Do defendants who win appeals typically go free?

Defendants who win appeals do not automatically go free; the outcome depends on the nature of the appeal and the court's decision. If the appellate court finds that there were significant legal errors during the trial, it may reverse the conviction and order a new trial, leading to the defendant's release pending retrial. In some cases, the appellate court may also dismiss the charges altogether, resulting in the defendant's immediate freedom. However, in other situations, the court might simply uphold the conviction, keeping the defendant in custody.