Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I start?

If you feel that a state court, federal court or government agency has decided your case incorrectly, you should contact Jana immediately. You have 30 days from the date of the decision during which your appeal from a court decision may be filed. Appeals from agency decisions have varying appellate deadlines, so quick consultation is recommended. In some cases, court orders entered prior to final judgment may be appealed and timelines differ for those, as well.

What does the process of working with Yocom Rine P.C. look like?

A simple phone call or email will get you in touch with Jana, who will discuss your case on the phone. During that conversation, you and Jana can determine whether a further meeting is in order. Jana will assess your risk and let you know what the course of litigation may look like. If you decide to appeal, you will sign an engagement letter that spells out what services Yocom Rine P.C. will provide. Jana will provide regular email and telephone updates throughout the proceeding. You will have Jana’s cell phone number in case you have any questions or concerns.

How do I know I have a good case for an appeal?

Whether you have a good case for appeal generally can’t be decided without an evaluation of the record (documents and testimony reviewed in court). Usually, a litigant with a good case for appeal will believe that the case was incorrectly or unfairly decided. An appellate lawyer can give you a basic idea of your chances of appeal after a consultation. Many times, however, the lawyer will identify a problem that the client did not see that caused the incorrect result.

What if I don’t want to work against my trial attorney?

Contrary to popular belief, most problems that result in an appeal are not caused by attorney error. A case on appeal does not usually address what the trial attorney did or didn’t do. An appeal usually addresses whether the other side caused a misunderstanding that led the court to incorrectly apply the law.