Appealing a Wrongful Conviction
At Draycott Browne, our specialist Criminal Defence Solicitors provide expert legal representation for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted of serious criminal offences. We act for those who are no longer at the beginning of the criminal justice process, but have already been convicted and are now seeking to challenge the outcome through the appeals system.
A wrongful conviction occurs when a person is found guilty of a criminal offence they did not commit, or where serious errors during the trial process mean the conviction is legally considered unsafe. These cases may involve flawed evidence, unfair procedures, or legal misdirection, and they demand urgent legal attention to correct the injustice.
Challenging a miscarriage of justice demands exceptional legal insight and strategic clarity. Whether you were convicted following a complex trial involving serious fraud, violent crime, sexual offences or organised criminal activity, we have the experience and commitment needed to investigate every aspect of your case and pursue all available legal avenues to secure an appeal.
With over two decades of experience in serious and high-profile criminal defence, our appeals practice is recognised for its precision, discretion and unwavering focus on results. We are often instructed by clients who believe their original representation failed to defend them adequately, and who are now seeking a second opinion from a more specialist team.
Our Criminal Appeals & Investigations team is led by Shaun Draycott, one of the firm’s founding partners and a nationally respected solicitor with Higher Rights of Audience. Shaun has built a reputation for handling some of the most complex and sensitive cases in the criminal justice system. Under his leadership, every appeal is approached with careful forensic analysis and a deep understanding of the procedural and evidential issues that underpin wrongful convictions.
If you have been convicted of a serious offence, and believe that your case was mishandled, it is vital that you seek specialist advice without delay. Time limits for appeal are strict, and early intervention can make the difference between a case being heard or rejected.
To speak with one of our experts about appealing against a conviction, call us today or complete the contact form to arrange a private consultation.
How Can We Help You Appeal a Conviction?
At Draycott Browne, we focus on helping clients take decisive legal action to correct serious failings in their original trial and secure the justice they were denied. Our role is to examine your case with fresh eyes and unmatched legal precision, identifying any errors that could provide grounds to overturn your conviction.
We are regularly instructed by clients who have lost faith in their previous legal team and now require a more specialist and determined approach to justice. Led by Shaun Draycott, one of the UK's most experienced criminal litigators, our team offers a bespoke, high-level appeals service for those convicted of serious offences.
When you instruct Draycott Browne to challenge a miscarriage of justice, we will:
- Conduct a full forensic review of your trial, evidence, and legal process
- Identify flaws in how the case was prosecuted or defended, including errors in legal representation
- Review whether the judge misdirected the jury or whether evidence was wrongly admitted or excluded
- Investigate whether critical disclosure obligations were breached by the prosecution
- Assess whether new or previously unavailable evidence could change the outcome
- Advise you on the merits of pursuing an appeal to the Court of Appeal or a referral through the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC)
- Work closely with leading barristers and independent experts to build the strongest possible case
- Provide clear, strategic advice at every stage of the appeal process, from initial review to final hearing
We are not generalist lawyers. Our work is highly specialised, and our clients come to us because they need a criminal appeal solicitor who can uncover what others have missed.
If you are serious about challenging your conviction, we will give your case the time, experience and resources it demands.
Specialist expertise in navigating all matters related to criminal appeals.
Our Criminal Appeals Advice Team
Types of Convictions We Help Overturn
Our criminal conviction appeals service is strictly focused on the most serious areas of criminal law. These cases are complex, high-stakes, and often carry significant custodial sentences. At Draycott Browne, we are instructed by individuals and families determined to challenge unsafe verdicts where the impact of error is life-altering.
We do not accept instructions for general or low-level conviction appeals. Instead, we provide bespoke representation for clients convicted of offences such as:
Sexual Offences
We act in appeals involving allegations of rape, historic sexual abuse, and indecent images. These cases often involve flawed witness evidence, poor forensic interpretation, or serious credibility issues that can justify revisiting a conviction.
Serious Fraud and Financial Crime
Our fraud appeal solicitors regularly handle convictions for complex financial misconduct, including investment fraud, banking fraud, and tax evasion. In many cases, disclosure failures or a poorly constructed defence leave serious grounds for appeal.
Violent Crime
Convictions for GBH, manslaughter and murder are among the most serious in the legal system. We offer post-conviction representation in cases where new evidence has emerged, the original defence was inadequate, or the trial process was compromised.
Organised Crime and Drug Conspiracies
We assist those convicted following large-scale investigations involving conspiracy to supply, trafficking, firearms, or cross-border operations. Many of these appeals arise from surveillance irregularities, disclosure issues, or tactical missteps by trial counsel.
Understanding the type of conviction you face is only the first step. What matters next is whether there are legal grounds to challenge the outcome and whether the appeal court will consider your conviction to be unsafe.
When Can a Conviction Be Challenged?
Appealing a conviction is a serious legal step, one that should only be undertaken when there is clear evidence that the original trial process was fundamentally flawed. At Draycott Browne, we assess each case in detail to determine whether there are legal grounds to challenge a conviction and advise on the most effective way forward.
Even if the usual 28-day deadline has passed, we may still be able to pursue an out-of-time appeal if there is strong justification and new grounds have arisen. Delays do not always prevent justice.
We act exclusively in cases where the conviction relates to serious criminal offences, and where the consequences of a miscarriage of justice are devastating — long custodial sentences, irreparable reputational harm, and life-altering restrictions.
A conviction may be challenged where:
- The judge made a legal error during trial
- Evidence was mishandled or undisclosed
- New evidence has emerged since conviction
- Your legal defence was inadequate
- The trial was procedurally unfair
- Jury bias or misconduct occurred
- You now have fresh grounds for appeal
It is important to note that the right to appeal is not automatic. An appeal will only be allowed where the conviction is deemed to be unsafe, as defined under the Criminal Appeal Act 1968. This means the court must be satisfied that something went seriously wrong in your original trial that calls the verdict into question. If there is a real possibility the court would not have convicted you had the errors been known, you may be entitled to have your conviction overturned.
At Draycott Browne, we apply rigorous legal and factual analysis to every case we take on. If we believe your conviction can be challenged, we will construct a compelling appeal based on the strongest available evidence and arguments.
We do not provide general appeal services. Our focus is strictly on challenging wrongful convictions in serious criminal cases, where liberty, livelihood, and legacy are on the line.
The Appeals Process After a Serious Conviction
At Draycott Browne, we guide our clients through every stage of the appeals process with strategic clarity, ensuring that every aspect of the case is reviewed for potential errors, omissions or fresh evidence.
Our clients come to us after being convicted of serious offences, often facing lengthy prison sentences and long-lasting consequences. Many have already lost trust in the legal system and are seeking a second chance to put their case right. Our job is to investigate what went wrong and prepare a compelling submission to the courts.
The Appeals Process at a Glance:
- Step 1: Obtain trial transcripts and case materials
- Step 2: Review for legal or procedural errors
- Step 3: Draft formal grounds of appeal
- Step 4: Apply for permission to appeal (leave)
- Step 5: If granted, attend full Court of Appeal hearing
- Step 6: Await decision — quash conviction, order retrial, or uphold verdict
The Court of Appeal
The most common route is an application to the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). Appeals are only permitted where there are grounds to argue that the conviction is unsafe. This could be due to legal misdirection by the judge, procedural unfairness, inadmissible evidence, or significant failings in how the defence was conducted.
If permission (leave) to appeal is granted, the case will be reviewed by a panel of judges who can quash the conviction, order a retrial, or uphold the original decision. Time limits are strict, so early action is vital.
Fresh Evidence
New or previously unavailable evidence can be crucial in mounting a successful appeal. This could include:
- New witness testimony
- Fresh forensic analysis
- Expert reports unavailable at trial
- Documents that were not disclosed by the prosecution
Our team works with specialist barristers and independent experts to source, validate and present fresh evidence that could change the outcome of your case.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC)
If you have already exhausted the direct appeals route, we may recommend an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which has the power to refer your case back to the Court of Appeal.
The CCRC receives thousands of applications each year, but only a small percentage are referred for appeal. This makes the quality of your submission critically important. With expert legal advice, your chances of referral can increase significantly.
Strategic Legal Advice at Every Stage
From the initial review of your case to the preparation of complex legal arguments and representation in court, our appeal solicitors will work alongside you to pursue every viable avenue. We do not submit generic appeals — we construct detailed, evidence-led submissions designed to withstand scrutiny at the highest levels.
The appeals process can be lengthy and challenging, but with the right team behind you, it can also deliver justice where it was previously denied.
Specialist for Appealing Wrongful Convictions
- 24/7 Availability
- Proven Success in High Profile Cases
- Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation
Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Miscarrige of Justice Solicitors today.
Applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC)
For individuals who have exhausted the standard appeals process, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) offers a critical path to justice. The CCRC is an independent public body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice and has the power to refer a case back to the Court of Appeal if new evidence or legal arguments come to light.
At Draycott Browne, we have extensive experience preparing detailed and persuasive CCRC applications on behalf of clients convicted of serious criminal offences. These applications require a forensic understanding of the case history and the ability to uncover compelling reasons why a conviction should be reconsidered.
A CCRC referral may be appropriate if:
- New evidence has emerged that was not available during the trial
- There were serious procedural or legal errors not addressed in previous appeals
- Your defence team failed to raise key arguments or challenge critical evidence
- There has been a change in the law that could impact your conviction
- You were denied a fair trial due to bias, misconduct, or institutional failure
The CCRC receives thousands of applications each year and only refers a small number back to the courts. Success depends on the strength of the application and the skill with which it is prepared. Our team will undertake an exhaustive review of your case, identifying any overlooked grounds for appeal and building a submission that clearly demonstrates why your conviction should be reviewed.
Our CCRC work is led by seasoned appeal lawyers who are experienced in dealing with long-term miscarriages of justice, including convictions for murder, serious sexual offences, and complex fraud. We work with leading barristers, forensic experts, and investigators to ensure that no avenue is left unexplored.
If your previous appeal was refused or you were advised there were no grounds, the CCRC may still offer a route forward. But applications must be detailed, strategic, and evidence-led and this is where the skill and determination of our appeal lawyers can make the difference between continued injustice and a second chance.
To discuss a potential CCRC application in confidence, contact Draycott Browne today and speak to a solicitor with a proven track record in overturning wrongful convictions.
Identifying Failures in Legal Representation
One of the most frequent causes of wrongful convictions is not the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, but the failure of the defence to challenge it effectively. At Draycott Browne, we are often instructed by individuals who believe that their original legal representation was not adequate and who now seek a more specialist and determined approach to justice.
Many clients are initially represented by general criminal solicitors, often under legal aid. While legal aid plays a vital role in ensuring access to justice, serious criminal cases demand a level of care, preparation and strategy that not every firm can offer. In cases involving long sentences or reputational harm, even a single missed opportunity can have life-changing consequences.
Our team is experienced in reviewing trial transcripts, defence files, and procedural records to uncover where legal representation may have fallen short. This can include a failure to challenge crucial prosecution evidence, a lack of preparation for cross-examination, or the absence of expert witnesses where scientific or technical matters were in dispute. In some cases, critical legal arguments may have been missed entirely, or disclosure mismanaged in a way that undermined the fairness of the proceedings.
Our approach is not about criticism for its own sake. We focus on correction. Where errors in legal defence have contributed to a conviction, we act to expose those failings and present them in a compelling appeal. Identifying these mistakes requires more than instinct. It requires a deep understanding of criminal procedure, courtroom advocacy, and the appeal process itself.
If you believe that your defence was mishandled or incomplete, and that this contributed to your conviction, we can help assess whether those failings provide grounds to challenge the outcome.
24 Hour Availability
We understand that the need to challenge a wrongful conviction can arise unexpectedly and urgently. That’s why our criminal appeal solicitors are available 24 hours a day, providing rapid, expert advice the moment you need it. Whether you require immediate support following a conviction or urgent guidance on new evidence, we are ready to act.
Legal Aid
While many of our clients instruct us privately, legal aid may be available for appeal cases in certain circumstances. Our team can assess your eligibility and assist you with the application process, helping to ensure that financial concerns do not prevent access to justice in the most serious and complex matters.
Private Funding
At Draycott Browne, we continue to support clients who may be eligible for Legal Aid in post-conviction cases. However, it is important to recognise that Legal Aid can place limitations on the level of time, expertise and strategic resources we are able to dedicate to an appeal.
Choosing to fund your appeal privately ensures access to the highest calibre of legal advice and representation. It allows our Criminal Appeal Solicitors to apply the full weight of their experience and forensic skill which is critical in cases involving complex trial history, fresh evidence, or the need to challenge systemic failings.
With private funding, we are able to undertake an exhaustive review of your original case, engage leading barristers and independent experts, and prepare a detailed appeal strategy that leaves no stone unturned. This level of preparation is often what separates a rejected application from a successful one.
If you have been wrongfully convicted of a serious offence, we strongly recommend considering private funding to ensure your appeal receives the attention and strategic focus it requires. In matters involving life changing sentences and reputational damage, the quality of your legal team can be the difference between injustice and a second chance.
Related Areas
Contact our Criminal Appeal Solicitors
If you have been wrongfully convicted of a serious criminal offence, contact our specialist criminal appeal solicitors today. Our team has substantial experience in challenging unsafe convictions and representing clients through the most complex post-conviction proceedings.
We take immense pride in our meticulous approach and our determination to achieve justice for those who have been failed by the system. We are relentless in our pursuit of the best possible outcome, combining strategic insight with an unwavering attention to detail.
With over 25 years of experience in serious criminal defence, our track record in high-profile and sensitive appeal cases gives you the strongest possible chance of success. From uncovering legal errors to securing fresh evidence, we are trusted by clients across England and Wales to deliver results in the most difficult circumstances.
Draycott Browne is one of the UK’s most respected criminal defence firms. We regularly provide post-conviction and appeal representation in cases involving serious fraud, sexual offences, violent crime and organised criminal activity. Our services are available to clients in Manchester, London, Liverpool, Birmingham and nationwide.
When the stakes could not be higher, trust Draycott Browne to fight for your justice. You cannot afford to leave your appeal in the hands of anyone less than an expert.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To speak with one of our Criminal Appeal Solicitors in confidence, call us on the number at the top of this page, or complete our contact form here to request a private consultation.