Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
This guide explains the basics of appeals for people living in Melissia, a suburb of Athens, Greece. An appeal is a legal procedure by which a party asks a higher court to review a lower court decision. In Greece appeals can arise in civil, criminal and administrative matters. Residents of Melissia generally bring appeals to courts located in Athens - for example the Court of First Instance of Athens, the Court of Appeal of Athens and, for matters of legal precedent, the Supreme Court - Areios Pagos. Administrative appeals may move through administrative courts and ultimately the Council of State - Symvoulio tis Epikrateias.
Appeals are technical and procedural. A lawyer can help at each stage - deciding whether an appeal is available, identifying the correct court, drafting the grounds of appeal, meeting strict deadlines, preparing the appeal file, arguing at a hearing and advising on settlement or further remedies. Common situations where you may need legal help include:
- Civil disputes where the first-instance decision affected your rights or financial interests, such as contract, property, inheritance or family-law cases.
- Criminal convictions or sentences you believe are legally or factually incorrect, or where a more favourable sentence is possible on appeal.
- Administrative decisions by state bodies or municipalities that affect permits, licenses, social benefits or tax assessments.
- Cases where the law applied at first instance is unclear and you need an appeal to set or clarify legal precedent.
- Urgent matters that require interlocutory or interim relief from an appellate court, such as injunctions or provisional measures.
Below are key aspects of Greek appeals practice that are particularly relevant for people in Melissia. These are general principles - specific rules can vary by case type and statutory changes.
- Courts and hierarchy - Civil and criminal appeals usually move from a court of first instance to the regional Court of Appeal. The Areios Pagos is the Supreme Court that hears cassation appeals on points of law. Administrative cases follow a parallel route through administrative courts and the Council of State for highest review.
- Grounds of appeal - Appeals may be based on errors of fact, errors of law or procedural irregularities. Cassation before the Supreme Court is usually limited to important points of law and proper application of legal rules, rather than re-examining factual findings.
- Evidence and review - Appellate courts often review how law and evidence were applied. In some appeals the factual record is re-examined, while in others the review focuses on legal questions. New evidence is not always permitted on appeal and usually requires specific justification.
- Deadlines and formalities - Time limits for filing an appeal can be strict. Deadlines differ by case type and stage, and missing a deadline can forfeit the right to appeal. Appeals typically require a written brief setting out legal grounds and copies of the trial record and relevant documents.
- Representation - Many appeals require representation by a lawyer who is registered with the local bar. In criminal cases, legal aid or a public defender may be available for those who cannot afford a private lawyer.
- Interim measures - Appellate courts can grant interim relief in urgent cases to preserve rights until the appeal is decided. Requests for interim measures must meet specific criteria and are handled on an expedited basis.
- Costs and security - The losing party in appeal proceedings may be ordered to pay court costs and legal fees. In some cases courts require security for costs or for enforcement of future orders.
- Local practice - Because Melissia is in the Athens judicial district, local practice and court administration procedures used at Athens courts apply. Filing procedures, hearing schedules and registry practices follow the rules of the Athens courts.
The first step is to consult a lawyer experienced in appeals. Your lawyer will check whether the decision is appealable, identify the correct appellate court, calculate the deadline for filing and prepare the appeal brief and supporting documents. Acting quickly is important because time limits are strict.
Deadlines vary by case type and by the type of decision you are appealing. Some deadlines are short and strict. Because rules change and vary by matter, you should confirm the exact time limit with a lawyer as soon as possible.
That depends on the type of appeal and the court. In many appeals, the appellate court will not admit new evidence unless there is a good reason that the evidence was not available at first instance. Your lawyer can advise whether you can request admission of new evidence and how to justify it.
Often the parties or their lawyers attend oral hearings. In many cases a lawyer can present the case without the client being present, but personal attendance may be required for some hearings, particularly in criminal matters or where testimony is needed. Your lawyer will advise on attendance requirements.
Yes, in many appeals you can challenge both factual findings and legal conclusions. However, certain higher-level appeals, like cassation to the Supreme Court, are limited to points of law. The scope of review depends on the court and the type of appeal.
Missing a deadline often results in losing the right to appeal. In rare situations, courts may accept late filings if there is a legally recognised excuse, but this is exceptional. If you think you are close to a deadline, contact a lawyer immediately.
Costs depend on the complexity of the case, court fees, lawyer fees and whether expert evidence or translations are needed. Appeal proceedings can be more expensive than first-instance litigation. Ask potential lawyers for a clear fee estimate and information about possible court costs and taxes.
Yes, parties can reach a settlement or withdraw an appeal at any time before a final binding judgment. Your lawyer can negotiate terms, draft a settlement agreement and, if required, obtain court approval or file the necessary documents to close the appeal.
Cassation is a special type of appeal to the Supreme Court - Areios Pagos - that focuses on questions of law and the correct application of legal rules. Cassation is typically used when there is an important legal issue, a conflict in jurisprudence, or a serious error in applying the law by lower courts. It is not generally a re-examination of factual findings.
Administrative appeals concern decisions by public authorities, such as permits, taxes or social benefits. They follow a separate procedural path through administrative courts and may ultimately reach the Council of State for review. Administrative appeal rules, time limits and remedies differ from civil and criminal procedure, so specialised administrative-law advice is important.
Below are public bodies and organisations that can provide information or assistance relevant to appeals in the Athens judicial district, which covers Melissia:
- Local courts - Registry offices at the Athens Court of First Instance and the Athens Court of Appeal for procedural information and filing requirements.
- Areios Pagos - the Supreme Court for cassation appeals and legal precedent matters.
- Council of State - the supreme administrative court for high-level administrative appeals.
- Hellenic Ministry of Justice - publishes official procedural rules, forms and notices affecting appeals.
- Athens Bar Association - for help finding a qualified lawyer in appeals or for information about legal aid and professional conduct.
- Legal Aid Offices and Public Defender services - for financially eligible individuals who require representation in criminal or civil matters.
- Local municipal offices in Melissia - for information related to administrative decisions by the municipality and local administrative remedies.
If you are considering an appeal, follow these practical steps:
- Act quickly - contact a qualified lawyer as soon as you receive a judgment or decision. Appeals have strict time limits.
- Gather documents - collect the judgment, the court file, evidence, contracts, correspondence and any official notices related to the decision.
- Get an assessment - ask a lawyer to review your case and advise on the strength of an appeal, potential remedies and costs.
- Check procedural requirements - confirm the correct court, filing format, number of copies and any required translations or certified copies.
- Consider interim measures - if immediate relief is required, discuss with your lawyer whether you should seek provisional or interim measures from an appellate court.
- Prepare for possible outcomes - discuss settlement options, the likelihood of success, potential costs and further remedies after appeal.
- If you cannot afford a lawyer - ask about legal aid, public defender options or bar association referral services.
Appeals are powerful tools for correcting errors and protecting rights, but they require timely action and legal expertise. A local appellate lawyer can guide you through the technical steps and represent your interests before the courts that serve Melissia.
