Considering a Criminal Appeal? Preparing for a Solicitor’s Review
If you want advice about a criminal conviction or sentence, begin by gathering the court details, the dates of the decisions and the documents already available. A solicitor needs to understand what happened in the case and whether an appeal has already been lodged before assessing the options. Tell the firm immediately about any deadline you have been given.
Identify the decision you want reviewed
Explain whether your concern relates to the conviction, the sentence or both. Give the name of the court, the case number if available, the offences involved and the dates of conviction and sentence. If you do not have every detail, provide what you know and identify what is missing.
Describe your concerns in your own words
A concise account of the issues you wish to discuss is more useful than trying to draft legal grounds yourself. Identify the particular ruling, evidence, event or aspect of the sentence that concerns you. Explain whether you raised it with your previous legal team and what advice you received. Avoid relying solely on another person’s recollection where a court document or record may be available.
Gather the existing papers
Useful material may include the charge sheet or indictment, court orders, sentencing documents, written rulings, existing appeal papers and correspondence with the legal team. Tell the solicitor whether transcripts or recordings have already been requested. Do not delay making contact merely because you do not yet have the full file.
Explain the current representation and appeal position
Give the details of the solicitor and counsel who acted at trial, and say whether they continue to act. Explain whether an appeal or any related application has already been filed, and provide copies of documents acknowledging it. If another solicitor is currently instructed, the arrangements for any review or transfer of the case need to be addressed clearly.
Agree what the proposed review includes
A first consultation, a review of selected papers and a full examination of a trial record are different tasks. Ask what documents will be reviewed, what advice will be provided, the proposed costs and whether any further work requires separate instructions. A review does not guarantee that an appeal will be available or successful.
Contacting Harringtons LLP
Harringtons LLP handles criminal appeal work, including Court of Appeal matters. Phelim O’Neill leads the criminal law department, supported by the wider team. Call 01 539 4747 to discuss an enquiry and identify any urgent dates at the outset.
This is a guide to preparing an enquiry. It does not state the appeal route or time limit for a particular case. Those matters require advice based on the court, decision and procedural history involved.
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