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At Johnson Pope, our Appellate Law and Post-Conviction team represents clients in both state and federal appeals across a wide range of practice areas. Whether you’re seeking to protect a favorable trial outcome or challenge a court’s decision, our experienced appellate attorneys are trusted advocates for navigating the complex and often high-stakes appeals process.

Strategic Appellate Representation

Our appellate lawyers begin every case with a thorough and honest evaluation of the record, identifying key legal errors, evaluating potential grounds for appeal, and assessing the likelihood of success. From this foundation, we guide clients through informed, strategic decisions on whether to proceed with an appeal.

We understand that success on appeal depends on more than just strong legal arguments. It requires precise legal research, compelling written briefs, and powerful oral advocacy. Our team has decades of experience briefing and arguing cases before Florida’s District Courts of Appeal, the Florida Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Our appellate services include:

  • Managing the entire appellate process, from notice of appeal to final disposition
  • Interlocutory appeals
  • Drafting persuasive appellate and amicus briefs
  • Collaborating with trial counsel to preserve issues for appeal
  • Evaluating trial records and identifying appealable errors
  • Representing clients in both civil and criminal appeals

Post-Conviction Relief & Criminal Appeals

Not every trial ends in justice. Judges and juries make mistakes, and when they do, our team is ready to step in. If you or your client has received an unfavorable outcome in a criminal case, our post-conviction relief attorneys can help explore your options, including direct appeals, Rule 3.850 motions, and federal habeas corpus relief.

Post-conviction litigation goes beyond the trial record. It often requires comprehensive, aggressive investigation, development of new evidence, and asserting new claims that can lead to reversal, retrial, or even full exoneration. Our attorneys have the experience and determination to challenge wrongful convictions and protect constitutional rights.

Appeals Across Practice Areas

Our appellate attorneys partner closely with colleagues in other Johnson Pope practice groups to handle appeals involving:

  • Business litigation
  • Bankruptcy and creditors’ rights
  • Construction litigation
  • Labor and employment
  • Personal injury and wrongful death
  • Probate and trust disputes
  • Securities litigation

With a reputation for clear legal writing, persuasive argumentation, and deep courtroom insight, Johnson Pope’s Appellate & Post-Conviction team is equipped to handle some of the most complex and consequential legal matters in Florida and beyond.

Meet the Team

Name
Phone Number
Office Location
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Name
Charles A. Buford
Charles A. Buford

Charles A. Buford

Partner , Clearwater Phone Number: (727) 461-1818 ext. 1035
Office Location
Clearwater
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Name
Kevin J. Darken
Kevin J. Darken

Kevin J. Darken

Partner, Tampa Phone Number: (813)-489-9328
Phone Number
(813)-489-9328
Office Location
Tampa
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Name
Lawrence J. “Larry” Dougherty
Lawrence J. “Larry” Dougherty

Lawrence J. “Larry” Dougherty

Partner, Tampa Phone Number: (813) 225-2500
Phone Number
(813) 225-2500
Office Location
Tampa
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Name
Todd Foster
Todd Foster

Todd Foster

Partner, Tampa Phone Number: (813)-419-1350
Phone Number
(813)-419-1350
Office Location
Tampa
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Name
Frank R. Jakes
Frank R. Jakes

Frank R. Jakes

Partner , Tampa Phone Number: (813) 225-2500 ext. 2050
Office Location
Tampa
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Name
Caitlein J. Jammo
Caitlein J. Jammo

Caitlein J. Jammo

Partner , Clearwater Phone Number: (727) 461-1818 ext. 1115
Office Location
Clearwater
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Name
Sharon E. Krick
Sharon E. Krick

Sharon E. Krick

Partner , Clearwater Phone Number: (727) 461-1818 ext. 1130
Office Location
Clearwater
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Name
Melissa Kwitko
Melissa Kwitko

Melissa Kwitko

Associate, Tampa Phone Number: (813)-489-9540
Phone Number
(813)-489-9540
Office Location
Tampa
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Name
Angelina Lim
Angelina Lim

Angelina Lim

Attorney, Tampa Phone Number: (813) 225-2500 ext. 2060
Office Location
Tampa
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Name
Michael C. Markham
Michael C. Markham

Michael C. Markham

Partner , Tampa Phone Number: (727) 480-5118
Phone Number
(727) 480-5118
Office Location
Tampa
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Name
Darryl R. Richards
Darryl R. Richards

Darryl R. Richards

Managing Partner , Tampa Phone Number: (813) 225-2500 ext. 2075
Office Location
Tampa
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Name
Rachael L. Wood
Rachael L. Wood

Rachael L. Wood

Partner, Clearwater Phone Number: (727) 461-1818
Phone Number
(727) 461-1818
Office Location
Clearwater
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