Can You Really Change Your Sentence After Pleading Guilty? | What's The Appeal?

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

“Can I appeal my conviction or sentence if I pleaded guilty?”

I break down the realities of what happens when you plead guilty, how that decision limits your rights on appeal, and whether there’s any hope of changing your sentence after the fact.

I’ll walk you through real-world scenarios I’ve seen in Ohio courts, explain the “magic words” judges have to say when handing down sentences, and why it’s rarely a home run to challenge a sentence after a guilty plea.

If you’re thinking, “I’ll just appeal if I don’t like my sentence,” you’ll want to hear my candid advice before heading down that road.

Top 3 Takeaways:

• A guilty plea is a total admission: Once you plead guilty, the court and everyone else in the process will treat you as guilty, both legally and factually.
• Appealing a sentence is limited and rare: After a guilty plea, you can sometimes appeal the sentence, especially if you receive the maximum sentence or if "magic words" (required legal justifications) are missing from the judge’s explanation. However, reversing or reducing the sentence through appeal is statistically rare.
• Be fully informed before pleading guilty: Don’t assume you can “just appeal” if you’re unhappy with your sentence. Talk to your attorney, weigh the risks, and make sure your decision to plead is made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.

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