Criminal Appeal Lawyer in Egypt

In Egypt, strict deadlines govern criminal appeals. Misdemeanor verdicts typically require an appeal to be filed within 10 days from the judgment date. Felony verdicts and petitions for cassation before the Supreme Court of Cassation also have their own specific, brief time limits for submission. It is crucial to adhere strictly to these timelines, as failing to meet the deadline will generally result in the forfeiture of your right to appeal. For this reason, it is always recommended to seek legal counsel without delay once a verdict has been rendered.

Yes, foreign defendants in Egypt are afforded the same legal rights and opportunities to appeal a conviction as Egyptian nationals. The Egyptian legal system provides avenues for all individuals, regardless of nationality, to challenge a court's decision. Our firm regularly assists foreign clients, coordinating closely with their respective embassies or consulates. We also engage certified translators and work with consular staff to ensure effective communication and support throughout the entire appeal process, upholding their rights comprehensively.

Filing an appeal against a criminal conviction in Egypt generally impacts the execution of the sentence. For misdemeanor sentences, the act of filing an appeal usually results in an automatic suspension of the sentence's execution until the appeal is decided. However, for felony convictions, the process differs. In these more serious cases, a separate and specific request for suspension of execution must be formally filed before the Court of Cassation. This request is then considered independently to determine if the sentence should be paused while the appeal proceeds.

If the initial appeal deadline has already passed, it does not necessarily mean all legal avenues are exhausted. While a direct appeal might no longer be possible, other options may still exist depending on the specifics of the case. We can thoroughly assess the possibility of filing a cassation petition with the highest court, which focuses on legal points rather than factual review. Additionally, we evaluate potential petitions for a retrial based on new evidence or explore other constitutional remedies that might be applicable to challenge the conviction. Many cases, even after the standard appeal window closes, may still have viable legal recourses.

Our firm maintains a transparent approach to calculating appeal fees. Prior to commencing any work, we ensure that fees are clearly agreed upon in writing with the client. These fees are typically structured as either a fixed fee for the entire appeal process or as staged fees linked to specific milestones. These milestones commonly include the initial filing of the appeal, preparation and submission of the defense memorandum, representation during court hearings, and reaching the final judgment. Our aim is to provide clarity and predictability regarding legal costs.