Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
An appeal is the legal process by which a party asks a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court or tribunal. In and around Boyle - which is in County Roscommon - appeal work follows the national Irish court structure. Appeals range from simple requests to correct procedural errors in lower courts through to complex legal challenges in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and, in exceptional cases, the Supreme Court in Dublin. Appeals can arise in criminal, civil, family, administrative and planning matters. The focus of an appeal is generally on errors of law, procedural fairness or, in some limited circumstances, the evaluation of evidence.
Appeals are technical and governed by strict rules and deadlines. Many situations where people need a lawyer include:
- You have been convicted or sentenced and believe the trial contained an error, or the sentence was excessive.
- You lost a civil case and want to challenge legal rulings or the admissibility of evidence.
- You are contesting a family law decision where an appeal could affect custody, access or maintenance arrangements.
- A public body or tribunal made a decision that affects your rights - for example planning, licensing or social welfare - and you seek judicial review or an appeal route.
- You need advice about whether appeal is realistic, the likely legal grounds, costs exposure and practical next steps.
A solicitor experienced in appeals will identify the proper appeal route, prepare legal arguments, observe procedural requirements and, where appropriate, instruct counsel to present the case in court.
Key points to understand about local appeal law and practice relevant to Boyle:
- Court hierarchy - Typical progression in Ireland is District Court or tribunal decisions, then Circuit Court and High Court depending on matter and statutory routes, with most higher-level appeals proceeding to the Court of Appeal and, in rare cases, the Supreme Court. The principal appellate courts sit in Dublin, while local hearings and preliminary steps take place in regional courthouses.
- Time limits - Appeals are subject to strict deadlines set by statute or court rules. Deadlines vary by case type and court, so early action is essential to preserve rights.
- Grounds for appeal - Appeals usually challenge errors of law, procedural unfairness, or misapplication of legal principles. Some appeal routes allow reconsideration of facts, but courts are often reluctant to substitute their assessment of evidence unless there is a clear error.
- Representation - For higher courts many litigants use a solicitor and instruct a barrister to appear. Solicitors handle preparation, filings and case management; barristers present arguments in court when specialist advocacy is required.
- Remedies - Appeals may result in quashing a decision, ordering a retrial, varying a sentence, remitting the case back to the lower court, or upholding the original decision. Costs orders are common and can be awarded against a losing party.
Contact a solicitor promptly to assess whether an appeal route exists and whether you meet the deadline to lodge a notice of appeal or an application for leave to appeal. Gather all court documents, judgments and evidence so the lawyer can review your options quickly.
Time limits differ by court and case type. Many courts impose short deadlines - often only weeks from the date of judgment or order. You should act immediately because missing a deadline can prevent an appeal unless the court permits late filing for very exceptional reasons.
Common grounds include errors of law, procedural unfairness, misinterpretation of statutory provisions, and in some cases manifestly unreasonable findings of fact. Mere dissatisfaction with the outcome is not sufficient - there must be a legal or procedural basis for the challenge.
Yes, you can represent yourself, but appeals are procedural and technical. Many appeals require written submissions, compliance with court rules and persuasive oral advocacy. For complex matters you will usually benefit from a solicitor and counsel to maximise your prospects.
For higher court appeals it is common to engage both. The solicitor manages the case, prepares the appeal record and files paperwork; the barrister (counsel) typically conducts oral argument in court. For modest or straightforward appeals, a solicitor may handle the work alone.
Introducing new evidence on appeal is possible but limited. Courts generally prefer appeals to focus on the record of the lower court. You may need to seek permission to admit fresh evidence and show it could not have been obtained with reasonable diligence earlier and is material to the outcome.
In criminal matters you can apply for bail pending appeal, but courts consider factors like flight risk and the seriousness of the offence. In civil matters you can apply for a stay of execution on judgments or orders pending appeal, but you must usually provide undertakings and may need to lodge security or show substantial grounds for appeal.
Timelines vary. Some appeals are resolved in a few months if straightforward; others can take a year or longer, especially if the case moves through multiple appellate levels. Court schedules, case complexity and whether permission to appeal is required influence timing.
Appeals can be more expensive than initial hearings because of written submissions, appeal books, and advocacy costs. Costs vary widely by complexity and whether you instruct counsel. You should request a clear estimate from your solicitor and consider whether you qualify for legal aid or pro bono assistance.
You may be eligible for state-funded legal aid through the Legal Aid Board, subject to merits and means tests. Other support options include Citizens Information, legal clinics, and organisations offering limited free advice. A solicitor can advise on funding options and whether a legal aid application is appropriate.
Useful organisations and bodies to consult when seeking appeal advice in Boyle:
- Legal Aid Board - for eligibility and access to state-funded representation.
- Citizens Information - general guidance on court procedures and appeal rights.
- Courts Service of Ireland - practical information on court rules, forms and sittings.
- Law Society of Ireland - for information about solicitors and professional standards.
- Bar of Ireland - for information about barristers who specialise in appellate advocacy.
- Local Citizens Information Centre and community legal clinics - for initial advice and signposting.
- Local solicitors and firms experienced in appeals - seek a solicitor with appellate experience in the relevant area of law.
If you are considering an appeal, follow these practical steps:
- Act quickly - determine and diarise the deadline to lodge an appeal or an application for leave.
- Collect and preserve documents - obtain the judgment, transcript or notes of the hearing, evidence and any written orders.
- Get legal advice - contact a solicitor with appellate experience for an urgent case review and written advice on merits and procedure.
- Consider funding - ask about legal aid, fixed fees or cost estimates and whether an initial consultation is free or low cost.
- Prepare the appeal record - your solicitor will compile the appeal book, refine legal grounds and prepare written submissions.
- Consider interim relief - if necessary, ask your solicitor about stay applications or bail pending appeal.
- Be realistic - discuss prospects of success, possible outcomes and exposure to costs so you can make an informed decision.
Appeals are nuanced and time-sensitive. Early contact with an experienced solicitor will give you the best chance to protect your rights and pursue a successful appeal strategy.
