The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit hears appeals from the federal district courts in Connecticut, New York and Vermont (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 Second Circuit covers 6 federal districts:
Connecticut
- District of Connecticut (D. Conn.)
New York
- Northern District of New York (N.D.N.Y.)
- Southern District of New York (S.D.N.Y.)
- Eastern District of New York (E.D.N.Y.)
- Western District of New York (W.D.N.Y.)
Vermont
- District of Vermont (D. Vt.)
Not sure which district has the case? Find the federal court.
Where does the court sit?
By law, the Second Circuit holds regular sessions in New York (28 U.S.C. § 48(a)), and it may sit elsewhere in the circuit. Its headquarters is the Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse, 40 Foley Square, New York, New York. The court’s website is www.ca2.uscourts.gov.
Local rules that matter in criminal appeals
These points come from the court’s own rules: Second Circuit Local Rules and Internal Operating Procedures (as posted Oct 18, 2026 (Local Rule 40.1 last modified Dec. 2, 2024)). Rules change, so check the current version before relying on a deadline.
Docketing a criminal appeal in 14 days
Within 14 days after the notice of appeal is filed, the appellant must file Form B, the Criminal Appeal Transcript Information Form, and pay the $605 appeal filing fee or seek leave to proceed in forma pauperis. Missing these steps can lead to dismissal (2d Cir. Local Rule 12.2).
Briefing deadlines are requested, then set
Within 14 days after the "ready date" (usually when the last transcript arrives), the appellant asks for a brief deadline, which must be within 91 days of that date. If no request is made, the brief is due 40 days after the ready date (2d Cir. Local Rule 31.2(a)).
One document for panel and en banc rehearing
A petition seeking both panel rehearing and rehearing en banc must be filed as a single document (2d Cir. Local Rule 40.1). In a criminal case, the petition is due 14 days after entry of judgment (Fed. R. App. P. 40(d)(1)).
Counsel continues; Anders and certiorari motions
A criminal defendant's lawyer, retained or appointed, stays on the appeal unless the court relieves the lawyer. A lawyer who finds no nonfrivolous issue must file a motion and brief under Anders v. California. Within 14 days after an adverse decision, appointed counsel may ask to be relieved of filing a certiorari petition, but must explain to the client how to file one on time without a lawyer (2d Cir. Local Rule 4.1).
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 Second Circuit?
Yes. Brandon Sample, the founder of Criminal Center, is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second 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.