Criminal cassation
Criminal cassation deadline calculator
After appellate review of a case from Lviv or its region, first establish when the decision was pronounced and whether the convicted person is in custody. That determines when the three-month period begins. The tool gives a calendar guide after you check that the type of decision may be challenged in cassation.

Preliminary criminal cassation calendar
Three calendar months under Article 426 of Ukraine's Criminal Procedure Code; the date itself does not establish a right to cassation.
Use the date in the appellate decision or proof that the copy was served on the convicted person in custody.
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Preliminary result
Not every appellate decision can be challenged in cassation. Check the type of decision, who may apply and the scope of Articles 424–425 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
What the three-month calculation covers
Article 426 of Ukraine's Criminal Procedure Code allows three months to file a cassation complaint from pronouncement of the appellate decision. For a convicted person in custody, the same period runs from service of a copy on that person.
The calendar does not assess grounds for cassation review. In a Lviv region case, key evidence may be held both by the appellate court and the institution holding the convicted person: the special branch requires proof that the copy was served on that person. Counsel should check those records before filing with the Supreme Court.
Calculation methodology
How the deadline is determined
The user confirms that the challenged decision has been checked against Article 424 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Use the pronouncement date or, only for a convicted person in custody, the date on which the copy was served.
The period starts on the calendar day after the selected event.
Add three calendar months to the event date; if that day does not exist, use the month's last day.
A Saturday or Sunday at the end of the period is moved to Monday. Other nonworking days are not encoded.
The result is compared with today's date in the Europe/Kyiv time zone.
Example
Example for a Lviv case
After appellate review of a Lviv case, the convicted person in custody was served a copy of the decision on 20 August 2026. Counsel has proof of service.
- Starting event: service of a copy on the convicted person in custody
- Event date: 20.08.2026
- Period: three calendar months
The first day of the period is 21 August; the preliminary last day for cassation is 20 November 2026.
If the proof of service does not support that date or the decision cannot be challenged in cassation, the calculation does not establish a filing right; check the case record.
What to check in the case record
- The first-instance decision and the full appellate decision.
- The appellate decision's pronouncement date and, if needed, the hearing log or recording.
- A receipt or other proof of service of the copy if the convicted person is in custody.
- A document confirming procedural status and the authority of counsel or a representative.
- The cassation complaint, arguments about the application of law, copies and attachments under Article 427 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
- Proof that the complaint was sent or handed to an authorised person on time.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the period for criminal cassation?
The general rule is three calendar months from pronouncement of the appellate decision. For a convicted person in custody, the three months run from service of a copy of that decision.
When does the period begin after service of a copy?
Only in the situation covered by Article 426 of the Criminal Procedure Code: a convicted person held in custody. Another participant receiving a copy later does not itself shift the starting date.
What if the last day falls on a weekend?
As a general rule under the Criminal Procedure Code, a final nonworking day moves to the next working day. The tool handles Saturday and Sunday automatically; check other nonworking days separately.
Can a cassation complaint be filed after the deadline?
The court decides restoration of time on an application supported by evidence of valid reasons. Martial law alone does not automatically restore the deadline.
Will the Supreme Court necessarily consider the merits of the complaint?
No. Check whether the decision is appealable, the applicant's standing, the complaint requirements and procedural grounds. A calendar date does not guarantee that cassation proceedings will be opened.
Which date matters after a hearing in the Lviv Court of Appeal?
Generally, use the appellate decision's pronouncement date. If the convicted person is in custody, obtain proof that the copy was served on that person; the date counsel saw it does not replace this event.
Resources for your situation
Calculations and checks
Guidance and instructions
Official sources
- Criminal Procedure Code of UkraineArticles 115–117 and 424–427 govern calculation, admissibility, timing and filing of cassation; Article 615 contains narrowly applicable special rules.
- Official court information on criminal cassationConfirms the three-month period and the separate starting date when a copy is served on a convicted person in custody.
- Prepared
- The site editorial team prepared the method from Articles 115–117 and 424–427 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
- Important
- The date is only a preliminary guide. Check whether cassation is permitted, the starting event, filing method and any restoration of time against the case record.
Current as of . The calculation is preliminary and depends on the documents and circumstances.
Free initial consultation
Need to review cassation after a Lviv appeal?
Contact us to compare the decision in a Lviv or regional case with proof of pronouncement or service on the convicted person, identify cassation grounds and prepare a complaint to the Supreme Court.
- the calculator result can serve as a reference for a conversation
- documents, deadlines, or contract terms may change the conclusion
- briefly describe the circumstances in the form if needed