Rome McGuigan's Criminal Appellate Practice Group provides representation to parties involved in the criminal justice system. The group represents defendants in interlocutory appeals during trial and provides those convicted of crimes with a second chance by reviewing the record of the underlying trial for potential infringements of constitutional, statutory, and procedural rights. The group also represents crime victims at the trial and appellate levels who seek to have their rights protected during the course of a criminal trial.
Appellate advocacy is a specialized skill. It requires an effective union of strategy, efficient research, persuasive writing, and decisive oratory. Criminal law requires a firm understanding of both constitutional doctrines and procedural rights. Rome McGuigan, P.C. is pleased to offer a unique synthesis of these skills in its Criminal Appellate Practice Unit.
The practice group is chaired by Proloy K. Das, a former member of the Appellate Bureau of the Chief State's Attorney's Office, who has argued over thirty criminal appeals in the state appellate courts. The Firm includes Anne C. Dranginis, a former Appellate Court judge, six former prosecutors and three former Connecticut Supreme Court law clerks. Its members have experience before the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second and First Circuits.
POST-CONVICTION RELIEF
Our Criminal Appellate Practice Group reviews trial transcripts and lower court records for potential errors. Its members determine relevant facts and conduct legal research to develop theories for each unique case and assess whether to file an appeal or post-trial petitions or motions. We have extensive knowledge of and experience in both appellate advocacy and criminal law that makes our firm truly unique. We make it a point to stay current on federal and state case law and are dedicated and committed to fighting for the rights of our clients. Thus, we can also assist at the trial level to help preserve issues for appeal by preparing motions to suppress, motions to dismiss, motions in limine, and jury charges.
VICTIMS' RIGHTS
The Criminal Appellate Practice Group also represents victims who seek to have their rights protected during the criminal process. In 1996, the Connecticut General Assembly adopted the "Victim's Rights Amendment." Under this amendment, a victim of a crime has the right, among other things, to be treated with fairness and respect and be protected from the accused throughout the criminal justice process, be notified of court proceedings, to communicate with the prosecution, to object to or support any plea agreement, and to restitution. Our Criminal Appellate Practice Group enforces these rights on behalf of our clients.
CRIMINAL APPELLATE PRACTICE GROUP
- Proloy K Das, Chair, Criminal Appellate Practice Group, former Assistant State's Attorney in the Office of the Chief State's Attorney's Appellate Bureau
- Anne C Dranginis, former Appellate Court Judge and Assistant State's Attorney
- Austin J. McGuigan, former Chief State's Attorney and clerk to Chief Justice John P. Cotter
- Glenn B. Coe, former Chief Trial Attorney, Office of the Chief State's Attorney, arguments before the CT Supreme Court and the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- Joseph B. Burns, former chair of firm's Appellate Practice Group arguments before the state appellate Courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- Bradford S. Booth, former clerk to Senior Justice William J. Sullivan
Contact Us · (860) 756-0366 · (866) 558-6182
When you require a lawyer, we encourage you to call right away. We are concerned about your rights and your well-being. We have offices in Hartford and New London, Connecticut.
