A criminal conviction or unfair sentence can have devastating consequences
for your future. If you believe a mistake was made in your trial, sentencing, or legal
representation, you have the right to appeal. At Sanctuary Lawyers, we specialize in
criminal conviction appeals and sentence appeals, helping clients across Toronto,
Aurora, and Southern Ontario challenge unjust outcomes and fight for second chances.
Our experienced appellate lawyers appear regularly before the Ontario Court of Appeal
and have a proven record of success in contested hearings. Appeals require a different
set of legal skills than trials — our team brings meticulous case analysis, strategic
thinking, and a deep understanding of appellate law to every case we handle.
Strict time limits apply to appeals. If you or a loved one has been convicted,
contact Sanctuary Lawyers immediately to preserve your right to appeal.
An appeal is a legal application to have a higher court review the decision of a lower court. It is not a retrial. Instead, the appellate court examines whether errors of law, procedural mistakes, or miscarriages of justice occurred during the initial proceedings. Appeals protect against wrongful convictions, unfair sentencing, and improper trial conduct.
Common grounds for a criminal appeal include:
If any of these issues apply to your case, Sanctuary Lawyers can assess whether you have strong grounds to file an appeal.
If you have been wrongfully convicted, we can challenge errors in the trial process, evidence assessment, or judicial rulings, aiming for a reversal, retrial, or acquittal.
If the sentence imposed is overly harsh or legally flawed, we can appeal to seek a reduction or modification.
If you have been sentenced to custody, we prioritize securing “bail pending appeal,” allowing you to remain in the community under strict conditions while your appeal is heard. Approval depends on meeting strict legal requirements, including showing that your appeal is not frivolous, that you will voluntarily surrender, and that your release is not against the public interest.
For complex and high-stakes cases, our team has experience pursuing appeals at the Ontario Court of Appeal and seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Note: Appeals from summary conviction offences are first heard at the Superior Court of Justice, not the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Appeals are a specialized area of law requiring deep knowledge of procedure, evidence review, and judicial reasoning. Our lawyers are seasoned in appellate advocacy and appear regularly before the Ontario Court of Appeal.
We meticulously analyze trial transcripts, legal rulings, and evidence to uncover errors that could form the basis of a successful appeal.
You will have direct access to your lawyer, receive bi-weekly updates, and benefit from our 24-hour urgent response policy. We treat every appeal with the urgency and attention it deserves.
We have secured appeal successes in cases involving wrongful convictions, excessive sentencing, and fundamental miscarriages of justice.
We offer a no-cost case review to determine if viable grounds for appeal exist. We also explain timelines and next steps in clear, understandable terms.
We quickly prepare and file the necessary documents to preserve your right to appeal, ensuring compliance with the strict 30-day deadline. Extensions may be possible if you provide a reasonable explanation and show that the appeal has merit, but they are not guaranteed.
We perform a detailed review of all trial materials, identify grounds for appeal, and prepare a compelling written argument (factum) for the appellate court.
Our experienced lawyers present persuasive oral arguments in court, seeking a conviction reversal, a new trial, a reduced sentence, or appropriate relief.
If your appeal succeeds, we guide you through any necessary next steps, whether that involves preparing for a retrial or negotiating sentence modifications.
Sanctuary Lawyers offers flexible and transparent fee options:
A single fee covering all appeal services, ensuring cost predictability.
Available for clients facing financial hardship.
Tailored legal assistance for particular appeal stages or bail pending appeal applications.
Toronto
Mississauga
Hamilton
London
Niagara Falls
Kitchener
Brampton
Burlington
Windsor
Waterloo
St. Catharines
Oakville
Cambridge
Guelph
Richmond Hill
Oshawa
Barrie
Newmarket
North York
Cobourg
Markham
Orillia
Vaughan
Pickering
Ajax
Orangeville
Brantford
Belleville
Facing criminal charges can be a stressful and confusing experience. At Sanctuary Lawyers, we strive to provide clear and straightforward answers to the questions our clients most frequently ask. Below, we’ve compiled a list of common concerns to help guide you through the legal process.
If you or someone you know has been wrongfully convicted or unfairly sentenced, time is critical. Contact Sanctuary Lawyers immediately to schedule a free consultation and begin building a powerful appeal.
At Sanctuary Lawyers, we don't just defend cases — we fight for second chances.