The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit hears appeals from the federal district courts in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee (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 Sixth Circuit covers 9 federal districts:
Kentucky
- Eastern District of Kentucky (E.D. Ky.)
- Western District of Kentucky (W.D. Ky.)
Michigan
- Eastern District of Michigan (E.D. Mich.)
- Western District of Michigan (W.D. Mich.)
Ohio
- Northern District of Ohio (N.D. Ohio)
- Southern District of Ohio (S.D. Ohio)
Tennessee
- Eastern District of Tennessee (E.D. Tenn.)
- Middle District of Tennessee (M.D. Tenn.)
- Western District of Tennessee (W.D. Tenn.)
Not sure which district has the case? Find the federal court.
Where does the court sit?
By law, the Sixth Circuit holds regular sessions in Cincinnati (28 U.S.C. § 48(a)), and it may sit elsewhere in the circuit. Its headquarters is the Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse, 100 East Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. The court’s website is www.ca6.uscourts.gov.
Local rules that matter in criminal appeals
These points come from the court’s own rules: Sixth Circuit Rules with the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (Sixth Circuit Rules last amended July 13, 2026). Rules change, so check the current version before relying on a deadline.
Trial counsel continues, and appointment carries over
Trial counsel in a criminal case must continue on appeal unless the court relieves them. If the district court appointed trial counsel, the Sixth Circuit appoints that lawyer as appellate counsel when the notice of appeal is filed, with no new proof of indigence needed (6 Cir. R. 12(c)(1), (2)).
Anders: 21 days for the defendant's own brief
A lawyer who moves to withdraw with an Anders brief must serve the defendant with the brief, the motion, and notice that the defendant has 21 days to file a brief in support of reversal (6 Cir. R. 12(c)(4)(C)).
Rehearing and certiorari by appointed counsel
Appointed counsel must file a petition for rehearing or for certiorari if the client asks and, in counsel's considered judgment, there are grounds. The court will also accept a timely pro se rehearing petition from a client who has appointed counsel (6 Cir. R. 12(c)(5)).
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 Sixth Circuit?
Yes. Brandon Sample, the founder of Criminal Center, is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth 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.