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How to appeal a criminal conviction or sentence in England and Wales

Someone wishing to appeal a conviction or sentence should consider taking legal advice. The Library briefing Legal help: where to go and how to pay provides information on available sources.

Appeals from the magistrates’ court

A person convicted and sentenced by a magistrates' court may appeal to the Crown Court. If they pleaded not guilty, they may appeal against their conviction, sentence or both. If they pleaded guilty, they may appeal against their sentence. 

Time limits and procedure 

An appeal must be made within 15 business days of sentencing. After this, the person must ask the Crown Court for permission to appeal.

Further information on the procedure and a link to the relevant form is available on the gov.uk page, Appeal a magistrates’ court decision. 

Appeals from the Crown Court

A person convicted and/or sentenced by a Crown Court may appeal to the Court of Appeal. An appeal to the Court of Appeal requires the permission (leave) of the court.

Time limits and procedure

An application to appeal must be made within 28 days of:

• the date of the conviction, if the appeal is against the conviction
• the date of the sentencing, if the appeal is against the sentence.

It may be possible to get an extension from the Court of Appeal for a late application. 

Further information on the appeal procedure and links to the relevant forms are available on the gov.uk page, Appeal a Crown Court decision.

HM Courts and Tribunal Service has produced Appealing a conviction or sentence to the Court of Appeal - help for applicants (PDF), July 2025.

Criminal Cases Review Commission 

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is the independent public body that investigates possible miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The CCRC can refer a case back to the appeal court if it considers there is a “real possibility” the courts will quash the conviction or reduce the sentence in the case.

A person can apply to the CCRC to review their case if they think they have been wrongly convicted or wrongly sentenced. Usually, a person must have tried to appeal through the courts before they can apply to the CCRC. Further information on how to apply is available on the CCRC website.