Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC).

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Here is a clear, formal draft you can use or adapt when writing to the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC).

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[Postcode]

[Email Address]

[Telephone Number]

Date: [Insert Date]

To:

The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission

5th Floor

91 Mitchell Street

Glasgow

G1 3LN

Request for Assistance – Application for Review of Criminal Conviction (Belated Appeal)

Dear Commissioners,

I write respectfully to seek the assistance of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission in reviewing my criminal conviction(s), with a view to a possible reference to the High Court of Justiciary to permit a belated appeal.

I understand that the Commission considers cases where there may have been a miscarriage of justice, or where it is otherwise in the interests of justice and the public interest for a conviction or sentence to be reconsidered.

My conviction relates to:

  • Court: [Name of Court]
  • Date of conviction: [Date]
  • Offence(s): [Offence details]
  • Case reference number (if known): [Reference]

I did not previously pursue, or was unable to pursue, an appeal within the statutory time limits. I now believe that exceptional circumstances exist which justify consideration of a belated appeal. These circumstances include:

  • [Briefly explain reasons — e.g. ineffective legal representation, new evidence, lack of disclosure, vulnerability, mental health issues, misunderstanding of appeal rights, procedural irregularities, or other relevant matters.]

I respectfully submit that these matters raise serious concerns as to the safety of the conviction and/or fairness of the proceedings. Even where the threshold of a clear miscarriage of justice may require detailed investigation, I believe the case engages wider considerations of fairness, proportionality, and public confidence in the administration of justice.

I therefore request that the Commission exercise its statutory powers to:

  1. Review my conviction and/or sentence; and
  2. Consider referring the case to the High Court to allow a belated appeal where appropriate.

I am willing to provide any further documentation, authority forms, or information required to assist your assessment. Please advise me of the next steps in submitting a formal application if necessary.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this request.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]

If you want, I can also help you with:

  • ✅ A stronger legal wording version (more persuasive tone)
  • ✅ A personal-impact version explaining hardship or injustice
  • ✅ A structured SCCRC application statement (what they actually look for)
  • ✅ Guidance on what counts as “exceptional circumstances” in Scotland

Just tell me.