Any advice, guidance or help WANTED

[PartnerOfWronglyAccused]

Hello everybody forst let me say thankyou for taking the time to read this. 18days ago my partner was sentenced to 12years after his ex partner accused him of historical rape. He was found guilty on 3 counts of rape and one sexual touching and not guilty on three firther counts of rape.

What i want to know is how to appea this. What actions do we need to take. We have never had any dealings of this nature and are bother extremely scared and not had any advice from his current solicitors. Rumour is that you only have 21days to appeal? As you can imagine our heads are all over the place at the minute but time is of the essence and we just want this appealed.

Kind regards
PartnerOfWronglyAccused

[Peter1975]

Hi. I'm so sorry to hear about what has happened.

Rights Fighter is our resident expert on everything and will likely email you, but I think she is out at the moment. I think she has posted something in the useful information section;

http://www.daftmoo.org.uk/mooforum/f...ul-Information

I'm afraid that I must warn you appeals can be very difficult and frustrating. Your trial solicitor or barrister must give you advice on grounds for appealing both the sentence (as unduly harsh) and the conviction which can be done separately if necessary.

I believe the limit is 28 days but many appeals are lodged out of time, there just has to be a good reason. I think I am right saying it is better to appeal the sentence "in time" and get the appeal for conviction right before you send it in. - but don't listen to me, I am a novice.

Hang in there. Someone will get back to you.

[Rights Fighter]

Every appeal I have been involved with has been lodged "out of time" many months or years out of time so don't panic.

First think you need is the written Advice on Appeal against conviction and also sentence.

I am still looking for a reliable legal aid solicitor to take cases on like this. So far every one I have tried has been a complete let-down. I do appeals myself pro bono but have two on the go and one on the way so cannot take on any more.

Have a look at www.pacso.co.uk for some ideas