Criminal High Court cases and appeals in The Gambia

Is the matter a trial, sentence or appeal?

Start with the court, case number, alleged offence and latest order or decision. Explain whether the person is awaiting a hearing, has been convicted or sentenced, or has already begun an appeal. These are different procedural stages with different work to be scoped.

Give the date of the decision and any notice received. Do not rely on a general internet deadline: the route, permissions and time limits must be checked for the particular case.

Which records will the lawyer need?

• The charge or indictment and relevant court papers.
• The judgment, reasons and sentence where available.
• Hearing notes, transcripts or other court records held.
• Bail, custody and reporting documents.
• Earlier advice, applications and appeal documents.

Identify what is missing and where it may be obtained. If someone is enquiring for a detained relative, explain the relationship and provide the information needed to identify the case without publishing sensitive details online.

What does an appeal review consider?

The lawyer needs to distinguish disagreement with the outcome from a potentially arguable ground of challenge. Explain the specific error or concern and connect it to the record. Do not assume an appeal is a complete new trial or that new material can automatically be introduced.

Ask what work is needed to assess prospects, obtain records and prepare any application. Whether custody, bail or another aspect of the decision can be addressed requires a separate assessment.

How should instructions and urgency be handled?

Confirm whether the firm can accept the proposed work in time, which stage the instruction covers and what fees and expenses apply. A family member’s enquiry does not itself confirm representation of the accused or convicted person.

For an arrest or initial police enquiry, use criminal first steps. For hearing preparation, read court representation preparation. If a date is imminent, telephone the office and make the urgency clear.

Official information

The Judiciary’s published constitutional chapter describes the court framework. It is not a substitute for checking the procedure and deadline in an individual case.

Related guidance

• Court representation
• Arrest and criminal enquiries
• When civil and criminal issues overlap