Areas of Expertise
Criminal Appeals
Challenging convictions. Reducing sentences. Acting without delay. If you believe your conviction is unsafe or your sentence was wrong, contact us immediately for specialist appeals advice.
Why timing decides outcome
Strict Time Limits — Act Immediately
A conviction does not always mark the end of a case. Where there are proper legal grounds, it can be challenged. The test applied by the Court of Appeal is whether the conviction is unsafe — a precise legal standard requiring focused, technical analysis of what went wrong.
Criminal appeals are strictly time-limited. The standard time limit to apply for leave to appeal a Crown Court conviction or sentence is 28 days from the date of sentence. Extensions are not granted routinely and become more difficult as time passes.
We combine solicitor and barrister expertise within a single team, ensuring the detailed analysis required to identify appeal grounds is carried through to advocacy before the appellate courts.
Our services
Specialist Appeal Representation
Appeal work is a distinct discipline. It is not a re-trial. The Court of Appeal examines whether there has been a legal or procedural failure that renders the conviction unsafe or the sentence wrong in principle.
- Detailed review of trial transcripts, summing up and jury directions
- Applications for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)
- Out-of-time appeals — extensions where the 28-day limit has passed
- Applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC)
- Appeals from the Magistrates' Court to the Crown Court
- Representation in any retrial ordered by the Court of Appeal
- Analysis of disclosure schedules, unused material and expert evidence
- Full representation at conviction and sentence appeal hearings
- Fresh evidence applications, including instruction of new experts
- Sentence appeals — excessive custodial terms, extended sentences, minimum term errors
- Case stated and judicial review applications to the High Court
- Applications to the European Court of Human Rights once domestic remedies are exhausted
Why Chess Law
Why Chess Law Solicitors for Appeals
A different lens on the case
Direct and honest advice
Continuity from grounds to advocacy
CCRC and post-appeal routes
Fresh evidence handled rigorously
Nationwide reach, urgent response
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a conviction unsafe?
A conviction is unsafe where the Court of Appeal is not satisfied that it is reliable in light of the issues raised. This may arise from legal error, non-disclosure, fresh evidence, misdirection of the jury, or procedural irregularity.
How long do I have to appeal?
You have 28 days from sentence to apply for leave to appeal. Late applications require an extension and must explain the delay. Extensions become harder to obtain as time passes.
What is the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC)?
The CCRC is an independent body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice and can refer cases back to the Court of Appeal. It is often used after an appeal has been refused. Applications require detailed and careful preparation.
Can I appeal if new evidence has emerged?
Yes — if the evidence is capable of belief, relevant to the issues in the case, and there is a reasonable explanation for why it was not produced at trial. We assess both the strength of the new evidence and whether it meets the legal test for admission.
Can I appeal my sentence only?
Yes. Sentence appeals can be brought separately and may challenge the length or type of sentence imposed, including extended sentences, minimum term calculations and confiscation orders.
What happens at a Court of Appeal hearing?
Counsel argues the grounds before a panel of judges. The prosecution responds. The court then decides whether to allow or dismiss the appeal, or may reserve judgment.
What happens if my appeal fails?
Further options may include a CCRC application or, in some cases, an application to the European Court of Human Rights once domestic remedies are exhausted. We advise on what remains available.
Speak to us now.
If you believe your conviction is unsafe or your sentence was excessive, the first step is a detailed assessment of your case. You will receive a clear, honest view of your position and what can be done.
