What Does Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Mean in a Florida Criminal Case? Question: I think my lawyer represented me poorly.How do I know if I have a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel? Direct appeal based on ineffective assistance of counsel should be filed in the trial court pursuant. Direct appeal based on ineffective assistance of counsel should be filed in the trial court pursuant. The Court of Appeals held that based on the record, defendant failed to sustain his burden to establish that counsel was constitutionally ineffective. When a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is alleged that notice has been provided to the attorney whose performance is being challenged. Many Florida criminal appeals are based on allegations of "ineffective assistance of counsel. Claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel shall be raised exclusively on direct appeal of a final judgment or order. Ineffective assistance of counsel can be grounds for appeal in a criminal case.