How long does a criminal appeal take?

Criminal appeals in South Carolina typically take anywhere from several months to several years, depending on the complexity of the appeal. The length of the appeal depends on several factors, such as the length of the initial trial, the number of appeals being filed, and the court docket. First, the initial trial can take anywhere from a few days to several months. Then, once the trial has concluded, a notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of the trial. That notice will be sent to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, which will then review the case. The court will review the trial record and make a decision as to whether further proceedings are necessary. If the court decides to hear the appeal, oral arguments may be set. During these arguments, lawyers for both sides will present their arguments in a courtroom. After the oral arguments have been concluded, the court will again review the record and come to a decision. Depending on the complexity of the appeal, this process may take anywhere from several months to a year. Finally, if the decision of the Court of Appeals is unsatisfactory to either party, an appeal can be submitted to the South Carolina Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the appeal, the process must begin again, leading to further delays. Overall, appeals can take anywhere from several months to several years. In general, the more complex and contested the case is, the longer it will take for the appeals process to be completed.

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How long does a criminal appeal take?

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