At Eccleston Solicitors, we provide thorough and experienced representation for clients seeking to appeal a conviction or sentence.
Appeals require a detailed review of the original case and a clear understanding of strict legal time limits. Eccleston Solicitors carefully examines every case to identify genuine grounds for challenge.
Cases We Handle
- Appeals against conviction
- Appeals against sentence
- Confiscation order appeals
- Applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission
- Judicial review of criminal decisions
- Appeals to the Crown Court from the Magistrates’ Court
- Case stated appeals
How Eccleston Solicitors Supports You
Eccleston Solicitors provides:
- Reviewing trial transcripts and evidence
- Identifying valid grounds for appeal
Advising on strict time limits - Preparing grounds and skeleton arguments
- Representing you at the Court of Appeal
- Liaising with the Criminal Cases Review Commission
Our focus is ensuring every possible avenue is explored where a conviction or sentence may be unsafe.
Common Questions
How long do I have to appeal a conviction or sentence?
Strict time limits apply to criminal appeals. Generally:
* 21 days to appeal a Crown Court conviction or sentence
* 15 business days to appeal a Magistrates’ Court decision
* Extensions may be granted in limited circumstances
It is important to seek advice as soon as possible after conviction or sentencing.
What are valid grounds for appeal?
Grounds for appeal typically relate to the safety of the conviction or the fairness of the sentence, and may include:
* Errors in the judge’s directions to the jury
* Fresh evidence not available at trial
* Procedural irregularities
* Sentences that are manifestly excessive
* Ineffective legal representation
A solicitor can review your case to assess whether valid grounds exist.
What is the Criminal Cases Review Commission?
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is an independent body that can review convictions or sentences, particularly where all normal appeal routes have been exhausted. It can refer cases back to the Court of Appeal where there is:
* New evidence
* A legal argument not previously considered
* Reason to believe the conviction may be unsafe
A solicitor can help prepare an application to the CCRC.
Can I appeal if I pleaded guilty?
In limited circumstances, yes. Appeals following a guilty plea are more difficult but may succeed where, for example:
* You were wrongly advised on the law
* There was no proper factual basis for the plea
* You were placed under improper pressure to plead
A solicitor can assess whether your case meets the threshold required.
What happens if my appeal is successful?
If an appeal against conviction succeeds, the conviction may be quashed, and in some cases a retrial ordered. If an appeal against sentence succeeds, the court may:
* Reduce the sentence
* Substitute a different type of sentence* Confirm no change is needed in rare cases where the appeal is only partly successful
A solicitor can advise on the likely outcome based on the grounds raised.
