What does it mean to appeal a conviction?

Appealing a conviction in South Carolina means that a criminal defendant who has been found guilty of a crime can request a review of their conviction by a higher court. The defendant will submit an appeal to the appellate court of the state and then the appellate court will review whether the trial court made a legal error in the process that may have impacted the conviction. This process is intended to ensure that the verdict is fair and just. In order for the defendant to make an appeal, they must have a valid legal basis for the appeal, such as an incorrect application of the law or an issue with the evidence presented during the trial. The appellate court will not reconsider whether a defendant is guilty or not, but rather, it will determine if the trial court followed the appropriate procedures. If the appellate court finds that the trial court made a legal error, it can overturn the conviction, order a new trial, or reduce the sentence.

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