Mark Yurachek & Associates
Georgia Appellate Court Building
Appellate & Post-Conviction Law Firm

Federal Criminal Appeals

A federal conviction carries life-changing consequences—and the federal appellate process is demanding, procedural, and deadline-driven. If legal errors affected the outcome of your case, a federal criminal appeal may provide a path to relief.

  • Careful record review and disciplined issue selection
  • Persuasive briefing designed specifically for the federal courts
  • Evaluation of post-conviction options including Federal Habeas Corpus

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Admitted to Practice In

All GA State & Appellate Courts All VA State & Appellate Courts U.S. District Courts (GA & VA) U.S. Courts of Appeal (4th, 5th, 6th, 11th) Supreme Court of the United States

Federal Appeal Deadlines (and Why Timing Matters)

Federal appellate rights are time-sensitive. The appeal process typically begins immediately after sentencing, and missing a deadline can foreclose options.

Notice of Appeal

14 Days

In federal criminal cases, the Notice of Appeal must be filed within 14 days after the entry of judgment. There is almost no margin for delay.

Federal Habeas § 2254 (State Conviction)

1 Year

For individuals seeking federal relief from a state court conviction. Generally subject to a strict one-year statute of limitations.

Federal Habeas § 2255 (Federal Conviction)

1 Year

The primary path for post-conviction relief for those in federal custody. Generally must be filed within one year of a final judgment.

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Lady Justice statue in front of law books

When a Federal Criminal Appeal Makes Sense

A federal appeal is not a second trial. In most cases, the appellate court reviews what happened in the district court to determine whether legal errors occurred and whether those errors require relief.

Suppression & Pretrial Motions

Harmful rulings on suppression motions or other pretrial motions that shaped the evidence the jury heard.

Trial Rulings

Evidentiary rulings, limits on cross-examination, or other trial errors that undermined the defense or distorted the fact-finding process.

Jury Instruction Errors

Instructions that misstated the law, failed to give a requested instruction, or limited your defenses in the jury room.

Sentencing Guideline Issues

Guideline calculations, enhancements, reasonableness, or sentences that are not authorized under federal law.

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Mark Yurachek

Meet Mark Yurachek

Strategic Counsel for Federal Appeals & Habeas Corpus

Mark Yurachek approaches federal appeals with record discipline, identified by careful evaluation of whether the record suggests viable appellate issues. For over two decades, he has helped clients navigate the demanding procedural requirements of the federal courts.

Our Philosophy

Federal appellate work rewards preparation and clarity. We focus on a small number of strong issues tied to the relief sought, supported by writing that is straightforward and strategically organized.

Proven Experience

Mark has handled extensive federal litigation, including direct appeals and Federal Habeas Corpus motions (§ 2254 & § 2255), focusing on preservation, posture, and standards of review.

Contact Mark Today(470) 319-8721

The Federal Appeals Process

Federal appeals follow a structured process governed by federal rules and circuit practice.

1

Review & Evaluation

We identify procedural posture, confirm deadlines, and evaluate whether the record suggests viable appellate issues.

2

The Record on Appeal

Federal appeals are built on the district court record—transcripts and exhibits. The record frames what the court can consider.

3

Issue Selection

Effective briefing is focused. We select issues that fit the record, standards of review, and the best path to relief.

4

Briefing & Argument

Briefing requires precision and citation discipline. Oral argument may be granted for complex legal questions.

5

Decision & Next

Outcomes may include reversal or remand. If denied, post-conviction options (Habeas) may still exist.

Common Issues in Federal Criminal Appeals

Not every error results in relief. Federal appellate courts focus on preservation, the standard of review, and whether the error was truly prejudicial. Here is what we evaluate.

4th Amendment & Suppression

Unlawful searches, warrant exceptions, and statement/interrogation issues tied to district court rulings.

Trial Rulings

Improper admission or exclusion of evidence, and limits on cross-examination that distort fact-finding.

Sentencing Errors

Guideline calculation mistakes, enhancements, and procedural or substantive unreasonableness.

Jury Instructions

Misstatements of law, refusal of requested instructions, or confusing charges that mislead the jury.

Constitutional Due Process

Confrontation Clause violations and fairness issues ranging from trial conduct to structural errors.

Habeas & Section 2255

Ineffective assistance of counsel and other post-conviction claims often raised after direct appeal.

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"Mark was communicative throughout the process, and he really cared about my case and getting results. He kept all expectations grounded in reality. This is the guy you want on your side!"
K

Kalen

Verified Client, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a federal criminal appeal take?

Can new evidence be introduced on appeal?

Do I need transcripts to begin?

What if the direct appeal is denied?

Review Your Paths to Federal Relief

Strategic evaluation of Federal Criminal Appeals and 2255 Habeas Motions. We evaluate cases nationwide.

Request Case Review(470) 319-8721