skip to content

Refine results


Search by

Search by Algolia
Law Handbook banner image

Appeals against sentence

A person found guilty following a trial can also appeal against the sentence imposed by the Judge in that case.

The appellant must convince the Court that the Judge made a mistake in law when imposing sentence (for example, ignored a factor which would point to a lesser sentence) or that the sentence imposed was so obviously outside the usual range of penalties imposed for the type of offence as to be manifestly inadequate or manifestly excessive.

The Court may allow an appeal, quash the sentence passed, and substitute what sentence it thinks ought to have been passed or order re-sentencing. However, on an appeal against sentence by the convicted person, the Court must not increase the severity of the sentence, except to extend the non-parole period where the Court otherwise decreases the sentence [see Criminal Procedure Act 1921 (SA) s 158(8)].

When a convicted person obtains permission to appeal against sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions may then also appeal against the sentence, without the need to obtain the permission [see s 157(2)].

Appeals against sentence  :  Last Revised: Fri Mar 2nd 2018
The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.