The burden of proof in an appeal lies with the defendant, which means, if you appeal a conviction, it is you who will have to prove that the court made a legal error and the error changed the outcome of your case. The trial court does not have to prove that its initial decision was the right decision, which is the reason appeals can be so difficult to win. Being able to prove that an error occurred and that the error was prejudicial requires the skill and expertise of a practiced California criminal appeals lawyer.