Appeals & Supreme Court Litigation
Representation in criminal appeals, Supreme Court proceedings and post-conviction remedies throughout Greece.
Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates Law Office represents individuals and businesses in criminal appeals, Supreme Court proceedings and post-conviction litigation before the Greek courts.
A criminal conviction does not necessarily mark the end of a case. Errors of law, procedural violations, evidentiary issues and infringements of fundamental rights may provide grounds for appeal or further judicial review.
Our Firm assists clients in challenging convictions, sentences and procedural decisions through carefully structured appellate strategies and higher court litigation.
Key Areas of Practice
1. Criminal Appeals
Appeals provide an opportunity to challenge first-instance judgments before the competent appellate courts.
A successful appeal may result in acquittal, reduction of sentence or modification of the original decision.
We assist with:
- appeals against criminal convictions;
- appellate hearings;
- review of trial records;
- appellate strategy;
- preparation of legal submissions.
2. Supreme Court (Areios Pagos) Litigation
The Hellenic Supreme Court (Areios Pagos) examines specific legal errors affecting criminal judgments.
Supreme Court proceedings often require highly specialized legal analysis and detailed examination of procedural and substantive legal issues.
We assist with:
- applications for cassation (annulment);
- Supreme Court hearings;
- legal error analysis;
- procedural violations;
- appellate advocacy before the Areios Pagos;
- post-remand litigation.
3. Procedural Violations & Nullities
Criminal proceedings must comply with procedural safeguards established by Greek law, constitutional principles and international human rights standards.
Procedural violations may affect the validity of proceedings and judgments.
We assist with:
- procedural irregularities identification;
- violations of defense rights;
- improper service of process;
- unlawful evidence issues;
- nullity arguments;
- fair trial challenges.
4. European Court of Human Rights Applications
Fundamental rights considerations frequently arise in criminal proceedings.
Domestic courts must interpret and apply criminal law consistently with constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations, especially the European Convention on Human Rights.
We assist with:
- ECHR applications;
- fair trial violations;
- Article 6 ECHR arguments;
- right to defense issues;
- in absentia proceedings;
- proportionality challenges;
- constitutional and human rights arguments.
5. In Absentia Convictions
Convictions rendered in the absence of the accused often raise important procedural and human rights concerns.
The legality of service, notification and effective participation may become central issues.
We assist with:
- review of in absentia convictions;
- notification defects;
- service-related challenges;
- reopening strategies;
- appellate remedies.
6. Extraordinary Remedies & Post-Conviction Litigation
Certain circumstances may justify the use of extraordinary legal remedies following the conclusion of ordinary proceedings.
We assist with:
- post-conviction strategies;
- extraordinary remedies;
- reopening considerations;
- new evidence assessments;
- strategic review of concluded cases.
Why Choose Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates
Appellate litigation requires a different skill set from trial advocacy.
Successful appeals often depend upon:
- detailed legal analysis;
- mastery of criminal procedure;
- identification of procedural defects;
- strategic issue selection;
- persuasive legal drafting;
- advanced appellate advocacy.
The Firm combines courtroom experience with strong academic expertise in criminal law, criminal procedure and human rights law.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, criminal convictions may be challenged before the competent appellate court, subject to the applicable procedural requirements.
An appeal generally permits review of facts and law, whereas Supreme Court proceedings focus primarily on legal and procedural errors affecting the judgment.
The Areios Pagos is the Hellenic Supreme Court and the highest court for criminal and civil matters in Greece.
Depending on the nature and seriousness of the violation, procedural defects may provide grounds for appellate review or annulment.
In certain circumstances, appellate courts may review and modify sentencing decisions.
Nullities arise where serious procedural violations affect the legality or fairness of criminal proceedings.
Depending on the circumstances, legal remedies may be available where an individual was convicted without effective notice or participation.
Appeal deadlines are often strict. Immediate legal assessment is generally recommended following any conviction or adverse judgment.
No. We represent clients throughout the entire appellate process, including appeals, cassation proceedings and post-conviction litigation.
Yes. We regularly assist foreign nationals seeking to challenge criminal convictions and judgments in Greece.
Challenging a Criminal Conviction or Judgment?
Whether you seek to appeal a conviction, challenge procedural violations or pursue Supreme Court review, early legal assessment is essential. Contact Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates Law Office for confidential advice regarding criminal appeals, Supreme Court litigation and post-conviction remedies.