When to Apply to the CCRC: A Clear Guide for Post-Conviction Reviews

If you or a loved one has already been through the appeal courts and still believes a conviction or sentence is wrong, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) may be the final route to justice. But knowing when to apply — and when not to — is one of the biggest challenges people face. This guide explains the signs that a CCRC application is appropriate, how the process works and what to expect before taking this important step.

Unlike ordinary appeals, CCRC applications deal with cases where something fundamental has gone wrong: new evidence, legal mistakes, unfair trials or processes that simply did not deliver justice. These are complex, long-term matters, but for the right case, the CCRC can make a life-changing difference.

What the CCRC Actually Does

The CCRC is an independent body with the power to review convictions and sentences where there is a real possibility that the Court of Appeal would overturn the outcome. It acts as a safeguard against miscarriages of justice — especially when normal appeal routes have been exhausted.

The CCRC looks at fresh evidence, new information, flawed expert testimony, procedural errors and anything else that may show the conviction or sentence is unsafe.

When You Should Consider Applying to the CCRC

Not every disappointing result is suitable for the CCRC, but there are clear indicators that an application may be appropriate. You should consider applying if:

1. New Evidence Has Come to Light

This can be evidence that was not available at trial or appeal, or evidence that was wrongly dismissed or misunderstood. Examples include new forensic analysis, previously undisclosed material or witness statements that change the picture of the case.

2. Something Went Seriously Wrong With the Trial

This may involve procedural unfairness, flawed directions from the judge, failures in disclosure or issues with how the jury was directed. These errors often only become clear after the case is examined in detail.

3. Your Appeal Has Already Been Refused

The CCRC is designed for cases where all ordinary routes have been tried. If your appeal was refused by a single judge, rejected at renewal or dismissed by the Court of Appeal, the CCRC may be the only remaining route.

4. An Expert Opinion Was Wrong or Misleading

Many CCRC referrals involve cases where scientific, medical or technical evidence used at trial was later proven unreliable. Fresh expert reports can form the basis of a strong application.

5. You Have Evidence of a Miscarriage of Justice

Sometimes, something simply feels fundamentally wrong: the wrong person convicted, a sentence that makes no sense or a trial that lacked fairness. The CCRC can investigate these complex issues in a way ordinary appeals cannot.

When the CCRC Is Not the Right Option

The CCRC is not a “second appeal” and does not revisit a case just because a person disagrees with the verdict. They require something different — something new — that changes the legal landscape.

If the case does not involve fresh evidence, legal error or new information, the CCRC is unlikely to refer it.

How Long Does a CCRC Application Take?

The CCRC process is known for being thorough and can therefore be lengthy. Many cases take months; complex cases can take years. This is why the timing of an application — and getting it right the first time — is so important.

Do You Need a Solicitor?

While you can apply to the CCRC yourself, having a solicitor experienced in post-conviction work can make a significant difference. They can identify arguments you may not have considered, obtain expert reports, analyse transcripts and prepare the strongest possible application.

Real Examples of When the CCRC Helps

Many successful CCRC referrals involve situations where something serious was missed in earlier appeals. Examples include previously unseen CCTV evidence, incorrect forensic interpretations, new witness admissions or failures by police or prosecution to disclose crucial material.

These cases show that the CCRC is not just a final option — it can be a powerful route to justice when used at the right moment.

Conclusion

Knowing when to apply to the CCRC is essential. Apply too early and your case may be rejected before key evidence is ready. Apply too late and opportunities may be lost. When there is new evidence, clear legal error or compelling signs of injustice, the CCRC can be the best — and sometimes only — route to overturn a conviction or reduce a sentence.

If you’re unsure whether your situation meets the threshold, getting professional guidance early helps you understand the strengths of your case and what steps to take next.