What’s an appeal?

A legal appeal is the process that allows cases to be reviewed by a different judge.
 

The prosecutor or the offender have the right to lodge an appeal against the sentence. This means they ask a higher court to look at the case again, or some part of it. An appeal might be requested if the prosecutor doesn’t believe the sentence fitted the seriousness of the crime.

If this happens, then your Court Victim Advisor will let you know. You can go to the appeal hearing if you want to, but you will not need to give evidence.

Your Support Worker can keep supporting you through an appeal. Financial assistance from Victim Support may also be available for you and a support person to attend appeal hearings.

If the court upholds (grants) the appeal
If the appeal is accepted, a range of things can follow.

• The offender may be given a different sentence, or a re-trial may be ordered. This means all the witnesses will need to give evidence again.
• The offender may be acquitted. This means the charges against them are dismissed.

Many victims naturally struggle with the sentence being changed. Your Support Worker is here to support you during this stressful time. You can call us 24/7 on 0800 842 846 to be connected with a Support Worker.

Other useful information and websites

A helpful Overview of The Appeals Process (a graphic)