Criminal Appeals Lawyer in Orange County, California
Nestled along the Southern California coast, Orange County blends economic vitality with year-round sunshine, making it one of the most attractive regions in the state. With a population of over 3.1 million residents, the county is home to renowned attractions, top-tier schools, and a booming job market.
Anchored by major transportation routes like Interstate 5, State Route 91, and State Route 55, it’s well-connected for business and leisure. From the waves at Huntington Beach to the historic charm of Old Towne Orange, Orange County offers a lifestyle that’s both relaxed and sophisticated.
Culturally rich and highly livable, Orange County is home to iconic destinations like Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, the internationally recognized Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, and the scenic trails of Crystal Cove State Park near Laguna Beach.
With so much at stake in a region as active and competitive as Orange County, facing criminal charges—or appealing a conviction—can be especially overwhelming. That’s where McCready Law Group steps in, offering trusted legal support backed by firsthand law enforcement experience and certified legal knowledge.
At McCready Law Group, I bring a focused, results-driven approach to criminal appeals throughout Orange County, California. As a former LAPD officer and a Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization, I use my background to challenge convictions with precision and determination.
As an experienced criminal appeals lawyer in Orange County, I help clients push back against unjust outcomes and protect their rights at every stage. If you're ready to fight your conviction, contact my office today to get started.
Further Reading
Why Do I Need a Criminal Appeals Lawyer?
When a criminal conviction feels unfair or legally flawed, a direct appeal may be your only path to justice. While trial lawyers focus on building a case for court, an appellate lawyer handles the difficult task of reviewing the record and identifying legal mistakes that could change the outcome.
As a criminal appeals lawyer in Orange County, I know how important it is to approach these cases with precision, strategy, and a deep knowledge of appellate law.
Appeals aren't about rearguing the facts—they're about finding legal errors that occurred during the trial. I take the time to thoroughly examine trial transcripts, court rulings, and evidentiary decisions to determine where the law may have been misapplied.
You only get one shot at an appeal, and I make sure every detail is carefully evaluated to give you the strongest possible chance at relief.
Some reasons why you need a criminal appeals lawyer include:
Identifying legal errors that occurred during the trial: Appeals depend on uncovering mistakes, like improper jury instructions, inadmissible evidence, or misconduct, that could’ve changed the outcome. I know how to spot these errors and frame them in a way that gives appellate judges a clear reason to reverse a conviction or grant a new trial.
Writing persuasive appellate briefs: Appeals are won or lost through written argument. A successful appellate brief needs to clearly outline the facts, explain how the law was mishandled, and argue why your conviction should be overturned. I take pride in crafting strong, focused legal arguments that highlight the critical flaws in the trial court’s decisions.
Presenting oral arguments before appellate judges: If the court allows oral argument, I’m prepared to step in and defend your position directly. These hearings are fast-paced and technical, and I use my experience and courtroom confidence to respond effectively to judges’ questions while keeping the focus on the key issues.
Managing strict deadlines and procedures: Appeals move fast and require strict adherence to court rules. I make sure every filing is done correctly and on time, so your case stays active and is given the review it deserves. As a criminal appeals lawyer in Orange County, I bring both diligence and discipline to every case I handle.
Having a skilled criminal appeals lawyer by your side assures that every legal avenue is explored and every mistake is identified, giving you the best chance at overturning an unjust conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Appeals
If you’re thinking about challenging a conviction, you probably have questions about how the appeals process works. As a criminal appeals lawyer in Orange County, I’ve guided many clients through this exact situation and understand how confusing it can feel at first. Below are some of the most common questions I hear from clients looking to take the next step.
What is the difference between a trial and an appeal?
A trial is where evidence is presented and a verdict is reached. An appeal, on the other hand, is a legal review of the trial to determine whether any errors were made that impacted the outcome. As a criminal appeals lawyer in Orange County, I focus on identifying these errors and arguing that your conviction should be reversed or your sentence reduced.
Can I present new evidence during an appeal?
No. Appeals are based solely on the record from your trial—this includes transcripts, motions, and other documents filed in court. You can’t introduce new witnesses or evidence during the appeals process. If you believe new evidence has come to light, that may require a different type of post-conviction motion rather than a direct appeal.
How long do I have to file an appeal after a conviction?
In California, you generally have 60 days to file a notice of appeal after a felony conviction. For misdemeanors, the deadline is usually 30 days. These are hard deadlines, and missing them can result in losing your right to appeal. I always urge people to act quickly—if you’re considering appealing, don’t wait to speak with a lawyer.
What happens if I win my appeal?
If your appeal is successful, the appellate court might reverse the conviction entirely, order a new trial, or send the case back to the lower court for further proceedings. While every case is different, my goal is always to get the best possible result—whether that’s a new trial or a complete dismissal of the charges.
How long does the appeals process take?
Appeals can take several months to over a year, depending on the intricacy of the case and the court’s schedule. While the process can be lengthy, I keep my clients updated every step of the way so they know what to expect and where their case stands.
Do I really need a criminal appeals lawyer?
Yes. Appeals are highly technical and require specific legal knowledge. As a criminal appeals lawyer in Orange County, I’ve handled the detailed analysis and writing that appellate courts demand. If your freedom or record is on the line, it’s not the time to take chances with your legal representation.
Testimonials
Hearing directly from past clients can give you a better idea of what it’s like to work with me on a criminal appeal. These testimonials reflect the dedication, professionalism, and results I strive to deliver in every case I handle.
“I never thought that there would be this magnificent mind that I know can win any case. I finally found the perfect lawyer. I've had the utmost pleasure of dealing with lawyers in the past and am familiar with the law field, but he is the best I've ever had the privilege of dealing with on a professional level.”
“He is a man who is honest, as a lawyer he is the perfect lawyer. I would tell everyone that if you want protection and you want to win your case Zachary J McCready is the one for you. I highly recommend you retain him if you like a fair case, want to win your case, and want to be free.”
“I can definitely recommend Zack if you need more than a standard attorney. Zack is experienced, professional and cares. He handled my case aggressively and helped me out big time to be able to stay out of jail and keep my job throughout my case which I didn’t think was possible. He is very busy but always took the time to communicate with me what was happening or what we needed to do to be ready. He had lots of experience in law and has the respect of the court, which is why things turned out so good for me. I can’t be more thankful. I highly recommend Zack McCready.”
The feedback I receive from clients means everything to me—it’s a reminder of why I do this work and how important each case truly is. Every appeal represents a person’s future, and I take that responsibility seriously.
I’m proud to have earned the trust of those I’ve represented, and I remain committed to delivering the same level of dedication to every client moving forward.
Reach Out to a Criminal Appeals Lawyer in Orange County Today
As a board-certified criminal law specialist and former LAPD officer, I bring a unique perspective to every case, combining law enforcement experience with legal knowledge to manage the intricacies of the appellate system. If you're seeking a dedicated criminal appeals lawyer in Orange County, contact McCready Law Group today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.