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

Georgia Criminal Appeals: Your Path to Relief

A criminal conviction can change everything—your freedom, your future, and your family. We are one of the few firms in Georgia focusing solely on criminal appeals and post-conviction relief.

  • Careful record review & disciplined issue selection
  • Persuasive briefing before State & Federal Courts
  • Strict adherence to critical 14-day & 30-day deadlines

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Inflexible deadlines apply. Start your review today.

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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

Appeal rights can be lost if strict deadlines are missed.

Even when a case is complex, the appeal timeline usually begins immediately after sentencing. Knowing your window is the critical first step.

Georgia Notice of Appeal

30 days

Due within 30 days after entry of judgment. Exception: May shift if a motion for new trial is filed.

Federal Notice of Appeal

14 days

Due within 14 days after entry of judgment in federal criminal cases. There is almost no margin for delay.

Habeas Corpus Windows

Years

Typically 4 years for Georgia State Habeas, and 1 year for Federal Habeas from when conviction becomes final.

Request Case Review(470) 319-8721
Lady Justice statue in front of law books

A direct appeal is not a new trial. Here is when it applies.

The appellate court reviews what happened in the trial court to determine whether legal errors occurred—and whether those errors require relief. Not every error leads to a reversal.

Convictions After Trial

You believe the judge made harmful legal rulings, or the process violated the law in a way that truly matters to the outcome.

Unlawful Sentences

Your sentence may not be authorized under Georgia law, or may involve legal errors in enhancements or conditions imposed by the judge.

Constitutional Violations

If constitutional rights (Fourth, Fifth, Sixth Amendments) affected the fairness of the proceedings, appellate review is appropriate.

Plea Cases (Limited)

Some plea-related issues can be appealable, but they are very narrow and fact-specific. We can evaluate the record to see if grounds exist.

Request Case Review (470) 319-8721
Mark Yurachek

Meet Mark Yurachek

Georgia's Leading Specialist in Post-Conviction Litigation

Mark Yurachek has focused his work on criminal appeals and post-conviction litigation for over two decades. Clients and trial lawyers seek Mark's counsel when the record matters, deadlines are tight, and the case requires strict appellate discipline.

Our Philosophy

Appellate work is fundamentally different from trial advocacy. It requires digesting massive records, identifying precise legal errors, and writing persuasive briefs that judges actually read.

Proven Experience

Mark has handled hundreds of appeals and habeas corpus petitions in state and federal courts, built on a deep understanding of procedural nuance and exhaustive record review.

Contact Mark Today(470) 319-8721

How the Process Works

Every case is unique, but our strategic approach ensures every potential avenue for relief is thoroughly evaluated before the court.

1

Initial Review

Gather charges, dates, filings to see if deadlines allow an appeal.

2

Record Assembly

Obtaining transcripts, exhibits, and orders. Appeals rise or fall on the record.

3

Issue Selection

Disciplined strategy to select strong arguments without drowning them in weak ones.

4

Briefing & Argument

Filing persuasive briefs. If granted, presenting oral arguments.

5

Decision

Reversal, new trial, resentencing, or evaluation of further post-conviction options.

What are common issues raised in a Georgia Appeal?

Not every error leads to relief. Appellate courts look for preserved objections, the standard of review, and whether the error likely affected the outcome. Here is what we regularly review for.

Evidentiary Rulings

Whether the court improperly admitted harmful evidence or excluded helpful defense evidence.

Jury Instructions

Incorrect instructions—or refusal to give a requested charge—affecting how the jury understood the law.

Prosecutorial Misconduct

Misconduct that fundamentally undermines the fairness of the trial and output.

Constitutional Violations

Unlawful searches/seizures, coerced statements, or ineffective assistance of counsel.

Confrontation Clause

When the court limits cross-examination or allows hearsay that prevents confronting accusers.

Sentencing Errors

Errors in applying enhancements, consecutive rules, or exceeding legal standards.

Request Case Review(470) 319-8721
"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 Georgia criminal appeal take?

Can I appeal after a guilty plea?

Do I need my transcripts to start the process?

What if my 30-day or 14-day appeal window has passed?

Protect your rights before deadlines expire.

Contact our office representing clients across Georgia. We evaluate cases remotely and throughout the state.

Request Case Review(470) 319-8721