Empowering Immigrants, Strengthening America

Appellate Litigation Lawyer in Philadelphia

An appeal asks a higher court or federal agency to review errors that shaped the original outcome. In both criminal and immigration cases, appeals focus on the record, including what happened in the courtroom, what evidence was admitted or excluded, and whether the law was applied correctly.

If you were convicted of a crime or received a denied immigration application, our appellate litigation attorneys in Philadelphia at DeCosmo Law can examine your record line by line to determine whether the decision was legally sound or whether it deserves to be overturned.

Why Are Appeals Very Common in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has one of the busiest criminal justice systems in the country, with thousands of cases moving through the Criminal Justice Center each year. Based on data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, appeals nationwide frequently stem from procedural or evidentiary disputes, which mirrors what our appellate litigation lawyers in Philadelphia see in local cases.

Immigration matters in Philadelphia also move through a very fast-paced system. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) offices in the city process a large volume of applications, and removal cases are reviewed at the Philadelphia Immigration Court. High volume usually equals high error risk. When something feels off about your case outcome, it’s worth investigating.

What Does Appellate Litigation in Philadelphia Actually Involve?

An appeal is not a retrial. It’s a legal challenge to mistakes that affected the fairness or legality of the court’s original decision. In criminal cases, this usually involves:

  • Improper jury instructions
  • Constitutional violations
  • Evidentiary errors
  • Sentencing mistakes

In immigration cases, appeals typically involve:

  • Procedural defects
  • Misinterpretation of statutes or regulations
  • Due-process violations
  • Inaccurate credibility findings

Immigration appeals move through administrative bodies, including the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or federal circuit courts. Numerous criminal appeals move through the Pennsylvania Superior Court, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, or the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Each system has its own deadlines, briefing requirements, and standards of review, and missing a single detail can end the opportunity for relief.

What Our Appellate Litigation Attorneys in Philadelphia Can Do For You

Our appellate litigation lawyers in Philadelphia will gather and scrutinize all available transcripts, filings, exhibits, audio recordings, agency notes, and the judge’s written decision. Many successful appeals come from overlooked details, including wording choices, timing errors, and procedural missteps. They can likewise:

  • Identify legal issues that meet appellate standards.
  • Research controlling cases from the Pennsylvania courts or the Third Circuit.
  • Draft precise and factual briefs.
  • Argue before appellate panels when oral argument is granted.

Appellate work is slow, meticulous, and grounded in the written word. It requires clear storytelling backed by law. At DeCosmo Law, our goal is to create a record-based argument that leaves no doubt the original decision deserves another look.

Appeals are time-sensitive and technical. A conviction, removal order, visa denial, or waiver denial doesn’t always reflect the full truth of your case. Unfortunately, the clock begins ticking the moment the decision is issued. Whatever your case and circumstances, our appellate litigation attorneys in Philadelphia are ready to review the record, identify reversible errors, and fight for a better outcome.

Reach out to DeCosmo Law and schedule your confidential case evaluation by filling out our online form or calling 856-361-2122. Se habla español. An appeal may be your last chance, and it deserves a careful, strategic advocate.