5KBW Criminal Appeals

At 5KBW we recognise that a wrongful conviction or an unfair sentence can have a life changing effect on the defendant and those close to them.

5KBW can provide “second opinion” advice on challenging a conviction and / or sentence – either via a solicitor or by Direct Access (a system where members of the public can, in certain cases, instruct a barrister directly without the need to first instruct a solicitor.)

We can provide advice on a potential appeal or application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in stages, with an initial overview of the merits of any potential grounds of appeal and the further preparation and investigation that is required.

For further information about instructing our barristers please contact our senior clerk, Lee Hughes-Gage.

5KBW Criminal Appeals Unit

5KBW houses some of the most experienced criminal specialists at the Bar, representing both the defence and prosecution at all levels, including offences of the utmost seriousness and complexity, at trial and on appeal.

Members of 5KBW have advised on and acted in appeals and applications to the CCRC involving murder, homicide, drugs, joint enterprise, historic sex offences, fraud, Attorney General’s references, The Horizon Post Office scandal, and death row cases (in appeals from the Caribbean).

These cases often involve expert forensic evidence relating to DNA, gunshot residue, blood splattering, CCTV, psychiatric and psychological issues.

Our Criminal Appeals Unit is headed by Paul Taylor KC, the general editor of Taylor on Criminal Appeals, the leading practitioners’ textbook for those involved with a potential criminal appeal or judicial review. It provides a detailed guide to appellate practice and procedure.

The first two editions of the book were cited variously in judgments of the House of Lords, Privy Council, Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland, Final Court of Appeal in Hong Kong, Court of Appeal of New Zealand, High Court of Fuji, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and Caribbean Court of Justice.

Paul has been described as “One of the foremost appeal lawyers” whose knowledge of criminal appeals is “second to none”. He has written and lectured on appellate issues in England, Northern Ireland and the Caribbean. He contributes to and edits the 5KBW Criminal Appeals Unit newsletter – “The Appeal Brief”.

If you would like to sign up to receive The Appeal Brief, and details of our appellate seminars and podcasts, please click here.

For further resources on Appeals in the UK & other jursidictions please click here.

For 5KBW appeal news and updates follow us on  @5KBW_CrimAppeals