Criminal appeal solicitors
If you have been convicted of an offence you did not commit, or if the sentence handed down was disproportionate, you may have grounds to appeal. We offer the opportunity to minimise your sentence and protect your future.
Pursuing justice through appeal
A wrongful conviction or an unduly harsh sentence can have far reaching and life altering consequences. The criminal justice system, though structured around principles of fairness and due process, is not immune to error. Complex evidence, judicial discretion, and procedural nuances can all lead to outcomes that are unjust or disproportionate.
Criminal appeals are highly technical and require experienced legal specialists who understand appellate law. At Harewood Law, we work closely with leading King’s Counsel and expert barristers to build strong appeal cases.
When to appeal a criminal conviction
When you have been wrongly convicted
Not every verdict marks the end of a case. If there has been a miscarriage of justice, we will work tirelessly to dismantle the original case and present the facts with clarity and force.
When new evidence comes to light
Where new evidence emerges after a conviction, it may form the basis for a powerful appeal. This is true if the evidence was not available at the time of the trial, and it could have materially affected the outcome of your case.
Sentencing and procedural errors
Errors in procedure are among the most devastating reasons why a person may have been wrongly convicted. Our role is to identify these errors, and to build a compelling argument for the verdict to be reconsidered.
The process of submitting a criminal appeal
Your legal team will carefully assess whether there are valid grounds for an appeal and advise you on the strength and prospects of your case. If an appeal is deemed appropriate, your solicitors will prepare the necessary documentation and submit it to the court where you were originally tried.
From there, the application is forwarded to the appellate court in London, which will determine whether the appeal should proceed. In most cases, appeals must be lodged within 28 days of conviction or sentencing, though in exceptional circumstances, applications outside this timeframe may still be considered.
Criminal appeals: Commonly asked questions
How do I start the criminal appeals process?
To start an appeal, you must apply for permission to appeal through the appropriate court. This is usually done by submitting a notice of appeal and supporting documents. We can guide you through this step by step and ensure deadlines are met.
Can you appeal a criminal conviction if you pleaded guilty?
In some cases, yes. If your guilty plea was entered under pressure, without proper legal advice, or in the belief that you had no other choice, you may have grounds to challenge it.
How long does a criminal appeal take?
Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s availability. Most appeals take several months from application to hearing. We’ll keep you informed throughout and work to move your case forward as efficiently as possible.
What happens if my appeal is successful?
If successful, your conviction could be quashed, your sentence reduced, or your case may be sent back to court for a retrial. Each result depends on the nature of the appeal.
Can you help me if another firm represented me at trial?
Absolutely. We regularly take on appeal cases following trials handled by other firms. We provide a fresh perspective and will fully review your case for any possible grounds to appeal.
Are there time limits to submitting an appeal?
Yes, strict time limits apply. You usually have 28 days from the date of conviction or sentence to file an appeal. Missing this deadline can make it harder to challenge the decision, though in some cases the court may grant an extension. We recommend speaking to a solicitor as early as possible to protect your rights.
Can you reapply for an appeal if your application was rejected?
If your application to appeal is refused, you may still have options. In certain circumstances, you can renew your application or apply to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), especially if new evidence has emerged or there’s reason to believe a miscarriage of justice occurred. We’ll help you explore every possible route forward.
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Appeal a criminal conviction with Harewood Law
If you wish to appeal a criminal conviction, or you’re applying for appeal on behalf of a loved one, contact Harewood Law and our experienced specialists will be in touch swiftly to discuss your case.
St Pauls House, 23 Park Square South,
Leeds LS1 2ND
