What We Do
On this page: Overview · Federal Direct Appeals · Compassionate Release · 2255 Motions · Habeas Corpus Petitions
Overview
We aspire to be the law research team for your family—assisting, partnering, and providing guidance as you navigate a major life event. Our team brings deep experience along with real care and compassion to help you through challenges and toward solutions.
ALERT 2020 will review options below:
Federal Direct Appeals
A direct appeal refers to the standard process of appealing your conviction and sentence. Under federal law, you have the right to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for your circuit if you disagree with the verdict or sentence.
The process begins with a timely notice of appeal—generally within fourteen (14) days of the district court’s judgment. The district court forwards the notice to the circuit, which dockets the appeal, and jurisdiction shifts to the court of appeals.
There is a $505 filing fee, but if funds are unavailable, a motion to proceed in forma pauperis may be filed. Each circuit has its own local rules (e.g., docketing statements, jurisdictional statements) and format expectations in addition to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (FRAP). ALERT 2020 is familiar with these requirements and prepares filings accordingly.
Once preliminary filings are complete and the record (transcripts, filings, orders) is ready, the court issues a briefing schedule. The Opening Brief (often ~40 days after record completion, subject to extensions) presents the issues, facts, and supporting authority. The government responds, and a Reply Brief may follow. Oral argument is granted in a subset of cases when it would aid the court.
After a panel decision, a party may seek panel rehearing or rehearing en banc (strict 14-day deadline), and thereafter, a petition for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court (typically 90 days from judgment).
Compassionate Release
Since the First Step Act of 2018, compassionate release has become a meaningful avenue for sentence reductions or release under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A). Relief requires “extraordinary and compelling reasons,” consideration of § 3553(a) factors, and that the defendant is not a danger to the community.
Typically, applicants must first exhaust administrative remedies with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP)—beginning with the warden and proceeding through appeals. If denied or if statutory response windows lapse, a motion may be filed in district court. ALERT 2020 assists with eligibility assessments, record-gathering, and motion preparation.
2255 Motions
A motion under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 asks the sentencing court to vacate, set aside, or correct the sentence based on constitutional or jurisdictional error (for example, ineffective assistance of counsel or unlawful sentences). Strict deadlines apply.
Where the motion presents a colorable claim, courts may order an evidentiary hearing. § 2255 practice is demanding and often contested; ALERT 2020 supports research, drafting, and record development to present the strongest arguments available.
Habeas Corpus Petitions
In limited circumstances, a petition under 28 U.S.C. § 2241 may be used to challenge custody in the district of confinement—often when other remedies are inadequate or unavailable. District courts retain discretion in granting hearings and relief.
ALERT 2020 assists in evaluating whether § 2241 or related avenues are appropriate, and in preparing filings tailored to the relevant circuit and district practice.