Criminal Appeals Lawyer in Olathe, Kansas

Challenging Wrongful Convictions and Unfair Sentences in Kansas

A conviction isn’t always the end of the story. Mistakes happen in criminal trials — procedural errors, constitutional violations, ineffective counsel, or evidence that was improperly admitted. If you or a loved one has been wrongfully convicted or received an unfair sentence, you have the right to challenge that outcome through the appeals process.

At Duma Law Offices, appellate attorney Michael C. Duma represents clients across Johnson County and throughout Kansas. Michael is known for his relentless pursuit of justice, deep understanding of appellate law, and ability to identify the legal errors that can change the outcome of a case.

If you believe something went wrong in your trial, don’t wait.
Call (913) 782-7072 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Kansas criminal appeals lawyer.

Understanding Criminal Appeals in Kansas

An appeal is not a retrial or a chance to present new evidence. Instead, it is a legal challenge to the process and outcome of your trial. The appellate court reviews the record of your case — including transcripts, motions, and rulings — to determine whether legal mistakes affected your verdict or sentence.

Common grounds for appeal include:

• Judicial errors or improper jury instructions
• Violation of constitutional rights (e.g., unlawful search or coerced confession)
• Ineffective assistance of counsel
• Improper admission or exclusion of evidence
• Prosecutorial misconduct
• Sentencing errors or excessive punishment
• New legal precedent affecting your conviction

Appeals require meticulous legal research, precise writing, and strategic oral advocacy. Michael C. Duma brings all three to every appellate case he handles.

The Appellate Process in Kansas

The appeals process is complex and time-sensitive. Missing a filing deadline or procedural step can end your right to appeal. Here’s a general overview:

1. Notice of Appeal: Must be filed within a strict deadline (usually 14 days for federal cases, 30 days for Kansas state cases).
2. Record Preparation: The trial transcript, evidence, and motions are compiled for review.
3. Appellate Briefs: Both sides submit written arguments — the defense explains why the conviction should be reversed, and the state responds.
4. Oral Arguments: In some cases, the appellate court hears oral arguments from both attorneys.
5. Decision: The appellate judges issue a written opinion affirming, reversing, modifying, or remanding the case for a new trial or resentencing.

Michael C. Duma personally oversees every stage of this process, crafting persuasive briefs that highlight key legal errors and demand accountability from the justice system.

Why Experience Matters in Appeals

Appellate law is not trial law. It demands a different skill set — one that emphasizes written advocacy, critical analysis, and a deep understanding of procedural nuances.

Michael C. Duma has extensive experience in trial and appellate litigation, giving him a unique perspective when reviewing trial records. He knows how trial errors occur, how they influence juries, and how to expose those mistakes on appeal.

Clients turn to Duma Law Offices because:

• We perform thorough reviews of every transcript and ruling.
• We build strong, evidence-based legal arguments for reversal or modification.
• We are committed to achieving justice, not just managing damage.
• We provide honest, clear guidance throughout the appellate process.

When your freedom depends on reversing a wrongful conviction, experience and precision are everything.

Post-Conviction Relief and Habeas Corpus

If your direct appeal has already been denied, there may still be options. Post-conviction motions — such as a K.S.A. 60-1507 motion in Kansas — allow you to challenge your conviction based on new evidence, ineffective assistance of counsel, or constitutional violations that weren’t raised earlier.

Federal habeas corpus petitions also allow review of state convictions that violated federal rights. These procedures are complex and highly technical, but they can offer a final opportunity for justice when the system fails.

Michael C. Duma carefully evaluates every potential path to relief and pursues the strongest available route on your behalf.

Contact Our Olathe Criminal Appeals Lawyer Today

A conviction doesn’t have to be the end. If errors, misconduct, or violations of your rights led to your conviction or sentence, you have the right to fight back.

At Duma Law Offices, Michael C. Duma will take a meticulous, strategic approach to your appeal — identifying errors, crafting compelling legal arguments, and pursuing every possible remedy.

Call (913) 782-7072 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Kansas criminal appeals attorney. 
Your future deserves a second look — and a relentless defense.