Chicago, IL criminal defense attorney Gal Pissetzky talks about his experience in criminal appeals. So, the legal professional exclusively handles direct appeals in their practice. The attorney’s firm abstains from involvement in any post-conviction appeals or petitions for post-convictions, with the attorney recognizing that some individuals may not be familiar with the distinction between post-conviction and direct appeals.

Direct appeals, which the attorney specializes in, refer to immediate appeals following a trial loss, where individuals possess an absolute right to appeal their conviction to the appellate court. The attorney explicitly does not handle appeals that emerge years after conviction, commonly referred to as post-conviction appeals—a specialized area managed by other legal practitioners.

Moreover, if a significant issue arises for presentation to the Supreme Court, whether at the state or federal level, the attorney actively pursues an appeal to the Supreme Court. This typically follows the denial of a direct appeal. Although not an absolute right, individuals can request the appellate court, including the Supreme Court, to consider their case. The Supreme Court may choose to hear the case, especially if it involves unsettled issues or ones pertaining specifically to constitutional questions.

Throughout the attorney’s career, they have presented arguments before the Illinois Supreme Court on two occasions, a notable accomplishment in comparison to many other lawyers handling appeals. The Supreme Court selectively accepts cases, and the attorney’s focus remains on direct appeals and, in specific instances, appeals to the Supreme Court through a petition for leave to appeal.