How do I start a criminal appeal after a Crown Court conviction?

If you were convicted at the Crown Court and wish to appeal your conviction or sentence, you must lodge Form NG. This notice of appeal must be submitted within 28 days of the conviction or sentence. This initial step is required to begin the process of having your case reviewed by the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.

What happens after I submit my notice of appeal?

Once the notice of appeal is lodged, a single judge reviews the papers to decide on permission. This judge may grant permission, refuse it, or refer the matter to the full court. If permission is initially refused, you can apply to renew it before a panel of three judges. This stage determines whether your case proceeds to a full oral hearing.

What if the single judge refuses my permission to appeal?

If the single judge refuses permission to appeal, you can apply to renew that decision before the full court. This involves a review by three judges. If permission is granted at this stage, or if the single judge refers the case directly, the appeal proceeds to a full hearing where oral arguments are presented to the court.

What happens at the full hearing and what are the possible outcomes?

The full hearing involves oral argument before three Lord or Lady Justices. The court can allow the appeal, which may result in the conviction being quashed or the sentence varied. Alternatively, the court may dismiss the appeal or order a retrial. The entire process from notice of appeal can take between 12 and 24 months.

Can I appeal to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal?

To take your case to the Supreme Court, you must first obtain permission. This permission can be granted either by the Court of Appeal Criminal Division (CACD) or by the Supreme Court itself. Without this specific permission, you cannot proceed from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court.

All Legal Journeys

Criminal Law

England & Wales

5 stages

12–24 months from notice of appeal

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Criminal appeal journey

From conviction or sentence through Court of Appeal Criminal Division to Supreme Court.

This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.

Who Uses This Journey

Defendants convicted at the Crown Court who wish to appeal conviction or sentence.

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

Notice of appeal

Lodge Form NG within 28 days of conviction/sentence.

Deadline: 28 days

Forms at This Stage

Single judge permission

Judge sifts on the papers. Permission granted, refused, or referred to full court.

Renewal to full court

If refused, can be renewed before 3 judges.

Full hearing

Oral argument before 3 Lord/Lady Justices.

Supreme Court

Permission from CACD or Supreme Court required.

Possible Outcomes

Appeal allowed (conviction quashed / sentence varied)
Dismissed
Retrial ordered

Official Sources

Criminal Appeal Act 1968

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a criminal appeal after a Crown Court conviction?: If you were convicted at the Crown Court and wish to appeal your conviction or sentence, you must lodge Form NG. This notice of appeal must be submitted within 28 days of the conviction or sentence. This initial step is required to begin the process of having your case reviewed by the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
What happens after I submit my notice of appeal?: Once the notice of appeal is lodged, a single judge reviews the papers to decide on permission. This judge may grant permission, refuse it, or refer the matter to the full court. If permission is initially refused, you can apply to renew it before a panel of three judges. This stage determines whether your case proceeds to a full oral hearing.
What if the single judge refuses my permission to appeal?: If the single judge refuses permission to appeal, you can apply to renew that decision before the full court. This involves a review by three judges. If permission is granted at this stage, or if the single judge refers the case directly, the appeal proceeds to a full hearing where oral arguments are presented to the court.
What happens at the full hearing and what are the possible outcomes?: The full hearing involves oral argument before three Lord or Lady Justices. The court can allow the appeal, which may result in the conviction being quashed or the sentence varied. Alternatively, the court may dismiss the appeal or order a retrial. The entire process from notice of appeal can take between 12 and 24 months.
Can I appeal to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal?: To take your case to the Supreme Court, you must first obtain permission. This permission can be granted either by the Court of Appeal Criminal Division (CACD) or by the Supreme Court itself. Without this specific permission, you cannot proceed from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court.