When is an appeal possible in a drug case?

In Washington, an appeal in a drug case is possible after the guilty verdict is handed down by a court. The appeal process provides an opportunity for the defendant to challenge the guilty verdict, and potentially have it reversed or modified. The appeal process begins when the defendant files a notice of appeal with the court. This must be done within 30 days from the date of the verdict being handed down. The court will then issue a certificate of appealability, which officially begins the appellate process. In Washington, the appellate court ruling is based solely on the facts and evidence presented at trial, as well as on any legal errors that may have occurred. The appellate court cannot consider new evidence, or reverse the decision solely on the basis of whether they think the sentence is too harsh. Instead, they review the proceedings to determine if the verdict is legally sound. If the court finds a legal error or any other grounds for overturning the verdict, the defendant may be granted a new trial, or the sentence may be modified. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the defendant has the right to file a petition for rehearing or apply for a writ of certiorari. This will allow the defendant to take their case to the Supreme Court and try to have the verdict overturned at a higher court level.

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