Check My Case for Appeal
L — Overlooked mitigation and duress background
L's coercion and exploitation background had been compressed into one paragraph of mitigation. A fuller picture, properly evidenced, brought the sentence down by nearly two years.
Before
6 years
After our review
4 years 2 months
Case summary
L was sentenced after a guilty plea but felt the judge had not taken into account a long history of coercion and exploitation that underpinned his involvement.
His previous legal team had not obtained the right medical and social-work evidence, and the mitigation had been dealt with in a single paragraph.
We reviewed the sentencing remarks, the basis of plea and the pre-sentence report, and identified a stronger line of mitigation that could be put before the Court of Appeal.
Outcome — After specialist solicitors and counsel were instructed on the back of our review, the sentence was reduced to 4 years and 2 months. The grounds we identified formed the foundation of the appeal.
How the review unfolded
- 1
Day 1 — Instruction
Family supplied sentencing remarks, basis of plea and pre-sentence report.
- 2
Day 4 — Evidence gaps identified
We pinpointed missing medical and social-work evidence.
- 3
Day 7 — Written report
Grounds of appeal centred on mitigation were drafted.
- 4
Appeal stage
Specialist counsel obtained fresh evidence and presented the appeal.
- 5
Outcome
Sentence reduced to 4 years 2 months.
Options we identified
Every case is different. These are the realistic options the review surfaced for this matter — not a guarantee of the same outcome in another case.
Modern Slavery Act considerations
Test whether section 45 or related defences were properly considered.
Duress and coercion mitigation
Rebuild the mitigation around a properly evidenced history of coercion.
Fresh evidence application
Apply to admit new medical, psychiatric or social-work evidence on appeal.
Working alongside leading UK barristers and KCs
Absolute discretion — your case is never discussed publicly
A fraction of the cost of high-street firms
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Could the same approach work for your case?
Tell us a little about your matter and a senior reviewer will respond confidentially within one working day. Your enquiry will be reviewed in the context of Appeal against sentence.
- Fixed-price, written review — no open-ended fees.
- Senior reviewers who work alongside leading UK barristers and KCs.
- Absolute discretion — your case is never discussed publicly.
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