A criminal conviction does not always mark the end of your legal options. You may have the right to challenge a final judgment through the appellate process. Maryland imposes strict deadlines for filing an appeal and missing an applicable deadline can result in dismissal.
When does the 30-day appeal deadline start?
For most criminal cases decided in a Maryland circuit court, you must file a notice of appeal within 30 days after the judgment or other appealable order is entered. The deadline runs from the entry of judgment rather than simply from the jury’s verdict.
The deadline can change when you file a timely motion for a new trial. In that situation, the appeal period can run from the later disposition of that motion.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
Missing the 30-day filing period may result in dismissal of the appeal. That can prevent you from obtaining appellate review of the circuit court’s final judgment. Other forms of post-conviction relief may be available in some circumstances, but they have different eligibility requirements and deadlines.
How do you calculate the 30 days?
For most appeals, the relevant date is when the circuit court records your judgment or other appealable order. Some appeals have different deadlines, including expedited appeals that require shorter filing windows.
You also have a separate deadline for ordering the transcript. You must order the transcript within 10 days after you file the notice of appeal.
What should you do after a Maryland criminal judgment is entered?
The 30-day deadline can pass quickly after a criminal judgment. Maryland appellate deadlines can vary based on the type of case and post-trial motions. You should determine the applicable deadline promptly after judgment. A Maryland criminal defense attorney can review the judgment, identify the applicable appellate procedure and help ensure required filings are made on time.