Appeal a magistrates’ court decision
Appeal to the Crown Court
If you were able to plead guilty or not guilty, but you still disagree with the decision that was made, you can appeal to the Crown Court.
You might do this if you think the decision was unfair or the judges failed to consider your circumstances or all the evidence available.
If you pleaded guilty, you can only appeal against your sentence.
How to appeal
Download and fill in the ‘Appeal to the Crown Court’ form that relates to your crime or sentence. Send the form by post or email. The address is on the form.
If you were convicted at a magistrates’ court but sentenced at a Crown Court, follow the rules for appealing a Crown Court decision.
When to appeal
You usually need to appeal within 15 working days of the date you were sentenced.
If you appeal after 15 working days, you need to explain why your appeal is late in the form and provide evidence. The Crown Court may not consider your late appeal.
Talk to your legal representative (if you have one) or get help from a legal adviser before you appeal.
The court hearing
The Crown Court will make a decision on your appeal at a hearing. It may hold a preliminary hearing first, to decide how the evidence should be given.
You’ll get a letter to let you know when and where the hearing, or preliminary hearing, will take place.
What happens at the hearing
You’ll have the chance to present your case to the judge and magistrates. Representatives from the prosecution will present the case against you.
The judge might also ask you questions during the hearing.
You’ll be told whether you’ve won your appeal at the hearing. You’ll also be sent a copy of the judge’s decision by post.
Stopping your appeal
You can apply to stop your appeal before the hearing. Your appeal cannot be restarted once it’s been stopped.
Send a ‘notice of abandonment of appeal’ to the magistrates’ court where you sent your appeal and the Crown Court where your hearing will take place.
You must also send a copy to any other parties involved in the case, for example a prosecutor.
If you win your appeal
If you win your appeal against your conviction, your sentence will no longer apply. You might be able to apply to get compensation.
If you win your appeal against your sentence, it will be reduced.
The court might decide you can get some of your legal costs paid back, for example your solicitor’s fee.
If you lose your appeal
Your original sentence or conviction might change.
Check with your legal adviser if you can appeal again. You might have to pay extra costs if you do.