How is an appeal different from my trial?

An appeal differs significantly from a trial or administrative hearing. The evidence presented and findings of fact made by the trial court are generally upheld. An appeal is decided on procedural and legal issues. An appeal is not a second chance to put on your case; it is an argument that the decisions made by the trial court were wrong as a matter of law. There are no witnesses, evidence, or testimony in an appeal. Your attorney will submit a brief to the appellate court and then will make an oral argument before the court renders its decision.

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