Best Appeal Lawyers in Exeter

1. About Appeal Law in Exeter, United Kingdom

Appeal law in Exeter sits within the wider English and Welsh legal framework. Citizens, businesses and public bodies may appeal decisions made by courts, tribunals or certain government authorities. Appeals are typically handled by the Court of Appeal or, in some cases, by specialised tribunals or higher courts, depending on the matter. In Exeter, as in the rest of Devon and Cornwall, you will usually access the appeals process through Exeter’s Combined Court Centre or local solicitors who coordinate with counsel in larger hubs like Bristol or London when higher level advocacy is required.

Key routes include criminal appeals to the Court of Appeal Criminal Division and civil appeals to the Court of Appeal Civil Division, with the relevant rules set out in the Civil Procedure Rules. The local context in Exeter means you may interact with Exeter Crown Court, Exeter County Court, and related tribunals depending on the case type. A qualified solicitor or barrister will steer you through permissions, format, and deadlines, which can vary by matter and court.

In England and Wales, the Court of Appeal handles civil and criminal appeals on points of law, fact, or procedure.

Recent trends include greater use of remote hearings and digital case management, which can affect scheduling and preparation. Individuals and organisations in Exeter should obtain timely legal advice to understand how these developments influence their specific appeal route. Practical guidance from local Exeter solicitors can help ensure compliance with deadlines and procedural requirements. Sources: Judiciary UK overview of appeals; Civil Procedure Rules guidance

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Appeals involve complex legal standards and strict timelines. A qualified solicitor or barrister in Exeter can assess your chances, prepare the necessary documents, and advocate your position before the appropriate court or tribunal. Here are concrete, real-world scenarios where legal help is essential.

• A Magistrates’ Court conviction in Exeter is being challenged for a point of law. You need a barrister to draft the appeal grounds and present arguments in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
• A County Court ruling on a commercial dispute in Devon is unfavourable. You may need a solicitor to pursue a civil appeal to the Court of Appeal, including permission to appeal and a substantive skeleton argument.
• A family court decision in Exeter affects child arrangements or finances. You require an experienced family law barrister to challenge a judgment on a point of law before the Court of Appeal.
• You received an adverse decision from an employment tribunal in Exeter. An appeal to the Upper Tribunal may be appropriate on a point of law, requiring specialist appellate advocacy.
• A planning or land use decision issued by a planning inspector in the Devon area is disputed on legal grounds. You may need planning solicitors to assist with potential judicial review routes and subsequent appellate options.
• You face the risk of significant costs if your appeal fails. A local legal advisor in Exeter can discuss cost risk, funding options, and eligibility for legal aid or conditional fee arrangements.

3. Local Laws Overview

This section highlights statutes and rules commonly used to govern appeals in Exeter and throughout England and Wales. The framework combines statute-based authority with procedural rules for each court or tribunal.

Civil Procedure Rules Part 52 - Governs civil appeals in England and Wales, including appeals to the Court of Appeal. The rules set out how to initiate an appeal, time limits, and the standards for permission to appeal and the appeal itself. The rules were introduced with the Civil Procedure Rules in 1999 and have been amended since to reflect evolving grounds for appeal.

Criminal Appeal Act 1968 - Establishes the right to appeal criminal convictions or sentences to the Court of Appeal Criminal Division, subject to permissions and statutory criteria. The act remains a foundational framework for criminal appellate rights and procedures in Exeter and elsewhere.

Senior Courts Act 1981 - Defines the jurisdiction of the Senior Courts, including the Court of Appeal, and sets out the general framework for appeals from higher courts. This Act remains a key statutory backbone for appellate routes in England and Wales.

Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 - Creates the tribunal system, including the Upper Tribunal, which handles certain appeals on points of law from various first-tier tribunals. This Act shapes how tribunal appeals operate in Exeter and across the country.

Recent practice has seen continued alignment of appellate procedure with digital and remote-hearing opportunities, affecting timelines and hearings for Exeter residents. For detailed, case-specific advice, a local solicitor can confirm the exact route and any recent procedural changes affecting your matter.

Judiciary and government guidance emphasise that appeals depend on jurisdiction, type of decision, and permission requirements.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is an appeal in England and Wales and how does it differ from a case review?

An appeal challenges a decision made by a court or tribunal. A case review is typically a different route, focusing on correcting administrative errors or reconsidering factual findings within the same process. Appeals usually require permission and go to a higher court.

How do I start an appeal after a decision in Exeter?

Contact a local Exeter solicitor to assess grounds for appeal, confirm deadlines, and file notice of appeal with the correct court. You will need permission to appeal in many civil and criminal cases.

When must I file a notice of appeal after a local court decision in Exeter?

Deadlines vary by case type. Civil appeals often require filing within 21 days of the judgment, while criminal appeals have separate time limits and permission rules. Always verify with a solicitor in Exeter to avoid default dismissal.

Where can I lodge an appeal for a court decision made in Exeter?

Appeals are typically lodged with the appellate court specified by the case type, such as the Court of Appeal for civil and criminal matters, or with the Upper Tribunal for certain tribunals. Your lawyer handles the proper venue and forms.

Why do you need a solicitor or barrister to handle an appeal in Exeter?

Appeals require precise ground formulations, compliant documentation, and skilled advocacy. A lawyer helps you meet procedural rules and presents persuasive arguments to the right judges.

Can I appeal a planning decision in Exeter, and what are the limits?

Planning decisions are usually reviewed by the Planning Inspectorate. Some planning challenges may proceed via judicial review for points of law. An expert planning solicitor is essential to navigate this route.

Should I apply for permission to appeal or can I appeal directly?

Most civil and criminal appeals require permission either from the lower court or the appeal court. A solicitor in Exeter can assess whether permission is likely and manage the process.

Do I need to pay court fees to appeal in Exeter, and are there exemptions?

Yes, there are court fees for filing appeals, subject to exemptions or fee remission for eligible applicants. A local solicitor can help determine eligibility and assist with fee applications.

How long does an appeal take from start to finish in Exeter?

Timelines vary by case type and court availability. A typical civil appeal may span several months to a year, while criminal appeals can be faster or longer depending on complexity and advocacy needs.

What's the difference between a civil appeal and a criminal appeal in Exeter?

Civil appeals challenge civil court decisions on law or fact, while criminal appeals challenge convictions or sentences. The courts and rules differ accordingly and require different evidence and grounds.

Is it possible to appeal a sentencing decision in Exeter's Crown Court?

Yes, defendants may appeal a sentence to the Court of Appeal Criminal Division, often with permission from the trial judge or directly from the appellate court depending on the case.

5. Additional Resources

These official resources provide authoritative information about appeals and court processes in England and Wales. They are useful for Exeter residents seeking guidance and official procedures.

• Judiciary UK - Official information about the Court of Appeal, its jurisdiction, and how appeals work in civil and criminal matters.
• GOV.UK - Appeals and courts guidance - Government guidance on legal processes, deadlines, and how to pursue appeals in different contexts. https://www.gov.uk
• HMCTS - Courts and Tribunals Service - Information on how appeals are managed within the courts and tribunals system, including procedural steps and fees. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service

For statutory foundations and legislative details, Exeter residents may also consult official text via royal or government portals and discuss applicability with a local solicitor. Citations and latest practice notes can be found through the above official sources.

6. Next Steps

1. Identify the correct appeal route for your matter (civil, criminal, family, or tribunal) with an Exeter solicitor or barrister within 1 week of the decision.
2. Collect all relevant documents within 2 weeks, including judgments, trial transcripts, and key deadlines.
3. Ask your lawyer to assess grounds for appeal (points of law, fact, or procedure) within 1 week after documents are gathered.
4. Obtain permission to appeal if required, typically within 2-6 weeks, depending on court schedules and the case type.
5. Prepare the appeal bundle and skeleton argument with your counsel, typically in 2-4 weeks, and submit to the correct court or tribunal.
6. Attend any hearing or remote hearing, with travel arranged to Exeter or other locations as needed, and monitor any further steps within 1-3 months.
7. Review costs, funding options, and potential exemptions with your Exeter solicitor, and plan for post-appeal steps including potential further appeals if permitted.