Appeals Across Queensland
Sentence Appeals & Conviction Appeals — State-wide
If you have been convicted or sentenced and believe the outcome was wrong, you may have grounds to appeal. The time limit is strict — one month from the date of sentence or conviction — so getting advice early is critical. Civic Law prepares and argues criminal appeals across Queensland, not just in the Cairns region. Sacha appears in the District Court and the Court of Appeal in Brisbane, Townsville, and wherever the appeal is listed.
Courts
- Queensland Court of Appeal — 415 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 (Appeals from District and Supreme Court convictions and sentences)
- District Court (Appellate Jurisdiction) — Various locations across Queensland (Appeals from Magistrates Court convictions and sentences)
State-wide Appellate Practice
Appellate work is a distinct part of Sacha's practice. Unlike a first-instance hearing — where the focus is on presenting facts and making submissions to a Magistrate or Judge — an appeal requires identifying a specific, arguable error in the decision below and presenting it in a way that persuades the appeal court to intervene. That requires a different skill set: close analysis of the sentencing remarks or reasons for verdict, research into comparable authorities, and precise written argument.…
Practice Areas
- Criminal Appeals
- District Court Charges
- Drink Driving
- Assault Charges
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Offences
- Trials & Contested Hearings
- Special Hardship Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to lodge an appeal?
One month from the date of sentence or conviction. This is a strict deadline. Extensions can be sought but require a good reason for the delay and arguable grounds on the merits. See the Understanding Criminal Appeals guide for a full breakdown of the process and deadlines. If you are thinking about…
Can you run an appeal if you were not my original lawyer?
Yes. Sacha regularly takes on appeal matters where another lawyer handled the original proceeding. She obtains the transcript and prosecution material independently and conducts her own assessment of the available grounds. See recent cases for examples of appellate results.
What does a criminal appeal cost?
District Court sentence appeals start at $5,500 . Court of Appeal matters are quoted individually based on complexity. Travel and accommodation for hearings outside Cairns are charged in addition to the legal fee. The total cost is confirmed before any work begins — no hourly billing, no surprises.…
Can I get bail while waiting for my appeal?
If you are in custody, an application for bail pending appeal can be made. The court will consider the strength of the appeal grounds, the risk of absconding, and the time remaining on the sentence. See the Understanding Bail guide for more detail. Sacha can advise whether a bail application is…
Do you travel to Brisbane for Court of Appeal matters?
Yes. Sacha appears in the Court of Appeal in Brisbane in person. Travel and accommodation costs are charged in addition to the legal fee, and the total is confirmed upfront.