Crime Topics Menu
Doogue & O'Brien Testimonials
"I don't think I could have coped if I lost my trial. The preparation you put in was amazing."
Gary F
"I was proud that we stood up and fought the charges. I would have lost everything if I had been found guilty."
Peter L
"Your compassion during my time of need was outstanding. Many thanks."
Cameron A
"Lots of people kept telling me I should plead guilty except for your firm. You were right."
Lee W
"Everyone was judging me except for you. That support really helped me get through a terrible time."
John A
Sentence Appeal from Magistrates Court
Sentence Appeal from Magistrates Court
Appeal to County Court from Magistrates Court Sentence
An appeal to the County Court from the sentence of a Magistrate is known as a Sentence Appeal.
An appeal from the Magistrates Court is started by signing Appeal papers at the Criminal Registry office of the Magistrates Court.
The appeal notice must be filed within 28 days of the hearing that is being appealed
The Sentence Appeal is heard in the County Court as hearing de novo. This means means effectively a rehearing of the case. The summary of what the Prosecution say happened is read out and submissions are made by your solicitor.
It is often a good procedure to get a cd of the hearing where the sentence was imposed so that the Appeal solicitor can listen to it to see if there was anything that was missed by the solicitor in the Magistrates Court.
On an appeal you can provide the Judge with new material so it is important to be organized and to try to get all the important information about your case to the Judge hearing the appeal.
The County Court when hearing appeals from the Magistrates Court does not like the matter being adjourned as often as would be possible in the Magistrates Court. It is important to be organized and ready to go.
At the start of the appeal the Judge will generally have a call-over of the matters in their list to see how long they will go for and to prioritize them.
At the end of the appeal the County Court Judge can set aside the decision of the Magistrate and impose their own sentence or they can dismiss the appeal.
We are extremely experienced appeals solicitors. We have a huge experience in handling County Court appeals. If you need advice or representation in an appeal phone us today. Nothing beats experience in handling Appeal Cases.
