Fund an Appeal or Post-Conviction Case

A conviction isn't always the end. Families who've already spent everything on the trial now face the cost of an appeal, a habeas petition, or a post-conviction investigation. PayIt2 helps you raise what you need for the next phase of the fight.

Start an Appeals Campaign

Stripe-secured • No monthly fees • Funds in 2-3 days

What Appeals and Post-Conviction Cases Actually Cost

This page provides general educational information about legal defense fundraising costs. It is not legal advice. Consult with a licensed attorney about your specific situation.

Most people don't realize that appellate attorneys are specialists, not the same lawyers who handled the trial. They charge more per hour because the work is research-intensive and demands a different skill set entirely. A retainer just to review the case and develop a strategy runs $7,500 to $25,000. That's before a single brief is written.

Brief writing is where the real cost lives. A well-crafted appellate brief requires hundreds of hours of legal research and case law analysis; expect $10,000 to $30,000 for that alone. Then add transcript costs ($2,000 to $10,000, billed per page), court filing fees, and post-conviction investigation work. A serious appeal or post-conviction case can easily exceed $50,000. These cases aren't quick, either. Appeals typically take 1 to 3 years. Post-conviction proceedings involving new evidence or forensic testing? Five to ten years or longer.

Appeal attorney retainer

$7,500 - $25,000

Covers initial review and strategy; appellate work is research-intensive

Brief writing

$10,000 - $30,000

Extensive legal research and writing required

Additional costs

$4,500 - $32,000+

Includes trial transcripts ($2K-$10K), court filing fees ($500-$2K), post-conviction investigation ($5K-$20K), oral argument prep

Total estimated cost

$22,000 - $90,000+

Appeals take 1-3 years; post-conviction cases 5-10+

By the time a case reaches the appeals stage, most families have already drained their savings on the original trial. There's no insurance for this. No government program. No safety net. For many families, fundraising is the only realistic way to continue the fight. The sooner you start, the sooner your attorney can begin the work. Start your campaign now and give your family the resources to keep going.

How It Works

Create a Campaign

Sign up and describe the case factually. Include the type of appeal, the expected timeline, and a specific dollar goal based on your attorney's actual cost estimates. You can always update the campaign as the case develops.

Share With Your Network

Text the link to your closest people first. A personal message to 15 or 20 people who believe in the case does more in the first 48 hours than any social media post. Once you've got momentum, share it wider.

Collect and Pay

Every dollar goes through Stripe's payment security. Funds land in your bank in 2 to 3 business days, and you don't have to wait for the campaign to "finish" before you can pay the attorney.

Why PayIt2 for Appeals and Post-Conviction

Open Platform

PayIt2 welcomes legal defense fundraising for virtually any lawful purpose. We don't remove campaigns based on the nature of the original charges. Your case stands on its own merits here, and we operate in compliance with Stripe's acceptable use policies.

When Resources Run Out

By the time an appeal is needed, most families have already spent everything on the trial. Fundraising gives them a real second chance at quality legal representation when personal resources are gone.

Apolitical and Professional

No political branding. No partisan association. Your campaign stands on its own, focused entirely on the legal case and the right to continued representation.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about appeals and post-conviction fundraising

What's the difference between an appeal and post-conviction relief?

An appeal argues that the trial court made legal errors: improper jury instructions, bad evidence rulings, or constitutional violations. It's filed shortly after sentencing. Post-conviction relief is broader and can come years later. It covers habeas corpus petitions, ineffective counsel claims, newly discovered evidence, and requests for forensic testing. Both require specialized attorneys, and both are expensive.

How much does an appeal cost?

A straightforward appeal typically runs $15,000 to $50,000 once you add up the retainer ($7,500 to $25,000), brief writing ($10,000 to $30,000), transcripts ($2,000 to $10,000), and filing fees ($500 to $2,000). Complex appeals with multiple issues or oral arguments can push past $75,000. Post-conviction cases that involve investigation and forensic testing add another $5,000 to $20,000 on top of attorney fees.

Can I fundraise while someone is incarcerated?

Yes. Family members, friends, or advocates can create and manage a campaign on behalf of someone who's incarcerated. This is common for appeals and post-conviction cases. The organizer controls the funds and pays the appellate attorney directly. Keep the campaign description factual and focused on the legal process rather than the original charges.

How long does the appeals process take?

Direct appeals typically take 1 to 3 years from filing to decision. It depends on the court's backlog, the complexity of the issues, and whether oral argument is granted. Post-conviction proceedings can stretch much longer; 5 to 10 years isn't unusual when new evidence needs investigation or forensic testing. Because of these long timelines, many families fundraise in stages, raising funds for each phase as costs come due.

The Fight Does Not End at Sentencing

Set up your appeals or post-conviction campaign in minutes. No monthly fees, no hidden costs, no approval hoops. Funds in your bank in 2 to 3 business days.

Start an Appeals Campaign