Criminal appeal lawyers understand the nuance of appealing a murder or manslaughter conviction. In appealing a homicide conviction, a criminal appeal attorney understands that a murder conviction can stem from any number of scenarios and every jurisdiction varies in its application of the law. Generally, first degree murder and felony murder convictions usually carry the harshest sentences. Second degree murder can, however, still result in a life sentence. Again, each state varies in how they classify the different degrees of murder and manslaughter. Likewise, each case and trial is different. When reviewing a case for appellate issues, an attorney experienced in appeals understands how to look at the record to determine whether a viable appeal exists.