The Legal Way to Overturn a Judgment

A superior court oversees the appeals court.

An appellate court, also known as an appeals court, possesses the power to overturn a judgement made against you in trial court. An appellate court is an intermediate court that oversees trial courts. Once you submit an appeal to the appellate court, it will conduct an investigation of your original trial, review the evidence and overturn the judgment if it finds a judicial error.

Things You'll Need

• Appeal form
• Appeal fee
• Original court documents

Instructions

1. Request and select the appropriate Notice of Appeal form for your situation. There are two primary appeal forms. The first is for tax, civil, family and probate cases, and the second type is for criminal and juvenile cases. You will typically receive the Notice of Appeal form in the mail within seven to 10 business days following your request.

2. Request a transcript from your original trial and pay the necessary transcript fees. Carefully review all of your court documents, looking for any mistakes that may support your appeal. This can include clerical errors, such as wrong address or names.

3. Write a letter with a concise statement detailing the reasons for the appeal. Carefully complete your Notice of Appeal form. Have your lawyer review your appeal form and statement of appeal letter.

4. Pay the fees necessary to file your appeal, then file your Notice of Appeal form with the branch office where your case started. Be sure to file on time, typically within 30 days of your judgement date.

Tips & Warnings

• Appeal fees vary by state. In Washington D.C, it costs $100 to file a Notice of Appeal.

References

• DC Courts: A Self-Help Guide to Filing Your Notice of Appeal
• California Courts: Small Claims