Appeal Time Limits
Time runs from the date of sentence. Waiting costs you options — but a late application is still possible with the right grounds and explanation.
If you are within the 28-day window, act now. We can prioritise urgent reviews and identify whether grounds exist before your deadline expires.
An appeal against conviction or sentence from the Crown Court must be lodged at the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) within 28 days of the date of sentence (not conviction). The Notice of Appeal (Form NG) and draft Grounds of Appeal must be filed at the Criminal Appeal Office within that window.
An appeal from the magistrates' court to the Crown Court must be lodged within 21 days of sentence. Appeals against conviction proceed as a re-hearing.
Out-of-time applications are possible but require an application for an extension of time, with reasons. The longer the delay, the harder the application — but it is not automatically fatal. Acting quickly always helps.
If your appeal has already been refused, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) can refer a case back to the Court of Appeal where there is fresh evidence or new argument that raises a real possibility the conviction or sentence will not be upheld.
Out of time?
We regularly help people whose 28-day window has long passed. Strong fresh grounds, or an explanation of why the delay was unavoidable, can persuade the Single Judge to grant an extension. Where appeals have been refused, the CCRC route remains open.
Tell us your sentence dateGet in touch
Send a short enquiry with your sentence date and we will tell you what is realistically possible.