How to File a Traffic Court Appeal
If you chose to take a traffic-court case to trial and lost, you have a right to appeal the court's decision. State laws and procedures differ slightly, but in all states you have a right to appeal a guilty verdict. The appeal process is time-sensitive, meaning that you must initiate the procedure within a short time after the trial-court verdict or you will lose your right to appeal.
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Instructions
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Locate the time limit for appeals in your state. All appeals must be filed within a statutory time frame after the trial-court decision. In most states, the time limit to file and appeal is less than 60 days and often it is as short as 20 days. Time limits for appeals may be found on a county or state court website or in the state statutes.
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Determine that you have a reason to appeal. An appeal is not another opportunity for a trial. In most cases, you must show that the court committed a substantial error during your trial or that there was not enough evidence to support the conviction.
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File a notice of appeal. The notice of appeal is filed with the original court where you were found guilty. Notice of appeal forms are generally available from the court's website or at the court office.
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Pay the fee for the appeal as well as any appellate bond required by the court. A bond is often required to make sure that you can cover the cost of transcripts and any other costs associated with the appeal.
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Request the transcript be sent up to the appellate court. If you wish the trial court to produce a transcript of the trial then you must file a request. This document will also be available from the court's website or office. Remember that you will be responsible for the cost of producing the record.
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Tips & Warnings
Complete the statement of appeal or brief. For traffic court appeals, a full brief is generally not required but you may need to file a statement of appeal or similar document. This document tells the appellate court what the basis of your appeal is and why they should reverse your conviction.
