The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit hears appeals from the federal district courts in the District of Columbia (28 U.S.C. § 41). In a criminal case, the defendant’s notice of appeal is due in the district court within 14 days after the judgment is entered (Fed. R. App. P. 4(b)(1)(A)). The national appellate rules apply here, along with this court’s own local rules; the points below are local rules that matter in criminal appeals.
Which federal courts does it cover?
The D.C. Circuit covers one federal district:
District of Columbia
Not sure which district has the case? Find the federal court.
Where does the court sit?
By law, the D.C. Circuit holds regular sessions in Washington (28 U.S.C. § 48(a)), and it may sit elsewhere in the circuit. Its headquarters is the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse and William B. Bryant Annex, Washington, D.C. The court’s website is www.cadc.uscourts.gov.
Local rules that matter in criminal appeals
These points come from the court’s own rules: D.C. Circuit Rules (with the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure) (as amended through December 4, 2025). Rules change, so check the current version before relying on a deadline.
Direct appeals aren't paused for post-conviction motions
Absent extraordinary circumstances, a direct criminal appeal will not be held in abeyance while a post-conviction proceeding is pending in the district court (D.C. Cir. R. 47.5).
Transcripts are expedited in criminal cases
In a criminal case, the court reporter must expedite preparing and furnishing the transcript (D.C. Cir. R. 11(b)).
Deadlines that apply in every circuit
- Notice of appeal: 14 days for a defendant, 30 days for the government (Fed. R. App. P. 4(b)(1)).
- Ordering transcripts: within 14 days after filing the notice of appeal (Fed. R. App. P. 10(b)(1)).
- Rehearing: 14 days after judgment in a criminal case (Fed. R. App. P. 40(d)(1)).
- Certiorari: 90 days after judgment, or after the denial of a timely rehearing petition (Sup. Ct. R. 13.1, 13.3).
For the whole process, see how federal criminal appeals work.
Is Brandon Sample admitted in the D.C. Circuit?
Yes. Brandon Sample, the founder of Criminal Center, is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He has also handled federal cases in courts across the country.
Rules checked against the court’s official rules on October 18, 2026. This page is general information about federal appeals, not legal advice for any case.