How long do I have to file an appeal after losing at trial?
I lost a civil case last week and the judge entered judgment against me. I think the judge got the law wrong on a key issue. How much time do I have to decide whether to appeal?
1 lawyer answer
Appeal deadlines are short and strictly enforced. In many court systems the notice of appeal must be filed within roughly 30 days of the final judgment, and some types of cases have even shorter windows. Missing the deadline usually ends the right to appeal entirely.
Certain post-trial motions (for example, a motion for a new trial) can pause or reset the clock, but the rules on this are technical. Find the exact date the judgment was entered and count from there.
Because the timeline is tight, it is worth speaking to an appellate lawyer right away, even if you have not decided whether to go ahead.
This is general information, not legal advice — speak to a licensed lawyer about your situation.
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