A defendant who has been found guilty in a criminal case may do what?

When a defendant has been found guilty in a criminal case, they have the right to appeal the verdict. This legal option allows them to seek a review of the trial court's decision by a higher court. The appeal process is critical in the justice system, as it provides a mechanism for correcting possible errors made during the trial, whether those involve incorrect applications of law, improper admission of evidence, or issues regarding juror conduct.

The appeal must typically be grounded in specific legal arguments, and the appellate court reviews the case based on the record established in the trial court rather than re-evaluating the facts or hearing new evidence. This step is essential as it ensures that the legal rights of the defendant are upheld and allows for oversight of the judicial process.

Other options like filing a new complaint would not apply in a criminal case, while mediation is a process generally used in civil disputes and not suitable for an appeal in a criminal matter. Requesting a rehearing is not a standard procedure in criminal cases; instead, the next step would be to appeal to a higher court if the defendant sought to challenge the conviction.