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Appeal is the formal process of asking a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court or administrative authority. Residents and businesses in Vouliagmeni fall within the wider Athens judicial district, so most appeals arising in Vouliagmeni are handled by courts seated in Athens. In Greece there are three main branches where appeals may occur. Civil and commercial disputes move from a Court of First Instance to the Court of Appeal and then to the Supreme Civil and Criminal Court known as Areios Pagos for issues of law only. Criminal matters move from a Misdemeanor or Felony Court to the Court of Appeal and then on issues of law to Areios Pagos. Administrative and tax cases are reviewed by Administrative Courts of First Instance and Administrative Courts of Appeal, with further review by the Council of State on points of law or by the Court of Audit in specific public finance matters.
An appeal can challenge legal errors, important procedural irregularities, or factual findings depending on the type of case and the stage. Strict deadlines apply. The appellate court may confirm, amend, or overturn the decision. In some cases enforcement of the lower decision continues while the appeal is pending, unless a stay is granted. Because the rules differ between civil, criminal, and administrative cases, early advice from a lawyer familiar with the Athens courts is important.
You may need a lawyer for an appeal when a judgment or administrative act adversely affects you and you believe there were legal or procedural errors. Common situations include a civil judgment on a contract or property dispute that you believe misapplied the law, a criminal conviction or sentence you wish to challenge, an administrative fine or permit decision by a public authority that you consider unlawful, a tax assessment after an audit, or an urgent need to seek a stay of enforcement such as suspension of asset seizures while the appeal is heard.
A lawyer can identify valid grounds of appeal, calculate and meet strict filing deadlines, draft the appeal brief, assemble the evidentiary record, represent you at hearings, request interim measures such as a stay of execution, and guide settlement discussions. In cross border situations a lawyer coordinates certified translations and service. If you qualify for legal aid, a lawyer can also help you apply for it so that part or all of your legal costs may be covered.
Greek appellate procedure is governed mainly by the Code of Civil Procedure for civil and commercial matters, the Code of Criminal Procedure for criminal cases, and the Code of Administrative Procedure along with special tax legislation for administrative and tax disputes. Vouliagmeni is part of the Municipality of Vari Voula Vouliagmeni within the Attica Region. Cases from Vouliagmeni typically start in the Athens area courts and appeals are heard by the Athens Court of Appeal or the Athens Administrative Court of Appeal, depending on the case type. Further review goes to Areios Pagos for civil and criminal cases or to the Council of State for administrative cases on points of law.
Key points that are often relevant to people in Vouliagmeni are the following. Deadlines to appeal are short and start from the date of service or official notification of the decision. In civil cases the appeal window is generally 30 days if you are served in Greece and 60 days if served abroad, with longer time limits if the decision has not been served. In criminal cases deadlines can be as short as 10 days in certain situations and up to 30 days if notified while abroad. In administrative cases time limits often range from 30 to 60 days, and in many tax matters a prior administrative appeal is required before you can go to court. The appellate court may hear the case anew on both facts and law in some situations, but at higher levels such as Areios Pagos and the Council of State the review is limited to legal errors.
Appeals do not automatically suspend enforcement. You may apply for a stay of execution, and the court assesses urgency and the likelihood of success. Costs include court fees and sometimes a deposit. Parties usually appear through a lawyer. Documents in foreign languages must be translated into Greek, often with certified translations.
Civil and criminal appeals from Vouliagmeni are generally heard by the Athens Court of Appeal. Administrative and tax appeals are heard by the Athens Administrative Court of Appeal. Further review on points of law goes to Areios Pagos for civil and criminal cases and to the Council of State for administrative cases, subject to statutory criteria.
Deadlines depend on the case type. In civil cases it is commonly 30 days from service if you are in Greece and 60 days if you are abroad. If a civil decision is not served, longer outer limits can apply. Criminal appeals can have shorter limits, sometimes 10 days from pronouncement or service, with longer limits if you are abroad. Administrative recourse often ranges between 30 and 60 days. Always confirm your specific deadline with a lawyer because missing it can make the decision final.
Not automatically. You can apply for a stay of execution. The court will consider the risk of irreparable harm and the apparent merits of the appeal. In some criminal and administrative contexts there are specific statutory rules on suspension, but a separate application is often required.
In civil and criminal appeals to the Court of Appeal, limited new evidence may be allowed under the rules if it could not reasonably have been presented earlier or if it responds to issues raised by the judgment. At the Supreme Court level and before the Council of State, review is focused on legal errors, not new facts.
Typical grounds include misinterpretation or misapplication of substantive law, serious procedural violations such as improper service or denial of the right to be heard, incorrect evaluation of key evidence in courts that review facts, and inadequate reasoning in the judgment. At the highest courts only legal grounds are examined.
Timeframes vary by court workload and case complexity. Many appeals in Athens take several months to over a year to reach a hearing and decision. Requests for interim measures such as a stay of execution are usually handled faster. Your lawyer can provide a realistic estimate after reviewing your file and the docket.
Costs include the court filing fee, any required deposits, fees for transcripts and certified translations, and attorney fees. If you win, some costs may be shifted to the other side, but fee shifting is not automatic and is subject to the courts discretion. Ask for a detailed fee agreement and an estimate before filing.
Yes. Individuals with limited income may qualify for public legal aid in civil, criminal, and administrative cases. Eligibility depends on income thresholds and the nature of the case. A lawyer can help you prepare the application and the necessary supporting documents.
In most civil and administrative cases your lawyer can appear on your behalf if properly authorized. In criminal cases your personal presence may be required depending on the charge and the stage of proceedings. Your lawyer will advise whether a special power of attorney or personal attendance is needed.
You may be able to file a petition to the Supreme Court on points of law in civil and criminal cases or to the Council of State in administrative cases if legal criteria are met. These are not second attempts to re argue facts. They are limited to alleged legal errors and have strict filing requirements and deadlines.
Athens Court of Appeal. Handles civil and criminal appeals arising from the wider Athens district that includes Vouliagmeni.
Athens Administrative Court of Appeal. Hears appeals in administrative and tax cases from the Athens region.
Areios Pagos. The Supreme Civil and Criminal Court that reviews points of law from appellate decisions.
Council of State. The supreme administrative court for judicial review of administrative acts on legal grounds.
Hellenic Ministry of Justice. Publishes procedural rules, court fee information, and legal aid framework.
Bar Association of Athens. Provides lawyer referral services and information on professional standards.
Citizen Service Centers known as KEP. Offer guidance on procedural steps, document certifications, and general administrative support.
Hellenic Ombudsman. Independent authority that receives complaints about public administration and can guide you on non judicial remedies.
Legal Aid Services in Athens. Public legal aid programs for eligible individuals in civil, criminal, and administrative matters.
Municipality of Vari Voula Vouliagmeni. Local authority that issues many administrative acts and can inform you about internal administrative remedies before court.
Act quickly. Note the date you received the judgment or administrative decision and keep the envelope or proof of service, because this often determines your deadline to appeal.
Gather your file. Collect the full decision, the case pleadings, the evidence submitted, service proofs, and any related correspondence. If documents are in a foreign language, plan for certified translations into Greek.
Consult a lawyer who handles appeals in the Athens courts. Ask about your prospects, the precise deadline, the likely costs, the availability of interim measures, and whether legal aid is possible in your situation.
Decide on interim protection. If enforcement has started or is imminent, discuss urgent applications for a stay of execution or other protective measures.
Authorize representation. Sign the required powers of attorney so your lawyer can file within the deadline and appear at hearings. Confirm who will handle filings and service.
Plan your budget. Request a written fee quote, court fee estimates, and translation costs. Ask how costs might be recovered if you win.
Track the case. After filing, your lawyer will receive the hearing date and any orders about evidence or briefs. Stay in contact to review submissions and prepare for the hearing.
Consider settlement. Even after an appeal is filed, settlement or mediation may be possible and can save time and expense if the legal risks are balanced on both sides.
