Criminal Procedure Law: Article 216 The defendant, private prosecutor and their legal representatives have the right to appeal to the people's court at the next higher level in written or oral form if they refuse to accept the judgment or ruling of first instance of the local people's courts at all levels. Defenders and close relatives of the defendant may appeal with the consent of the defendant.

The parties to an incidental civil action and their legal representatives may appeal to the part of the incidental civil action in the judgment or ruling of first instance of the local people's courts at all levels.

The defendant shall not be deprived of the right to appeal under any pretext.