If the case has concluded at the Crown Court, and you intend to consider an appeal against conviction and or sentence a member of our Court of Appeal team will be allocated to deal with your case at this stage.

The Court of Appeal hears appeals from lower courts, such as the Magistrates’ Court to the Crown Court, and Crown Court to the Court of Appeal and thereafter to the Supreme Court of Appeal. If you are appealing a conviction or sentence in the Court of Appeal, it is crucial to understand the role of the defence and the legal process involved and you can contact our team who will be happy to assist in the process.

The role of the defence in a Court of Appeal case is to challenge the decision of the lower court and argue that the conviction or sentence was wrong or unjust and or manifestly excessive. The defence team will carefully examine the evidence presented at trial and identify any errors made by the trial judge or jury. The defence team will also present new evidence or arguments that were not presented at trial by way of obtaining trial and or sentence transcripts. 

We take on private fee-paying appeals. 

The defence team will make written submissions to the Court of Appeal outlining the grounds for the appeal and the arguments in support of it. The defence team may also make oral submissions at the hearing of the appeal, responding to any questions or concerns raised by the judges.

Preparing a defence in the Court of Appeal requires a deep understanding of the legal principles and precedents that apply to the case. The defence team must review all of the legal arguments presented in the lower court and identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the legal reasoning. The defence team should also gather new evidence, if possible, to support their case.

Instruct our Appeals Solicitor at Blackmans Solicitors who understands the Court of Appeal process and who can provide guidance and support throughout the legal proceedings is essential.