Appeal A Conviction

You have an absolute right to make an appeal against a conviction from the decision of the Magistrates to the local Crown Court and this is the usual process.

There Is A Strict 21 Day Time Limit To Launch An Appeal So Act Fast!

An appeal against a conviction involves a complete rehearing of your case by a Crown Court Judge and two Magistrates. These cannot be the same Magistrates who heard your case in the Magistrates court when you appeal against conviction.

Both sides (you and the Prosecution) are entitled to bring new evidence to this hearing for the appeal against conviction that was not used in the original trial. The procedure is the same, although the Crown Court system is known to be more formal. You should address the Judge as “Your Honour” and stand when he or she is speaking to you.

There is no Court fee that needs to be paid if you appeal against conviction but if you are unsuccessful in your appeal, the Prosecution can apply for further costs against you. Of course it will be up to the Crown Court, having looked at your specific financial circumstances and the merits of the appeal against conviction, whether or not these costs should be met by you.