Appeals Lawyer Toronto

Jeff Hershberg, Criminal Defence Lawyer

I associate with the well-known law firm of Pinkofskys Criminal Trial and Appeal Lawyers; the largest criminal defence firm in Canada. I became a partner in 2008. In July, 2010, Pinkofskys became known as Rusonik, O’Connor, Robbins, Ross, Gorham & Angelini LLP.

I fight for the oppressed and underrepresented.

Appeals

Appeals refer to legal proceedings initiated by a party dissatisfied with a lower court’s decision, seeking a review and potential reversal of the ruling. Typically, appeals aim to rectify errors in applying law or procedure during the initial trial. Parties may appeal verdicts, judgments, or orders to a higher court, presenting legal arguments and evidence to support their case. Appellate courts assess the lower court’s decision for legal errors rather than re-examining factual evidence. The outcome of an appeal may result in affirming, modifying, or overturning the original decision, providing parties with a pathway to seek justice within the legal system.

  • Expert Appeals Representation
  • Strategic Legal Guidance
  • Appellate Brief Drafting
  • Case Review and Analysis
  • Courtroom Advocacy
  • Proven Track Record of Success

The Nature of Appeals

An appeal is a very different type of hearing from a trial. Appeal courts do not normally hear witnesses. The role of an appeal court is not to re-try cases and decide which witnesses to believe. Appeal courts decide instead whether or not there were any legal mistakes made at trial. Some common grounds of appeal that are argued for conviction appeals include: that the judge at trial admitted evidence that should have been excluded; that the judge misunderstood the evidence; or, that the judge’s legal instructions to the jury contained mistakes.

It is sometimes possible to call new evidence on an appeal, but generally any new evidence has to be something that the defence did not know about at trial, and that might have changed the result if it had been called at trial.

If the appeal court finds that a legal mistake was made at trial, they will normally order a new trial. They will only enter a verdict of not guilty in cases where there is no evidence that could possibly support a guilty verdict. The appeal court can also reduce the sentence imposed at trial

Jeff Hershberg will help defend your freedom.

Contact Jeff to discuss your case.

(416) 428-7360

Appeals

Anyone convicted of a criminal offence has the right to appeal their conviction, or to seek leave to appeal their sentence. For less serious offences, where the Crown has elected to proceed summarily in the provincial court, appeals are heard in the Superior Court of Justice in the jurisdiction where the trial took place. For more serious charges, where the Crown proceeded by indictment, appeals are heard at the Ontario Court of Appeal in Toronto.

The time limit for criminal appeals is 30 days after the date of sentencing, so it is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible if you intend to appeal. This time limit can be extended in some cases, but the appeal process is much easier if your appeal is filed within the 30 days.

Appeals FAQ

  • What is Bail Pending Appeal?

    In some cases, an appeal court will order bail pending appeal for an accused person who was sentenced to jail. The court can also restore the driver’s license pending appeal for an accused person who has been prohibited from driving. To get bail pending appeal, your lawyer will have to bring a motion to the court with affidavits signed by you and any sureties who will sign your bail. Your lawyer also must show that the appeal has a chance of success. A bail pending appeal can be complicated and take some time to prepare, so it is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible if you want to appeal and might be sentenced to prison.

  • What is the Appeal Process?

    The first step in an appeal is to order the transcripts of the trial under appeal. A court reporter records every word spoken in trial courts, and in order to appeal a conviction or sentence a written transcript of what happened will be needed. For a conviction appeal, a transcript of the whole trial is necessary, while for a sentence appeal, only the sentencing is needed. For long trials, it can take a number of months for the court reporter to prepare the transcripts.

    Once the transcripts are ready, both the Crown and defence prepare a written argument called a factum. After each side files its factum, the case is argued in front of one judge for appeals in the Superior Court, or three judges for appeals in the Court of Appeal. Almost all appeals are argued in less than one day, with only especially complicated cases taking longer. The judge or judges hearing the appeal can either decide the case that day, or reserve their decision and deliver a judgment later.

Are you or a loved one facing criminal charges

?

Speak with Jeff Hershberg
to discuss your case.

(416) 428-7360

15+

YEARS OF CRIMINAL DEFENCE EXPERIENCE

1000+

CASES AND CLIENTS

17+

LEGITIMATE 5-STAR GOOGLE REVIEWS

Why Jeff Hershberg

01

We Put You First

Jeff Hershberg Law provides personalized criminal defence services, prioritizing strong client relationships. They believe in clear communication and keeping clients informed every step of the way. Choose them for a trusted advocate invested in your success.

02

Available For You

Jeff Hershberg offers clients personalized attention and accessibility. He's available 24/7 and promptly responds to concerns. Whether you need guidance navigating the legal system or a consultation to discuss options, Jeff Hershberg is committed to being there for you every step of the way.

03

Nationally Recognized

Jeff Hershberg is a highly acclaimed criminal defence lawyer with a reputation that extends beyond Toronto and Vaughan. His expertise and achievements have earned him recognition from various organizations. This reflects his commitment to excellence in legal representation and his unwavering dedication to protecting the rights of his clients.

04

Continued Success

Jeff Hershberg is a highly successful lawyer with a proven track record of securing favourable client outcomes. His meticulous attention to detail and effective strategies have resulted in countless satisfied clients. By choosing Jeff Hershberg Law, you can trust that you have an experienced and successful lawyer on your side.

Contact Jeff Hershberg

I’m ready to fight for you.
I’m ready to be your ally and,
I’m ready to start now.
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Contact our law office today.

I pride myself on always being available for my clients and am always reachable by phone and/or email.

(416) 428-7360
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