(a) General rule.--Final judgments of courts-martial empowered to impose a sentence of confinement for one year or more are appealable to the Superior Court, after approval by the convening authority, in the same manner and subject to the same process as a criminal conviction by the courts of common pleas. The appellate procedures to be followed shall be those provided by law for the appeal of criminal cases.

(b) Waiver of review.--The accused may file with the convening authority a statement expressly withdrawing the right of the accused to have his case reviewed by the Superior Court. Such a withdrawal shall be signed by both the accused and his defense counsel and must be filed in accordance with appellate procedures as provided by law. The accused may withdraw his case from review by the Superior Court at any time in accordance with appellate procedures as provided by law.