This guide is maintained as a current resource for September 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Discover how appellants are notified of appeal decisions in criminal cases in England and Wales. This article explains the formal notification process, role of the Criminal Appeal Office, written orders, timing, communication to representatives, and how victims and witnesses are informed.
When someone appeals a criminal conviction or sentence in England and Wales, they, and often other interested parties, need to be informed clearly and reliably about the outcome. Appellants are notified through formal court channels and follow specific procedures set by the Criminal Appeal Office and appellate courts. Understanding how and when these notifications happen helps appellants, representatives, witnesses and victims prepare for the next steps in the justice process.
This guide explains how appellants are notified of appeal decisions, the mechanisms courts use to communicate outcomes, timing expectations, rights to judgment documents, and how others affected in the case may be informed.
What Courts Handle Criminal Appeals
Criminal appeals from Crown Court decisions (conviction or sentence) are usually heard by the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). Appeals from magistrates' courts go first to the Crown Court, and further to the Court of Appeal if necessary. The Criminal Appeal Office (CAO) administers the process on behalf of the Registrar of Criminal Appeals and communicates with relevant parties.
Primary Notification to Appellants
Formal Court Order or Letter
Once the appellate court has decided an appeal, the Criminal Appeal Office (CAO) issues a formal notification to the appellant or their legal representative. This is usually in the form of a sealed court order or written letter stating whether:
- The appeal is allowed (e.g. conviction quashed or sentence varied);
- The appeal is dismissed (original decision upheld); or
- Permission to appeal is refused at an early stage.
The order notifies the appellant of the legal outcome and any subsequent steps (e.g. sentencing changes). It does not always include the full reasons for the decision; those are usually contained in the written judgment published later.
Acknowledgement of Receipt
In many cases, particularly where appeals are filed via email or legal representatives, appellants receive acknowledgement of receipt from the CAO within a short period (often seven days), providing a reference number and confirming that the appeal will be processed.
Judgment and Approved Reasons
The full reasoned judgment (often called an “approved judgment”) may not be immediately available at the time of notification. Appellants are entitled to request a copy once the judgment is prepared. In practice, this can take several weeks after the appellate decision.
Communication to Representatives
Where an appellant is legally represented, the CAO or court registry normally sends the decision notification to the appellant's solicitor or counsel. The representative is responsible for feeding the information back to the appellant and advising on next steps, such as potential further appeals or applications for leave to another court.
Information to Victims and Witnesses
Victims and witnesses are not the primary parties to a criminal appeal, but they can have rights to information under the Victims' Code:
- Police or Witness Care Units typically receive notification when an appeal is lodged and when the hearing is scheduled.
- After the outcome, the Witness Care Unit usually informs victims about the result, including whether the conviction or sentence has changed and, if relevant, details of bail or custody decisions.
These notifications are intended to help victims understand how the appeal affects them and to ensure they are not surprised by subsequent developments.
Timing of Notifications
The timing of appeal decision notifications varies by process stage:
- Interim decisions (such as where permission to appeal is refused by a single judge) are typically sent soon after the ruling.
- Full appeal judgments may take longer before an approved judgment is available, particularly in complex cases.
Appellants are generally notified promptly after the court's decision is processed through the CAO. The exact time can depend on court workload and administrative steps, but many appellants and representatives receive written notification within days of the decision being made.
What Appellants Should Expect to Receive
Court Order or Notice of Decision
This is the formal written outcome of the appeal decision and will state whether the appeal is allowed or dismissed.
Hearing Date and Listing Information (Earlier Stage)
Before the appeal is heard, the court usually sends a listing letter confirming the hearing date and where it will take place.
Judgment Document (Later)
The written judgment explaining the reasons for the court's decision can be requested once completed. This may take several weeks, and appellants can ask their representative to obtain it on their behalf.
Practical Actions After Notification
Once a criminal appeal decision is notified:
- Appellants should check the formal order immediately for any deadlines (such as time limits to take further appeal steps).
- Where a sentence is altered or conviction quashed, appellants should verify the effect on their status (for example, whether they remain in custody or are eligible for release).
- Representatives often explain the outcome in detail, including how it affects the legal position and future options.
If an appellant did not receive notification they expected, they can contact the Criminal Appeal Office or their legal representative to confirm the outcome and request copies of relevant documents.
Key Takeaways
Notifying appellants of appeal decisions in criminal cases in England and Wales is a formal process managed by the Criminal Appeal Office and the appellate courts. Key points include:
- The appellant (or their legal representative) receives a written notice or sealed court order about the outcome.
- Representatives typically get notification first and inform the appellant with guidance on next steps.
- Victims and witnesses are informed through Witness Care Units and police contacts under the Victims' Code.
- Full reasoned judgments may follow later and can be requested once available.
- Timely communication ensures that appellants know the result and any subsequent actions they may take.
The structured notification process helps ensure transparency, compliance with procedural rules, and that all parties are fully informed of outcomes in criminal appeal cases.
