An appeal against a conviction is a legal process that allows a person who has been found guilty of a crime to challenge the verdict and seek to have it overturned or modified. Appeals can be based on a variety of grounds, such as errors of law, errors of fact, or ineffective assistance of counsel. The process of appealing a conviction can be complex and time-consuming, but it can also be an important way for defendants to protect their rights and ensure that they are treated fairly by the justice system.
There are many potential benefits to appealing a conviction. For example, an appeal can result in the conviction being overturned, the sentence being reduced, or a new trial being ordered. In some cases, an appeal can also lead to the identification of new evidence that could exonerate the defendant. Appeals can also play an important role in shaping the development of the law by providing courts with an opportunity to reconsider and clarify existing legal principles.