Can I bring new evidence on appeal?
After my trial ended I found documents that I think would have changed the result. Can I show these to the appeals court?
1 lawyer answer
Usually not. Appeals courts review what happened in the trial court, so they generally limit themselves to the evidence that was already in the record. New documents are normally not considered on a direct appeal.
There may be other routes, though. Many systems allow a motion for a new trial or a motion for relief from judgment based on newly discovered evidence, especially if you could not reasonably have found it earlier. These motions have their own deadlines, which can be short.
A lawyer can help you decide whether to pursue a motion in the trial court, an appeal, or both.
This is general information, not legal advice — speak to a licensed lawyer about your situation.
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