Hillsdale Criminal Appeals and Post-Conviction Lawyers

A guilty verdict or harsh sentence handed down in Hillsdale County Circuit Court does not have to be the end of your story. At Grabel & Associates, our experienced appellate and post-conviction lawyers devote their practice to overturning wrongful convictions, correcting sentencing errors, and restoring clients' constitutional rights across Michigan.

Our Hillsdale criminal defense team has argued cases before every state and federal judiciary level in Michigan, from the Hillsdale County Circuit Court on North Howell Street to the Michigan Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. We bring more than two decades of experience focused exclusively on criminal defense, a track record of published victories, and an unwavering belief that the outcome of a case, especially one based on an error, should not define the rest of your life.

How do Criminal Appeals Work in Michigan Courts?

Michigan law authorizes two paths to challenge a criminal conviction: a direct appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals and, when your direct appeal options have been exhausted, post-conviction relief under Rule 6.500 of the Michigan Court Rules.

• Appeal as of Right: If you entered a plea that preserved your right to appeal or were convicted at trial, you generally have 42 days from the date of sentencing to file a Claim of Appeal. You have the right to file this appeal claim regardless of your case's merits. But missing this strict deadline forfeits your appeal as of right.
• Application for Leave to Appeal: Some orders and judgments at the trial court level, including unfavorable interlocutory orders or convictions entered based on plea bargains, waive your appeal as of right. Rather than a claim of appeal, you apply for leave in these circumstances. You must do so within six months of your sentencing.
• Michigan Supreme Court Review: After an adverse Court of Appeals opinion, clients have 56 days to seek discretionary review in the Michigan Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is not required to consider your case. But, if they do, they could send your case back for resentencing, a new trial, or, in rare cases, a dismissal of the charges.
• Federal Review: In rare instances, constitutional questions can also be presented to the United States Supreme Court via a petition for writ of certiorari. Unfortunately, these petitions are rarely granted.

Each stage of the appellate process involves different briefing schedules, specific standards of review, and unique strategic considerations. It is critical to retain appellate counsel who understands these nuances, the personalities of appellate judges, and the precedent preferences of each court.

New Legal Developments Impacting Michigan Post-Conviction Cases

On March 19, 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court amended MCR 6.508 and MCR 6.509, clarifying how partial orders on post-judgment motions for relief are issued and when they become final for calculating your time to appeal. Trial courts must now re-issue a consolidated order once all issues are decided, resetting the appellate clock and reducing the confusion that previously caused some untimely filings.

These updates underscore why our firm monitors rule revisions and appellate court decisions: what was procedurally sound last year may be fatal to your appeal today.

What Can Be Appealed After a Conviction in Hillsdale?

A well-crafted appeal focuses the higher court on legal errors, not the re-litigation of facts. Common issues that can result in reversal include the following:

• Constitutional Violations: Unlawful searches, Miranda violations, denying your right to counsel, or involuntary confessions.
• Evidentiary Errors: Improper admission or exclusion of critical evidence, the use of prejudicial character testimony, or flawed expert methodology.
• Jury-Instruction Mistakes: Misstatements of law that misled jurors about the elements of the offense or available defenses.
• Sentencing Mistakes: Scoring errors under the Michigan Sentencing Guidelines, reliance on inaccurate information, or unconstitutional sentence enhancements.
• Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Failure to investigate, call key witnesses, object to inadmissible evidence, or research controlling law.

By meticulously analyzing trial transcripts, motions, and exhibits, we identify the most compelling assignments of error and present them persuasively to appellate judges accustomed to concise, legally sophisticated arguments.

What You Need to Know About Motions for Relief from Judgment in Michigan

Even if your direct appeal deadlines have lapsed, Michigan law gives defendants a final opportunity to challenge convictions via a Motion for Relief from Judgment (often called a “6.500 Motion”). Grounds for a 6.500 Motion include newly discovered evidence, retroactive changes in law, or constitutional errors that rendered the proceedings fundamentally unfair.

But the procedural hurdles for a motion for relief from judgment are high. You may only raise issues not previously decided or deliberately waived, and successive motions are barred unless you satisfy stringent exceptions. Our attorneys draft comprehensive affidavits to support your motion, secure expert reports, and often move for a Ginther hearing to expand the factual record on ineffective-assistance claims. We preserve the launchpad for federal habeas corpus review if relief is denied.

Filing a Federal Habeas Petition After a Michigan Conviction

After exhausting state court remedies, clients may petition a federal court (the U.S. District Court) for review under 28 U.S.C. § 2254, arguing that their custody violates established federal law. Unfortunately, the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act imposes a one-year statute of limitations and a deferential standard for habeas petitions that can intimidate inexperienced attorneys. We have filed and argued habeas cases alleging various issues, including Bruton violations, Batson errors, and prosecutorial misconduct, giving our incarcerated clients a meaningful shot at freedom when state courts have slammed the door shut.

Why Local Knowledge Matters in Hillsdale Appeals

Although we maintain offices statewide, we have deep roots in southern Michigan and routinely appear before the courts in and around Hillsdale:

• Hillsdale County Circuit Court (1st Judicial Circuit): 29 N. Howell St., Hillsdale, MI 49242
• Hillsdale District Court (2B District): 49 N. Howell St., Hillsdale, MI 49242
• Michigan Court of Appeals: District dockets are assigned statewide, but most Hillsdale appeals are argued in Lansing’s Hall of Justice, only a short drive from our main office
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan: For habeas petitions or federal appeals arising out of sentences in Hillsdale County

Local knowledge matters. We understand the evidentiary preferences of Hillsdale judges, the prosecutorial style of the Hillsdale County Prosecutor’s Office, and the community factors that shape sentencing outcomes. Additionally, we maintain relationships with the same court reporters and clerks who prepare transcripts, accelerating record assembly and reducing costly delays in any potential appeals.

Proven Strategy for Criminal Appeals & Sentence Reductions

• Immediate File Audit: Within 48 hours of engagement, we secure transcripts, docket entries, and exhibits, and map out all the relevant deadlines.
• Issue Spotting & Analyzing the Standard of Review: We triage potential errors, weighing each by the likelihood of reversal under the applicable “abuse of discretion,” “clear error,” or “de novo” standards.
• Narrative-Driven Briefing: Judges read thousands of briefs. We craft a compelling story that highlights the key legal errors while grounding every assertion we make in the record and the most persuasive precedent.
• Oral Argument Preparation: Using mock panels, including former appellate clerks, helps us refine arguments until they can withstand the most challenging questions.
• Post-Decision Advocacy: Whether celebrating reversal or planning for the next appeal tier, we guide you through what the appellate or post-trial decision means for you and your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief

Q: “How long does a criminal appeal take?”

A typical appeal lasts between 9 and 14 months from filing the claim of appeal to a decision, although expedited child-custody or extradition matters can be processed more quickly. Post-conviction motions vary widely but are often resolved within 6 to 12 months at the trial court level before any appellate review.

Q: “Can I get out on bond during my appeal?”

Michigan courts may grant an appellate bond if you are facing a jail or prison term but have not been convicted of certain disqualifying offenses (like murder). We prepare thorough bond motions showing that the appeal raises substantial questions and that you pose no flight risk or danger to society.

Q: “What if my trial lawyer already raised these issues?”

Appellate counsel brings fresh eyes. Even issues previously argued may succeed on appeal if framed uniquely, supported by more legal authority or factual support, or contextualized under updated case law.

Why Choose Grabel & Associates for Your Hillsdale Appeal?

• Exclusive Focus on Criminal Defense: Appeals and post-conviction work are not side projects for us. They are part of our core mission.
• Statewide Reputation for Excellence: Judges, prosecutors, and fellow attorneys recognize our firm as the go-to resource for complex appellate litigation.
• Comprehensive In-House Research Team: We maintain an internal brief bank and subscribe to the latest digital research platforms, ensuring your case benefits from innovative legal analysis and technology.
• Client-Centered Communication: We provide clear timelines, plain-language explanations, and 24/7 access to your case file through a secure client portal.
• Our Results Matter: We have helped hundreds of clients reclaim their futures from sentencing reductions to complete exonerations.

Start Your Appeal with a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been convicted of a crime in Hillsdale County—or anywhere in Michigan, time is not on your side. Each day that passes narrows your options for relief. Contact Grabel & Associates for a free, confidential review of your trial record and sentencing documents. We will evaluate every viable path to overturning your conviction or reducing your sentence and craft a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.

Call us at 1-800-342-7896 or complete our online consultation form to schedule your case assessment. Your fight is our fight. Let our knowledge, experience, and relentless advocacy be the difference between a permanent criminal record and a new beginning.

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