Can You Appeal Directly to the US Supreme Court? | What's The Appeal?

Sarah in Ohio reaches out to ask about her nephew, who was recently convicted of attempted murder and felonious assault in what they believe was a clear-cut case of self-defense.

After losing their appeal and feeling like the state courts haven’t given them a fair shake, Sarah wants to know: can they skip straight to the United States Supreme Court?

I break down exactly how the appellate process works and why, no matter how urgent or important your case feels, you can’t just jump right to the Supreme Court.

I walk you through the legal ladder—from trial, to the Ohio Court of Appeals, to the Ohio Supreme Court, and only then, potentially, to the highest court in the land. Along the way, I explain what kinds of issues the Supreme Court is actually looking for, and why they usually don’t take up individual error corrections.

If you’ve ever wondered how—and if—a case can make it all the way to Washington, D.C., this episode will clear things up. So tune in for an inside look at the real process of seeking justice through an appeal!

Here are 3 key takeaways

• No Skipping Steps: You can’t bypass intermediate appeals and go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. Every case must follow a specific appellate ladder, starting with a direct appeal, then applying for review by your state’s highest court.
• Supreme Courts Are Selective: Both the Ohio Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court choose which cases they hear, typically focusing on issues with broad constitutional impact—not just error correction in a single case.
• Timing and Process Matter: If your case is denied review at the state’s highest level, you have a limited window (typically 90 days) to petition the U.S. Supreme Court—and even then, getting heard is rare.

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

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Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com