What happens after a court hearing?

10th January 2025
Glen Henry headshot

Glen Henry

Solicitor Advocate

Attending a court hearing can be an incredibly stressful experience, and once it’s over, you will probably be left wondering what happens next. The following steps vary depending on whether you were involved in a criminal or civil case, but understanding the process can make a big difference in navigating what might be asked of you next. From understanding the court’s decision to knowing what the options are if you wish to appeal, we break down the typical steps and how you can get the support you need.

What does a verdict or judgement mean?

A verdict in a criminal case is the official decision about the defendant’s guilt or innocence. If found not guilty, the defendant is acquitted, and the case is concluded with no further action required. A guilty verdict, however, leads to sentencing, where the court determines the appropriate penalty.

Following a negative verdict or a judgement, you will then need to prepare for sentencing, consider an appeal, or take steps to comply with the court’s decision.

What happens if sentencing is required?

If you’re found guilty in a criminal case, sentencing will follow the verdict. Sentencing can happen immediately or may be scheduled for a future date, allowing time for further preparation and any assessments. Before the sentencing decision is made, the courts will consider many factors such as the seriousness of the offence, any prior convictions, and potential mitigating circumstances like remorse or personal hardships.

Sentences range widely, from imprisonment and fines to probation, community service, or suspended sentences. If you find yourself in this position, preparing for sentencing is the most important thing you can now do, as your solicitor can present information on your behalf, helping the court consider any mitigating factors that could impact the severity of your sentence.

What are the options if you disagree with the outcome?

If you disagree with the court’s decision—whether it’s the verdict in a criminal case there may be options to challenge it. This often involves appealing to a higher court to review the decision, though appeals must be based on specific legal grounds. 

Appealing a verdict

In criminal cases, if you disagree with the verdict, you may be able to file an appeal. Appealing a verdict involves asking a higher court to review the decision made in your case. To lodge an appeal, depending on the type of court where you were convicted you may need to demonstrate that errors or violations of procedure occurred during your trial, or that the law was applied incorrectly whereby the conviction is unsafe. For instance, if the case was in the Crown Court and if there were legal issues with evidence presented in the case, or if the judge failed to correctly instruct the jury on relevant legal principles, you may have a basis for an appeal. The appeal court will then review the case to determine if it feels the conviction may be unsafe, which could result in overturning the verdict or sending the case back for a new trial. 

If you choose to appeal your verdict in the Crown Court, it’s important to understand that this is not simply a second trial; it’s a focused review on specific grounds, which makes having a qualified solicitor, like Lawtons, essential to assess the potential grounds for appeal. If it is an appeal from the Magistrates Court’s verdict, the law is different

Appealing a sentence

If you feel that the sentence imposed was unduly harsh or failed to consider important mitigating factors, you may have the option to appeal the sentence itself. Unlike a verdict appeal, appealing a sentence doesn’t challenge the verdict of guilt but instead seeks to alter the punishment. During the appeal, the higher court will evaluate whether the initial court exercised appropriate discretion when determining the sentence. If you are successful, the court may decide to reduce or modify the sentence accordingly. However, there is also a risk that the sentence could be upheld. Appealing a decision is also time-sensitive, so it’s vital to act quickly! There can also be certain adverse consequences of proceeding with an Appeal where there is considered to be no merit so expert legal advice is important.

How can you comply with post-hearing obligations?

After a court hearing, you might have different responsibilities to follow based on the type of case. In criminal cases, this could mean attending a sentencing hearing, paying fines, or following specific court orders. Staying organised is extremely important to guarantee you meet these requirements on time, as missing any could lead to more legal issues. If you’re unsure about your obligations, however, Lawtons can guide you through the steps and help you avoid any further complications.

How can a solicitor help you after a court hearing?

Having a solicitor’s guidance after a court hearing or complying with court orders to prevent further legal complications. Whatever stage you are at, we work to make the process as clear and manageable as possible, giving you peace of mind during a challenging time can be invaluable. At Lawtons, we’re here to guide you through the next steps, whether you’re dealing with a verdict, judgement, or sentencing. Our team provides expert advice on understanding your case’s outcome, explaining your rights, and clarifying post-hearing obligations. If you’re considering an appeal, we help assess your options and the likelihood of success, ensuring you’re fully informed.

For criminal cases, we support you through sentencing, aiming to secure a fair and balanced outcome. 

If you need support after a court hearing, Lawtons are here to help. Our experienced team offers clear guidance on your next steps, from sentencing to compliance and appeals. Contact us today to discuss how we can support you through this process and protect your rights.

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