A significant share of the calls Ordiway PLLC receives in the first days after a criminal sentencing come from family members asking a version of the same question: can my husband, my son, my brother get out on bond while.. Read more

Summary Most federal plea agreements contain a clause giving up the right to appeal. Families read it, conclude that nothing can be done, and stop looking. That conclusion is usually too broad.   Appeal waivers are generally enforceable, and courts.. Read more

One of the most common conversations I have with clients goes something like this. They have lost a direct appeal — in Texas, at one of the intermediate Courts of Appeals; in federal court, at the United States Court of.. Read more

Introduction: The 2026 Amendments On April 30, 2026, the U.S. Sentencing Commission submitted seven amendments to Congress. Absent congressional action, these will take effect on November 1, 2026. The Commission did not designate any of them retroactive under §1B1.10 at.. Read more

Your trial is over. A witness took the stand — perhaps the only witness against you — and the jury chose to believe them. Now you want to appeal. One of the most common questions we hear from clients and.. Read more

You’ve gone through the grueling process of a criminal trial, and the outcome wasn’t what you hoped for. Now, facing an appeal, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Many instinctively think of sticking with their trial lawyer, or perhaps a general.. Read more