Sentence Reviews and Reductions: Can a Sentence Be Changed?
Last reviewed: June 2026. Release rules change — check GOV.UK for the current position.
In short: a sentence can change in several ways. You can appeal against a sentence you believe is too long to the Court of Appeal (usually within 28 days). An early guilty plea reduces a sentence by up to a third. The prosecution can also ask for an unduly lenient sentence to be increased under a special scheme. And if there may have been a miscarriage of justice, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) can refer a case back to the courts. Strict time limits apply, so get legal advice quickly.
The main routes to change a sentence
| Route | What it does |
|---|---|
| Appeal against sentence | Ask the Court of Appeal to reduce a sentence that is wrong in law or manifestly excessive (tight time limit, usually 28 days). |
| Appeal against conviction | Challenge the conviction itself (e.g. on new evidence or a legal error). |
| Guilty-plea reduction | Up to one-third off for an early plea, reducing the later it’s entered. |
| Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme | The Attorney General can refer certain too-low sentences to be increased. |
| Criminal Cases Review Commission | Independent body that can refer possible miscarriages of justice back to the courts. |
| Assistance to the prosecution | A reduction for genuinely helping the authorities. |
Appealing a sentence
If a sentence is wrong in law or clearly too harsh, you can seek permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal. There’s a strict time limit (normally 28 days from sentence), so speak to a solicitor or barrister immediately. On an appeal brought by the offender, the Court can reduce a sentence but will not increase it.
When a sentence can go up
Through the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme, the Attorney General can ask the Court of Appeal to increase a sentence for certain serious offences if it’s considered far too low. Anyone can ask the Attorney General to consider a case, usually within 28 days of sentencing.
Miscarriages of justice
Where someone believes they were wrongly convicted and has exhausted the normal appeal routes, the CCRC can review the case and, if there’s a real possibility the conviction or sentence is unsafe, refer it back to the Court of Appeal. This is the route that cleared people like Andrew Malkinson.
Common misunderstandings
- Thinking you can appeal at any time — there are strict deadlines (usually 28 days).
- Believing an appeal can only help — the ULS scheme lets the prosecution seek an increase.
- Confusing an appeal with parole — appeals challenge the sentence; parole decides release.
- Going it alone — appeals are technical; get legal advice fast.
Frequently asked questions
Can a prison sentence be reduced?
Yes — through appeal, guilty-plea credit, or (for miscarriages) a CCRC referral.
How long do I have to appeal?
Usually 28 days from sentence — act quickly and get legal advice.
Can a sentence be increased?
Yes — certain too-low sentences can be referred for increase under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Related guides and official sources
See how sentencing works, prison & defence lawyers and parole. Official: GOV.UK appeals and the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
