Atlanta Criminal Appeals Lawyer

Contrary to what many apparently believe, a case is not over after the jury returns a verdict of guilty or after a defendant enters a plea of guilty. When deciding on an appropriate sentence, a judge should have more to consider than just the minimum facts or the Government’s version of what happened. There often are extenuating or mitigating circumstances that – if the judge knew about them – could result in a reduced sentence.

As a former federal prosecutor, Richard Rice is experienced in the various ways that these harsh penalties can be avoided and what circumstances can persuade a judge to give a more appropriate and sympathetic sentence. Even when there are “mandatory minimum” sentences, there are ways to avoid to the “mandatory” sentence and receive a sentence less than the “minimum.”

Similarly, virtually no case is tried without mistakes occurring. Sometimes these mistakes were obvious when they occurred. Other times, these mistakes are not apparent until after, even long after, the trial. Identifying these mistakes and obtaining relief on direct appeal or in a habeas petition is a critical, yet often neglected, part of the appeal process.

In many cases, a criminal defense lawyer’s most critical work comes in these latter stages. No person should ever feel that their criminal lawyer stopped fighting for them. Even if another lawyer represented you at trial or during your guilty plea, Richard Rice is an Atlanta criminal lawyer available to help you on appeal, in a habeas petition, or at sentencing.