30 Years Of Legal Defense On Your Side

Appeals Attorney Murrieta: Protecting Your Rights After a Criminal Conviction

Your Path Forward Starts Here

If you or someone you care about has received an unfavorable criminal verdict in Murrieta, your next steps are crucial. The process feels overwhelming, and quick action is often needed to keep your options open. Selecting an experienced appeals attorney in Murrieta is an important first decision.

At John Pozza Attorney At Law, PLC, we know the urgency and uncertainty that follow a criminal defense conviction at the Southwest Justice Center or the Riverside Hall of Justice. You have a limited window to appeal, and those days matter. Our team focuses on providing clear guidance and support as you weigh your path forward. From our first conversation, you will know you are not alone—and you will know what to expect.

Attorney John Pozza leads our firm with over 30 years of DUI defense and appellate experience throughout Southern California. Our dedication is reflected by a Superb Avvo Rating and selection by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. These honors signal our commitment to client-centered service and strong results. Our goal is to help individuals in Murrieta and Riverside County protect their rights at every phase.

Call (951) 461-7155 or reach out to us online for a consultation about your appeal.

Why Clients Trust Our Appeals Lawyer in Murrieta

Trust matters when your case is at a turning point. Everything we do is built on decades of drug crimes and appeals experience. Attorney John Pozza has spent more than thirty years working with clients in Riverside Superior Court, as well as other venues that serve Murrieta. Throughout his career, he has addressed a wide range of charges and appellate issues, both at trial and on review. This local experience means we understand not just the rules of appellate procedure, but the realities of the Murrieta legal system.

Our recognitions—including a Superb Avvo Rating and honors from the National Association of Distinguished Counsel—highlight our commitment to strategic, ethical advocacy. We approach each appeal as unique. Our reviews are detailed, and every client receives an honest assessment of possible appellate grounds. With a philosophy rooted in "innocent until proven guilty," we fight for fairness and transparency, making sure you understand the process from the start.

We combine legal skill with open communication, ensuring you are informed at every stage. We respond to your questions, explain choices, and keep you updated. Our local focus and deep experience set us apart from other appeals lawyers in Murrieta. When you need someone who knows the appellate courts and takes client service seriously, our firm is here to help.

Understanding the Appeals Process in Murrieta

If you are wondering about your options after a conviction in Murrieta, appeal may be possible. The appeals process lets you challenge legal errors made before, during, or after your trial. Appeals from Murrieta often go through the Fourth District Court of Appeal or the Riverside County Superior Court, depending on your circumstances. Strict filing deadlines typically apply—usually 30 to 60 days from judgment—so taking swift action is vital.

Common Grounds for Criminal Appeal in Murrieta

Most appeals focus on these issues:

  • Procedural mistakes in court
  • Improper evidence admitted or excluded
  • Ineffective assistance of counsel
  • Errors during sentencing

We begin by thoroughly reviewing your trial transcript, motions, and all court records. Our job is to uncover critical legal errors or constitutional violations that other lawyers may have missed. It is important to understand that appeals are not new trials. The reviewing court will decide whether errors were made that affected your outcome. As we guide you through the process in Murrieta, our local experience helps you avoid common pitfalls and interpret the appellate courts’ expectations with greater precision.

How Our Approach Sets Us Apart in Southern California Appeals

Handling a criminal appeal takes a different set of skills than defending at trial. At John Pozza Attorney At Law, PLC, we approach every new client with a clear process and a tactical mindset. We are thorough when reviewing trial records and transcripts, searching for legal errors that create appealable issues. Our focus is always on finding missteps or missed opportunities in earlier proceedings.

Our Local Insight Sets Us Apart

Our firm knows the deadlines and requirements of the Fourth District Court of Appeal and Riverside County Superior Court. We bring a deep understanding of the procedures and preferences of judges and court staff in the Murrieta area. This insight lets us tailor every appeal strategy to the court handling your case and to local rules that affect your filings.

Personalized Support Throughout Your Appeal

We pride ourselves on responsive communication. Each step of the way, we explain your options and clearly discuss risks and benefits. You will not work with paralegals or assistants—you will work directly with our attorney, who brings decades of appellate knowledge to your case. Strategies are always customized, never generic.

Appeals Successes & Client Outcomes

Results matter when choosing an appeals attorney in Murrieta. Over the years, we have helped clients overturn convictions, secure more favorable sentences, or gain new hearings when a serious legal error impacted their case. Our goal is always to use our appellate skills to put clients in a better legal position than before.

Recognition through organizations such as Avvo and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel shows our dedication to both results and ethical practice. By combining detailed analysis with persistence and creativity, we have earned a reputation for results. Our past successes show the practical difference a capable appeals lawyer can make, especially for clients in Murrieta or throughout Riverside County.

What To Do If You Need to File an Appeal in Murrieta

If you are considering an appeal, acting quickly is essential:

  • Contact an appeals attorney in Murrieta as soon as possible since limits on appeal filing dates are firm and often short.
  • Gather all court documents, correspondence, and notices related to your trial—these are critical for our review.
  • Set up a private consultation with our team so we can assess your case and potential grounds for appeal.
  • Delay discussing appeal strategies with your former trial lawyer until you receive an independent appellate opinion. Fresh insight is very important at this stage.

Our office is located close to key venues, including the Riverside Hall of Justice, making it easier for us to address local deadlines and hearings. Missing even a single day could limit your rights. We work to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, giving you a clear path forward from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon do I need to act after my conviction in Murrieta?

You typically have 30 to 60 days to file a notice of appeal after a criminal conviction in Murrieta. The exact deadline depends on whether your case was heard in Riverside County Superior Court, a misdemeanor or felony, and other details. Failing to act within this timeframe can mean losing your chance to appeal. We help clients meet local deadlines and handle all the paperwork with the court.

Can an appeals lawyer really change my outcome?

A skilled appeals lawyer in Murrieta may be able to overturn a conviction or change a sentence when clear legal errors appear in the trial court record. Appeals are complex and results depend on the details of each case. Our history includes clients whose situations improved on appeal after identifying such errors or rights violations. While no outcome is guaranteed, a knowledgeable advocate is your best path to a better result.

How do you review my case for an appeal?

We start by carefully reading your trial transcript and related court documents. We look for mistakes in how evidence was handled, jury instructions, or the judge’s rulings. Our analysis draws on experience with Riverside County appeals, so we spot issues that matter in Murrieta courts. After our initial review, we walk you through findings and talk about your next steps in clear language.

What are the chances my appeal will succeed?

The odds of a successful appeal depend on several factors, including the strength of the appealable issues, preservation of objections in your record, and how appellate judges view the facts. We give you an honest assessment from the start, based on decades of practice and knowledge of court tendencies in Murrieta. If your case has valid grounds, we will explain how appeals work, expected timelines, and the range of potential results.

Why choose your appeals attorney over another in Murrieta?

Our firm combines over 30 years of local appellate experience with a client-focused, ethical approach. We are known for personal attention, recognition from respected legal organizations, and detailed familiarity with the appellate courts in Murrieta and Riverside County. Our process is transparent, and we work to keep you informed every step of the way.

Will I have to appear in court again if I appeal?

Most appeals in Murrieta are decided on written briefs, so you generally will not need to appear in the Court of Appeal. Occasionally, courts set oral arguments, where attorneys present the case. If this happens, we prepare and represent you fully. We make sure you know what to expect, so the process feels manageable and clear throughout.

Take the Next Step Toward Justice—Contact Us Today

If you are ready to appeal a conviction, our attorney can help you navigate the Murrieta appellate system with experience and care. You do not have to face these complicated decisions on your own. Schedule a confidential review with us, and let our years of practice and client-first approach guide your next steps. We act quickly to explain your options and file appeals. Our firm knows what matters to courts in Murrieta, and we strive to protect your rights and pursue the best result for you.

Call (951) 461-7155 for immediate help with your appeal. We are ready to listen.

Meet Attorney John Pozza Providing Effective Advocacy

Dedicated to Defense of Your Rights since 1994 The law firm of John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC was established to address the issues of anyone who faces trial and harsh punishments after a criminal arrest. John's strengths cover the gamut of criminal concerns, including pre-file investigation, arrests, verdicts and plea withdrawals, and school expulsions. He handles charges such as: DUI defense, including DMV hearings White collar, financial, and computer crimes "Three strikes" crimes...

Hear From Our Satisfied Clients


    "At the end of looking around and speaking with others, John Pozza was the right choice."
    Choosing John was the best decision I made. I spoke with many different legal offices. It was stressful deciding who to choose. At the end of looking around and speaking with others, John Pozza was the right choice. You are not assigned some other lawyer. You deal directly with John and Tammy the whole time. They were so helpful, professional and kind. Do yourself a favor and book a meeting. Talk to John and explain exactly what is going on. You will walk out of his office knowing you are in good hands.
    - Alex
    "John is effective and efficient in the court room and kind and compassionate with his clients while explaining options and guiding you through a difficult process."
    John and Tammy are rockstars! Tammy is organized, communicative and on top of reminders and answering questions promptly and professionally. John is effective and efficient in the court room and kind and compassionate with his clients while explaining options and guiding you through a difficult process. They both advocated for us in a way that felt personal, not transactional. I highly recommend this dream team.
    - Kymberly
    "If you’re looking for professionalism, and people who will do their best, look no further."
    John Pozza has been great with the handling of my case. In addition to John and to be very honest, Tammy has been nothing short of excellent in her assistance. She’s very professional, timely in her responses and overall just great! If you’re looking for professionalism, and people who will do their best, look no further.
    - Jay T.
    "With any luck I’ll never need his help again but I certainly recommend him if you do."
    I was referred to John from another attorney regarding a misdemeanor charge I received from the Menifee Police Department. I thought it was bogus as I’m sure all of John’s clients would say and after meeting with him he felt he could help. John and Tammy got in touch with the DA’s office and were able to have the charge dismissed and save me a trip to court. They were both great to deal with and have a sense of humor too. John was very fair with his fee as well . With any luck I’ll never need his help again but I certainly recommend him if you do.
    - Laird C.
    "Outstanding"

    Outstanding and professional attorney and staff.

    - Karen P.
    "They made me comfortable when they took my case"
    Resolved my case quickly. John and Tammy are friendly and professional. They made me comfortable when they took my case. John is a very good lawyer.
    - Isabel J.
    "Rest assured you will receive top notch service from a lawyer who truly wants to help."
    With my unfortunate event that transpired, I was certain and confident with Mr. Pozza and his team would make the best out of a bad situation. John and Tammy are extremely professional, knowledgeable,and did their best to keep me calm throughout the whole ordeal. I was able to stay out of jail which was my biggest thing as I wanted to stay out of handcuffs and keep my job! It's extremely imperative if you are seeking legal counsel, to at least run your situation by Mr. Pozza. You only owe it to yourself to get his top rated opinion. They truly have been nothing short of amazing, and it has made all the difference. Every situation is different, but know if have Mr. Pozza, rest assured you will recieve top notch service from a lawyer who truly wants to help. I seriously can't thank them enough and look forward to an expungement process down the road!
    - Ruben
    "John is very skilled"

    Very professional, fast acting, and had a great outcome with my case. I highly recommend for all services John is very skilled.

    - Nick