Appealing to the Crown Court to reduce a magistrates’ court sentence

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Appeal Against Sentence Magistrates Court

“If you have a good reason to feel unhappy about the sentence you received from the magistrates’ court, you can appeal against sentence to the Crown Court within 15 business days of the sentence being passed. ”

On this page …

Your appeal against a magistrates’ court sentence
What happens at an appeal against sentence to the Crown Court?
What can the Crown Court do after hearing my appeal against sentence?
How do I appeal against sentence from the magistrates’ court to the Crown Court?
Bail pending appeal and Suspension of disqualification
Can I appeal against both my sentence and conviction?
Can I abandon my appeal against sentence?
Alternatives to appealing to the Crown Court
Re-opening a case before the magistrates’ court
Appeal by way of Case Stated
Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC)
Further Information
More about sentencing

Your appeal against a magistrates’ court sentence

If you have a good reason to feel unhappy about the sentence you received at the magistrates’ court, you can appeal against sentence to the Crown Court within 15 business days of the sentence being passed.

When you appeal you become known as the Appellant and the prosecution is referred to as the Respondent. This type of appeal is only open to the person sentenced at the magistrates’ court, it is not open to the prosecution.

You may feel, for example, that the wrong type of sentence was imposed, such as a prison sentence rather than a community order, or that the sentence passed was far too long in the circumstances. For other types of sentence, you may consider that your disqualification from driving was unjust or the fine imposed on you was too high.

On this page you will find what you need to know about appealing against your magistrates' court sentence, together with links to relevant documents, templates and further detailed information.