the Justice System
Accountable
"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others,
or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope..."
― Robert F. Kennedy
Clouthier Law’s attorneys understand that the legal process can become frustrating, overwhelming and sometimes profoundly unfair. Unfortunately, the justice system makes mistakes, and with the help of a skilled appellate lawyer, it is possible to secure a more favorable outcome in your case. The Houston appeals lawyers at Clouthier Law have extensive experience evaluating cases and formulating an approach to challenging a legal matter on appeal. Our firm focuses entirely on appellate law with significant knowledge of the appeals process whether appealing from a criminal conviction, a civil or family matter, or an unjust bankruptcy court ruling. We also recognize the importance of having easy access to your lawyer, therefore our attorneys are accessible to our clients.
We represent clients throughout the State of Texas and in the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth, Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh Circuits as well as the U.S. Supreme Court. If you find yourself needing to challenge an unfair verdict, the skilled attorneys at Clouthier Law are personally committed to obtaining the best possible outcome for your appeal. The firm’s lead attorney, Susan J. Clouthier, a 2007 graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, has received several professional awards and recognitions and countless clients have written noteworthy reviews. Contact us today to receive a consultation.
If you or a loved one has been wrongfully convicted or you feel justice was not served during the trial phase, appellate remedies may be available. Depending on the circumstances, there may be a variety of options to challenge the conviction and sentence and receive an opportunity for a new trial. In some limited circumstances, the court may even grant an acquittal. Whether the conviction is in State or Federal court, there are strict deadlines to follow, and the appellate process is complicated, therefore it is vitally important to consult with an experienced criminal appeals attorney right away. Even if you or your loved one waived your right to appeal, you may be able to challenge your conviction on the basis of ineffective assistance of counsel. This is available in Texas and in Federal convictions. And if the Texas writ is unsuccessful, you can file a challenge in Federal court. In Federal court, whether the conviction is State or Federal, the deadline to file is one year from the conviction being final, so it is prudent to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
If you have received a judgment against you at trial and feel that the jury got it wrong or you need to defend a judgment on appeal, it is important to have an appellate lawyer on your side who understands the intricacies of the appellate process. Especially in the civil context, without an experienced appellate attorney, you run the risk of waiving arguments and missing important deadlines. Susan Clouthier has handled civil appeals in almost every area of law—some of the types of civil appeals she has handled include personal injury, various tort claims, federal civil rights, federal RICO Act, employment law, property related cases, probate, hospital and airplane lien disputes, challenging sanctions and attorneys fees, appealing summary judgment, and petition for writ of mandamus, among others. The attorneys at Clouthier Law understand both the Texas and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and how to write a brief that maximizes your chances on appeal.
Family Law matters often involve a great deal of frustration and heartache, and the attorneys at Clouthier Law are equipped to handle navigating the fragile and delicate matters in family law cases. Often even the most contentious disputes can be resolved simply by hiring an appellate attorney. Susan Clouthier has successfully resolved extremely highly contested matters prior to filing any briefs despite the parties’ repeated attempts at failed mediation.
When negotiation is not an option, an appeal can be successful in reversing the case. While higher courts often give a lot of deference to factual decisions by family courts, appellate remedies are still available in the family court context. Whether you want to challenge an unjust contempt order, an inequitable distribution of assets in a divorce proceeding, or another unfavorable ruling, the court of appeals may reverse the family court’s findings in numerous circumstances. The Houston appeals attorneys at Clouthier Law have handled a variety of family court appeals and have the experience to assist you in appealing an unjust outcome from family court.
There is a lot to sort through when dealing with a bankruptcy appeal. The Bankruptcy Code. The Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Bankruptcy appellate rules. Federal appellate rules. Local rules. If you or your client receive an adverse ruling in the bankruptcy court, it’s important that you act fast to retain appellate counsel. You only have a limited time to appeal and appealable orders arise before the conclusion of the bankruptcy proceedings. With the knowledge of the rules and familiarity with appeals, the attorneys at Clouthier Law can guide you through the process and provide you with a smooth appellate experience.
Federal appeals, whether criminal or civil, are controlled by the federal rules of appellate procedure and the local rules of the relevant circuit court. Since the federal appellate process differs in many ways from the states, it is critical to select a lawyer that handles a significant number of federal appeals. Our firm handles Federal appeals in eight Circuit Courts as well as the United States Supreme Court. Our Houston appeals lawyers have the experience necessary to effectively represent you in your federal appellate matter.
Our firm consists of individuals who passionately work to correct the injustices in Texas courts as well as many Federal courts including the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth, Ninth, Tenth Eleventh Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. We focus entirely on appellate matters, and we strive to offer the highest level of service to our clients. Contact the firm today for a consultation.