Appeals Attorney in Indianapolis

Experienced Help When A Conviction Is Not The End

A criminal conviction or harsh sentence can change everything in an instant. Prison time, felony status, and long probation terms affect your family, your work, and your future. If your case was decided in Marion Superior Court or another Indiana court, you may still have options to challenge what happened.

At Colasessano Law Office LLC, we focus on guiding people through that next step. Our firm is led by Attorney Gary L. Colasessano, who has more than 30 years of experience in criminal courts. As an appeals attorney in the Indianapolis area, we review the record carefully, explain your options clearly, and give you an honest assessment of whether an appeal or post-conviction route makes sense.

We know you may feel discouraged, frustrated with the system, or unsure who to trust after the trial. Our role is to step in, look at your case with fresh eyes, and communicate with you and your family so no one is left in the dark. 

Speak with an appeals lawyer in Indianapolis today to understand your options—schedule online or call (317) 203-8541.

Why Turn To Our Firm For Appeals

When you consider an appeal, you are asking a court to review what happened at trial. That is a serious step, and the person handling it should understand trials inside and out. Our attorney has spent more than three decades in Indiana criminal courts, handling everything from murder and violent felonies to federal conspiracy and white collar investigations.

That level of courtroom advocacy matters on appeal because we know how transcripts are built, how objections are made, and where legal errors often occur. Gary L. Colasessano began his career as a public defender, which helps us understand how prosecutors and judges think about charges, evidence, and sentencing. We use that insight when we frame issues for appellate judges.

We prepare every case as if it could end up in a courtroom. For appeals, that means we invest time in reviewing motions, trial rulings, and jury instructions in detail. Our goal is to build a complete, accurate written presentation and be ready for oral argument if the Indiana Court of Appeals schedules one. Clients are never treated as file numbers. You work directly with an attorney who explains what is happening and why.

People also choose our firm because of how we communicate and how we counsel. We return calls, texts, and emails promptly, often the same day. We talk openly about what the law allows, what prior courts did, and what an appellate court can realistically change. We also keep our fees competitive and fair, because many families are already under financial strain after funding a trial.

Understanding Criminal Appeals In Indiana

Before you decide what to do, it helps to understand what a criminal appeal is. In Indiana, a direct criminal appeal asks a higher court to review the record from your case in a lower court. The focus is on legal or procedural errors that may have affected the verdict or sentence, not simply on whether you disagree with the outcome.

For many felony convictions from Marion Superior Court and other trial courts, review goes to the Indiana Court of Appeals. That court generally looks at written briefs from both sides and the full trial record. In a smaller number of cases, the Indiana Supreme Court may review the case, usually when specific legal questions are involved. An appeals lawyer uses the existing record instead of calling new witnesses or adding new evidence.

It is also important to distinguish a direct appeal from post conviction relief and sentence modification. Post conviction relief can address issues like ineffective assistance of counsel or new evidence that was not available at trial. Sentence modification may allow a trial court to reconsider parts of a sentence in limited situations. Each option has different standards and different timing rules, so legal advice for your specific situation is crucial.

Indiana has strict deadlines for filing notices of appeal, often measured in days after sentencing, not months. If your conviction or sentence came from a court in Indianapolis or a nearby county, those same time limits apply. Missing them can close off important paths. That is why we encourage anyone considering an appeal to contact an appeals lawyer Indianapolis residents can speak with quickly to review their paperwork and calendar.

How We Review & Handle Your Appeal

Once you reach out to our firm, we begin with a focused consultation. We talk with you or your family about what happened at trial, what concerns you have, and what deadlines may already be running. We look at the judgment, sentencing order, and any documents you have from the court. Our goal is to understand both the legal issues and the personal impact of the case.

If we move forward, we will work to obtain the full trial transcripts and the court file. This usually includes motions, rulings, exhibits, and jury instructions from courts such as Marion Superior Court or neighboring county courts. We read these materials closely, looking for rulings on evidence, objections that were raised, and other points where the judge’s decisions may be subject to review.

From there, we identify potential appellate issues under Indiana law. Not every mistake at trial will justify relief, and some strategic decisions by prior counsel may be protected. We evaluate which issues have a legal basis and how Indiana appellate courts tend to view similar questions. That analysis guides the notice of appeal and the written brief we prepare.

Our written work focuses on presenting a clear, accurate picture of what happened in the courtroom and why certain rulings matter. We prepare supporting citations to the record and to legal authority. If the Indiana Court of Appeals schedules oral argument, we get ready for that in the same thorough way, so the judges hear a coherent, well-supported argument. Through all of this, we keep you and your family informed about next steps, expected timelines, and any filings that go to the court.

We also talk with you about fees before we begin. Appeals can involve substantial time reviewing transcripts and drafting briefs, and we believe you deserve to know what that work will cost. Our firm strives to keep fees fair and transparent, and our initial consultation to talk about your potential appeal is free.

Common Grounds For Criminal Appeals

Every criminal case is different, and only a careful review of your record can confirm whether there are solid grounds for appeal. That said, there are patterns in the kinds of issues that often arise. Appeals are not about relitigating the entire case from scratch. They focus on legal errors, constitutional problems, or significant procedural mistakes.

Some potential appellate issues involve how the evidence was handled. Others involve jury instructions, sentencing decisions, or how the court responded to motions. An appeals attorney looks for these problems in light of the standards that appellate courts use, which can be strict. Disagreement with a strategy decision by prior counsel, standing alone, is usually not enough.

Examples of issues that may support a criminal appeal include:

• Improper admission or exclusion of key evidence during trial
• Incorrect or incomplete jury instructions on the law
• Sentencing errors or misapplication of the Indiana sentencing rules
• Violations of constitutional rights, such as due process concerns
• Rulings on motions that affected the fairness of the trial

A criminal appeal also depends on how the law views each type of error. Some rulings are reviewed more narrowly than others, and appellate courts sometimes view certain mistakes as harmless. That is why a detailed legal review is so important. If you think something went wrong in your case, we encourage you to have a criminal appeal lawyer evaluate your record as soon as possible.

After A Conviction In Indianapolis, What To Do

Hearing the words “guilty” or receiving a severe sentence in Indianapolis is overwhelming. Many people feel shocked and unsure what to do next. At the same time, the clock for a possible appeal or post-conviction petition often starts right away. Taking a few practical steps can help protect your options.

Right after a conviction or sentence, it can help to:

• Keep all paperwork from the court, including the judgment and sentencing order
• Write down important dates, such as the day the verdict was read and the day of sentencing
• Avoid filing complex documents on your own without legal guidance
• Talk with your trial attorney about any appeal deadlines if you have not already
• Contact an appeals attorney Indianapolis residents can consult with quickly to review deadlines and options

We know families are often the ones searching for help while a loved one is in custody. When you call us, we explain the timeframe for appeals and post conviction relief in Indiana, what records we need to see, and how we communicate with clients who are in jail or prison. We also talk candidly about whether an appeal, a later post-conviction petition, or some other path is more realistic.

If you want a straightforward conversation about your case, you can reach Colasessano Law Office LLC to speak with an appeals lawyer about what happened and what may come next. The consultation is free, and our goal is to help you make an informed decision, not to pressure you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file an appeal?

In many Indiana criminal cases, the deadline to start an appeal is measured in days after sentencing. The exact time limit depends on the type of case and prior filings. We review your judgment and dates right away so you understand what deadlines apply before any rights are lost.

Can you handle my appeal if another lawyer did my trial?

Yes, we can review and handle an appeal even if a different attorney represented you at trial. We study the record with fresh eyes and assess prior work respectfully. Our focus is on whether there are viable legal issues to raise now, not on criticizing for its own sake.

What are my chances of winning a criminal appeal?

Appeals can be difficult, and no honest lawyer can predict a specific result. Your chances depend on the strength of the legal issues, the record from the trial, and how Indiana appellate courts view similar questions. We explain the positives and the limits so you can decide based on clear information.

How much does it cost to hire you for an appeal?

The cost of an appeal usually reflects the length of the transcript, the number of issues, and the complexity of the case. We keep our fees competitive and discuss them upfront so you know what to expect. Your initial consultation with our firm to talk about an appeal is free.

How will you keep my family and me updated?

We work to make communication as clear and frequent as possible. Calls, texts, and emails are returned promptly, often the same day. If you are incarcerated, we coordinate with your family, send written updates when needed, and explain each major step so you never feel forgotten in the process.

Work with an experienced appeals attorney in Indianapolis—book your consultation online or call (317) 203-8541 to get started.