Specialist Auckland Appeals Lawyer

If you’re looking for an appellate barrister to assist you in filing an appeal, I can help. As an experienced appeals lawyer in Auckland, I can work with you to appeal a wide range of convictions or sentences. It’s possible for either a Judge or jury to make an error in their decision which can amount to a miscarriage of justice. The ability to appeal an erroneous decision is a vital element of the broader judicial system in NZ. It’s your right to choose to appeal for reconsideration on several different types of decisions, so you’re not limited exclusively to appeals against convictions or sentencing. You can also appeal bail decisions or name suppression orders or other matters relating to the law, for example.

I have experience making appeals in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Regardless of which appellate court that the appeal is filed, appellate law is a complex branch of legal practice, which requires confidence and experience to navigate.

Read on to find out more about appeals in NZ or contact me now with the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case.

How Appeals Work in NZ

Under the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, you have 20 working days from the date of the decision to file an appeal. It’s possible to appeal after this, but it requires requesting and receiving an extension of time from the court, which they are at liberty to deny if they decide it is not in the interests of justice.

Anyone can appeal a decision, and you don’t need a lawyer to do it, but your chances of making a successful appeal without legal representation are drastically reduced. As mentioned above, appellate law can require an immense amount of preparation and study to advance a meritorious appeal. It’s always best to find solid legal representation whenever you need to deal with the court.

Once an appeal has been filed, it may take several months or even longer before your appeal is heard, depending on the circumstances of each appeal. Suppose you are appealing against a refusal to grant bail. In that case, this will be expedited by the judiciary given a person’s liberty is at stake—it’s primarily sentencing and conviction appeals that take longer to process.