The United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit hears appeals from the federal district courts in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming (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 Tenth Circuit covers 8 federal districts:
Colorado
- District of Colorado (D. Colo.)
Kansas
- District of Kansas (D. Kan.)
New Mexico
- District of New Mexico (D.N.M.)
Oklahoma
- Northern District of Oklahoma (N.D. Okla.)
- Eastern District of Oklahoma (E.D. Okla.)
- Western District of Oklahoma (W.D. Okla.)
Utah
- District of Utah (D. Utah)
Wyoming
- District of Wyoming (D. Wyo.)
Not sure which district has the case? Find the federal court.
Where does the court sit?
By law, the Tenth Circuit holds regular sessions in Denver, Wichita and Oklahoma City (28 U.S.C. § 48(a)), and it may sit elsewhere in the circuit. Its headquarters is the Byron White U.S. Courthouse, 1823 Stout Street, Denver, Colorado. The court’s website is www.ca10.uscourts.gov.
Local rules that matter in criminal appeals
These points come from the court’s own rules: Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and Tenth Circuit Rules (Tenth Circuit Rules effective January 1, 2026). Rules change, so check the current version before relying on a deadline.
What a motion to withdraw must include
Every motion to withdraw in a criminal appeal must give the reasons, show that the client has other counsel, qualifies for appointed counsel, or has chosen to proceed pro se (or another listed showing), and include proof of service on the client (10th Cir. R. 46.4(A)).
Anders briefs and non-English-speaking clients
If counsel believes a direct criminal appeal is wholly frivolous, counsel must file an Anders brief and ask to withdraw. If the defendant doesn't speak English, counsel must make reasonable efforts to explain the brief and its effect, with an interpreter if needed, or give written notice in a language the defendant understands (10th Cir. R. 46.4(B)(1)).
Rehearing is not required before certiorari
Panel rehearing is not routine and is granted only if a significant issue was overlooked or misconstrued, and a rehearing petition is not required before filing a certiorari petition in the Supreme Court (10th Cir. R. 40.1(A), (C)).
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 Tenth Circuit?
Yes. Brandon Sample, the founder of Criminal Center, is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth 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.