Introduction

B H Mohammed Solicitors frequently provides assistance with appeals challenging convictions or sentencing decisions. For clients we've represented during initial court proceedings, we offer comprehensive guidance regarding all elements of potential appeals. We willingly accept cases on a competitively priced private fee basis for individuals previously represented by other firms.

Description

We acknowledge the challenges faced by individuals who believe they've been unjustly convicted or received unexpectedly severe sentences. Different evaluation criteria and protocols apply depending on whether the original case was adjudicated in magistrates' court or Crown Court.

Magistrates' Court Appeals

Appeals to Crown Court challenging magistrates' court convictions or sentences must be filed within 15 business days following the relevant judicial decision. An inherent right exists to appeal magistrates' court convictions or sentences to the Crown Court.

Conviction appeals may be pursued when an individual believes the District Judge or magistrates arrived at an incorrect verdict, such as when potentially prejudicial evidence was improperly admitted or when new exculpatory evidence becomes available.

Crown Court proceedings involve an entirely new trial conducted before a Judge and two lay members.

When evaluating potential sentencing appeals, we thoroughly assess offense circumstances, client's personal factors, legitimate sentence reductions they should have received, and relevant sentencing guidelines.

Careful deliberation must precede any magistrates' court sentence appeal, as unsuccessful Crown Court appeals may result in increased sentences and additional cost orders.