appeals
Appeals to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in federal criminal and civil matters, including habeas corpus appeals from state court convictions.
Sentence Appeals
Challenging excessive or legally improper sentences. We review sentencing records for guideline errors, constitutional violations, and abuse of discretion.
Appellate Brief Writing
Retained as co-counsel to draft opening, response, and reply briefs in complex appeals. We bring focused appellate writing expertise to cases handled by other trial attorneys.
Our Approach
The Appellate Process
Record Review
We obtain and thoroughly review the trial court record — transcripts, exhibits, motions, and orders — to identify every potential ground for appeal.
Issue Identification
Not every error warrants an appeal. We identify the strongest, most viable issues and develop a focused appellate strategy built around them.
Brief Writing
We draft compelling, well-researched appellate briefs that clearly present the legal issues and persuasively argue for reversal or modification.
Oral Argument
When oral argument is granted, we appear before the appellate panel prepared to answer the court's questions and reinforce the key points of our brief.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't Accept an Unjust Outcome.
If you believe the trial court made a legal error that affected your case, time is critical. Contact us today to discuss your appellate options.