Legal Aid Queensland has released a guide for people representing themselves in a conviction or sentence appeal from the District or Supreme Courts to the Court of Appeal.
Legal Aid Queensland’s Criminal Law Services director, Peter Delibaltas, said the guide was developed specifically for people wanting to appeal a criminal sentence or conviction who, for whatever reason, intend to represent themselves in court.
“The guide helps people understand what can be quite a complex process,” Mr Delibaltas said.
“The guide includes practical information to help people prepare for their appeal, explains how to fill out the necessary forms, and also details what to do in the courtroom once they’re there.
“To ensure all bases are covered, the guide also provides information about how to get legal advice and legal aid, as some people may not realise they are eligible to access our services.”
Mr Delibaltas said the plain language guide steps people through the process of starting an appeal, provides tips for completing and lodging all forms within their relevant time frames, and tips for writing an outline of argument.
“Sample forms are provided and legal terms and words are explained.
“The guide also provides handy information to help people prepare for their day in court – where to go, how to check when the case will be heard, what to bring, what to wear and how to behave.
“It also provides information around an appeal’s result – the judgment.”
Mr Delibaltas said the Self represented appeals – a guide to appealing a conviction and/or sentence is a one-stop-shop to help people start and run an appeal in the Court of Appeal.
Copies of the guide can be downloaded or ordered for free from the Legal Aid Queensland website www.legalaid.qld.gov.au under “Factsheets and guides”, or by calling 1300 65 11 88 (for the cost a of a local call from a landline in Australia).
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Media contact: Amanda Catania or Caroline Page on 3917 0407
Last updated 21 June 2019