Appellate Courts
Overview
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals hears federal appeals from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and is located in the Elbert P. Tuttle Courthouse—named after the late Chief Judge who was known as a champion for civil rights. The Eleventh Circuit was created in 1981 when it was split from the Fifth Circuit.
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals consists of twenty-two appellate judges—twelve active and ten senior judges. Appeals in the Eleventh Circuit are typically heard by three-judge panels. However, in cases of special importance, the Court may hear a case “en banc,” meaning it will be decided by all of the judges on the Eleventh Circuit.
Types of Appeals in the Eleventh Circuit
Appeals to the Eleventh Circuit are subject to strict time limits so it is important to contact an experienced federal appellate attorney as soon as possible.
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals hears civil and criminal appeals from final orders of the district courts (federal trial courts) in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. There are nine federal district courts located within the Eleventh Circuit.
Civil Appeals
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals hears all federal civil appeals from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. If you or a loved one has been involved in a federal civil lawsuit in one of these states, your appeal will be decided by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
In civil appeals from cases in which the United States is not a party, a notice of appeal must be filed within thirty days after entry of the judgment by the district court. If the United States was a party to the case, the notice of appeal must be filed within sixty days after entry of the judgment.
Criminal Appeals
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals hears all federal criminal appeals from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. If you or a loved one has been convicted of a federal crime in one of these states, your appeal will be decided by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
In criminal appeals, the defendant must file a notice of appeal within fourteen days after the entry of judgment. This deadline is even less than the deadline to file a notice of appeal in a civil case. It is important that you contact a federal appellate lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your right to appeal your criminal conviction is protected.
Contact Ruffin Law Firm
If you have a federal appeal from Alabama, Florida, or Georgia, contact Ruffin Law Firm to explore your options today.
Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.