A defendant who has been found guilty can appeal against their conviction and against their sentence.

Who else can appeal?

The prosecution can appeal against a sentence in certain circumstances.

The prosecution can’t appeal against a not guilty verdict when the trial was heard by a jury.

If the trial was heard by a judge alone, the prosecution may be able to appeal against an acquittal, but only in very limited circumstances.

Victims do not have a right of appeal but can request the DPP to consider an appeal (the normal restrictions about when the prosecution is allowed to appeal still apply).

For more information on appealing a sentence, visit the Victims of Crime SA website.