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Scotland
Can I appeal against a sentence or if the defendant is declared not guilty?
What rights do I have after the court sentence enters into force?
Can I appeal against a sentence or if the defendant is declared not guilty?
It is not possible for you to appeal against any decisions of the courts but the prosecution has a limited right of appeal against sentence, if it is “unduly lenient”. Because of this, such appeals are rare. The prosecution cannot appeal against a “not guilty” or a “not proven” verdict.
Is further appeal possible?
It is not possible for you to appeal against any decisions of the courts.
What rights do I have after the court sentence enters into force?
If the offender has been sentenced to 18 months or more in prison, you can choose whether or not to register with the Victim Notification Scheme. This Scheme gives certain victims the right to be told about the release of an offender from prison. It also gives some victims the right to make comments before the possible release on licence of an offender.
Your participation in the scheme is completely voluntary and you can opt out at any time if you change your mind. For more information about the Victim Notification Scheme please visit the Scottish Prison Service website.
More information:
Last update:
17/05/2019
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