Philadelphia appellate attorneys

Appellate Lawyer Handling - Mosser Appeals

Philadelphia Civil Appeals, Criminal Appeals & PCRA Petitions — providing appellate representation across Pennsylvania, including civil appeals, criminal appeals, and post-conviction relief matters.

Philadelphia Civil Appeals

Philadelphia Criminal Appeals

Philadelphia PCRA Petitions

In the words of our clients…

Civil Appeals Lawyer Philadelphia, PA

Seeking an appeals lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, a Pennsylvania appellate attorney, or an experienced civil appeals lawyer in Pennsylvania? At Mosser Legal, PLLC, we understand the complexities and challenges that can arise in the Pennsylvania appellate process, including civil appellate litigation, appeals in the Pennsylvania Superior Court, and Commonwealth Court appeals. Learn more about appellate practice through the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Our experienced Philadelphia appellate attorneys are dedicated to providing strategic appellate guidance, comprehensive legal research, and persuasive appellate advocacy to help clients navigate the Pennsylvania appellate court system. Facing an unfavorable court decision can be a disheartening experience, especially when the stakes are high and your constitutional rights, due process rights, and financial interests are on the line.

When you choose Mosser Legal, you gain the expertise of skilled Pennsylvania appeals lawyers who focus on litigating civil appeals and criminal appeals in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. Don’t let an unfavorable court decision be the end of the road. Our team is ready to provide the personalized appellate representation and strategic legal advocacy you need to pursue justice through the appellate process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia appellate lawyer.

Todd Mosser standing in front of Philadelphia City Hall

A Seasoned Philadelphia Appellate Lawyer on Your Side

Mistakes are made in the trial courts of Pennsylvania. At Mosser Legal, we work to identify legal errors, procedural defects, and constitutional violations in order to preserve the integrity of the judicial system and to ensure that you have received the due process protections guaranteed under Pennsylvania and federal law. If you need to appeal your criminal conviction, civil judgment, or trial court ruling, we will fight for you.

With over twenty years of experience as an appellate lawyer in Philadelphia, Attorney Todd Mosser understands the common trial court errors that can result in wrongful convictions, improper sentencing, or adverse civil outcomes in Pennsylvania courts.

When a civil court decision fails to align with your expectations, or you believe that legal, evidentiary, or procedural errors occurred during the trial, pursuing a civil appeal in Pennsylvania can be crucial in seeking a fair and just outcome under Pennsylvania appellate law.

Our team of experienced civil appellate lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, is dedicated to providing strategic appellate representation to clients involved in Pennsylvania civil appeals, including appeals from trial courts, administrative agencies, and federal civil litigation. For procedural guidance, see the Pennsylvania Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Our appellate attorneys can assist you with your civil appeal by:

  • Reviewing pre-trial and trial proceedings
  • Identifying judicial errors
  • Identifying possible evidentiary issues
  • Identifying procedural violations
  • Negotiating a more favorable resolution after identifying issues to be argued on appeal

If you are considering filing a civil appeal in Philadelphia or anywhere else in Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to reach out to our legal team. The Pennsylvania civil appeals process is an intricate area of litigation that requires an attorney with proven appellate experience. Mosser Legal has established a strong track record of success in Pennsylvania civil appellate litigation and is prepared to advocate for your cause.

If you or a loved one has been convicted of a criminal offense in Philadelphia or elsewhere in Pennsylvania and believes that trial errors, constitutional violations, or sentencing errors occurred, pursuing a criminal appeal may be a viable option. Our Philadelphia criminal appeals attorneys routinely handle Pennsylvania criminal appeals and are committed to protecting your constitutional rights.

Mosser Legal’s experienced criminal appellate lawyers can assist you by:

  • Reviewing pre-trial, trial, and post-trial proceedings
  • Ascertaining constitutional violations
  • Identifying evidentiary and procedural errors
  • Evaluating whether a sentence can be appealed
  • Litigating the discovery of newly discovered evidence

We fight aggressively to protect your rights while pursuing a successful criminal appeal in Pennsylvania, including appeals before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and higher appellate courts.

If you have been convicted of a crime in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania, and believe your constitutional rights were violated, ineffective assistance of counsel occurred, or new evidence has emerged, filing a Post-Conviction Relief Act (PCRA) petition is a critical step.

Our appellate lawyers assist with PCRA litigation in Pennsylvania by:

  • Reassessing the trial record and defense strategy
  • Investigating witnesses and evidence
  • Presenting newly discovered evidence
  • Identifying constitutional violations, including ineffective counsel
  • Providing expert witness support
  • Presenting mitigation evidence
  • Continuing appellate representation if a PCRA petition is denied

The PCRA process in Pennsylvania is rule-based and highly procedural. Mosser Legal has extensive experience navigating Pennsylvania post-conviction relief litigation. Authoritative reference: Pennsylvania Post-Conviction Relief Act – Legislature

How The Appeals Process Works in Pennsylvania

Navigating the Pennsylvania appeals process requires a detailed understanding of appellate procedure, court rules, and preservation of issues. At Mosser Legal, we guide clients through appeals in the Pennsylvania Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Filing the Notice of Appeal in Pennsylvania
The appeals process begins by filing a Notice of Appeal with the trial court. The Notice of Appeal informs the court and the opposing party that you intend to in an appeal. 

It is crucial to adhere to the strict filing deadlines set by Pennsylvania's appellate rules to ensure that your appeal is properly initiated.
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Identification of Appellate Issues (Rule 1925 Statement)
After the appeal is initiated, we file a pleading called a Rule 1925 Statement that identifies and preserves all potential issues to argue in the appellate court.
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Preparation of the Certified Record
Once the Notice of Appeal is filed, the trial court will prepare the Certified Record, which includes all relevant documents, transcripts, and exhibits from the trial, as well as our Rule 1925 Statement. The Record serves as the foundation for your appeal and will be reviewed by the appellate court.
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Drafting Pennsylvania appellate briefs
Appellate briefs are written arguments presented to the appellate court, detailing the legal issues, facts, and arguments supporting your appeal. The appellant files an opening brief, presenting their case. The appellee, the opposing party, then files a responsive brief, addressing the appellant's arguments.

  Finally, the appellant may file a reply brief to respond to the appellee's arguments. Our skilled appellate lawyers excel in crafting concise and persuasive briefs that articulate why the appellate court should rule in your favor.
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Presenting oral arguments before appellate courts
In some cases, the appellate court may schedule an oral argument to allow the parties to present their case in person after briefs have been submitted. During oral arguments, each party has an opportunity to address the appellate court's questions and further advocate for their position. 

Mr. Mosser has engaged in oral argument in all of Pennsylvania’s appellate courts, as well as the Third Circuit Court of Appeals (federal) for well over twenty years and understands the strategic importance of oral argument and the most effective way to present oral arguments to the appellate courts.
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Receiving the appellate court decision
After reviewing the briefs and hearing oral arguments, the appellate court will render its decision. The court may affirm the lower court's decision, reverse it, remand the case for further proceedings, or take other appropriate actions based on the specific circumstances of the case. Our appellate lawyers are prepared to proceed at the next level as directed by the appellate court.
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We Have Successfully Appealed Cases Throughout Pennsylvania

Civil Appeals
Pittsburgh

Civil Appeals
Allentown

Civil Appeals
Harrisburg

Civil Appeals
Reading

Civil Appeals
Bethlehem

Civil Appeals
Lancaster

Civil Appeals
Scranton

Civil Appeals
Erie

Talk to an Attorney About Your Case

If you’re looking for a Philadelphia civil appeals attorney, criminal appeals lawyer in Philadelphia, or an experienced Pennsylvania appellate attorney, Mosser Legal can help.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your constitutional rights and appellate remedies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does an appellate lawyer do in Pennsylvania?

A Pennsylvania appellate lawyer reviews trial court decisions for legal, procedural, or constitutional errors and represents clients before appellate courts such as the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Commonwealth Cour

In most cases, a Notice of Appeal must be filed within 30 days of the final trial court order under Pennsylvania appellate rules.

A civil appeal challenges errors in civil lawsuits, while a criminal appeal challenges convictions, sentences, or constitutional violations in criminal cases.

Generally, appellate courts review the trial record. New evidence is usually addressed through PCRA petitions rather than direct appeals.

A PCRA petition allows individuals to challenge a conviction or sentence based on ineffective assistance of counsel, constitutional violations, or newly discovered evidence.

Appeals are heard by the Pennsylvania Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and, in some cases, federal appellate courts.

Appellate law is highly technical and requires experience in issue preservation, appellate brief writing, and oral argument strategy.

The cost of hiring an appellate lawyer in Pennsylvania depends on the complexity of the appeal, the court involved, and the amount of legal research and briefing required. Many appellate attorneys offer consultations to review the case and discuss fees.

Appellate lawyers primarily focus on appeals rather than trials. Their role is to analyze trial court records, identify legal errors, and present written briefs and oral arguments before appellate courts.

The Pennsylvania Superior Court is the primary appellate court that hears most civil and criminal appeals from trial courts across the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania handles appeals involving state and local government agencies, regulatory matters, and certain civil cases.

Yes. Sentencing errors, including excessive sentences or misapplication of sentencing guidelines, may be appealed in Pennsylvania criminal cases.

If an appeal is denied, further options may include filing a petition for allowance of appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court or pursuing post-conviction relief through a PCRA petition.

The appellate process can take several months to over a year, depending on the court, the complexity of the issues, and whether oral argument is granted.

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