At Reeds, our expert team of Prison Law solicitors and advisors are highly specialised in many areas of Prison Law. Our team are located across England and Wales and as such, can help you wherever you may be.
We understand the fear and frustration that often accompanies these cases and many times, the urgency. Whether you are in custody for the first time or need help with appeals against recall, reviews or disciplinary issues, our team is here to help.
In these circumstances it can be difficult to know where to turn, but our team of Prison Law advisors are available to help you deal with a wide range of prison law matters. We provide honest and clear advice on the legal difficulties that are affecting you or your loved one.
Call us today on 01865 592670 to discuss your case or complete enquiry form on our contact page here. Alternatively, please email prisonlaw@reeds.co.uk.
Our Prison Law Services
We provide services in a variety of areas in Prison Law.
Independent Adjudications
Independent adjudications occur when a prisoner violates their prison rules. The prisoner will go to a hearing (adjudication) and if found guilty, may be charged and punished for the offence. The hearing may be conducted by an independent adjudicator who is usually a District Judge. Our solicitors will be able to represent those facing an independent adjudication.
Parole Review for IPP and Lifers
The Parole Board will conduct a risk assessment for those serving IPP or life sentences to determine whether it would be safe to release them back into the community. The outcome of the Parole Review may determine whether a prisoner can be released or not. Legal representation is recommended for those facing a Parole Review.
Licence Recalls
People out on licence in the community can be recalled to prison for numerous reasons. In most cases recalls happen because the person on licence has broken the specific licence conditions. We can assist on getting a person re-released on licence as quickly as possible.
IPP Licence Terminations
For those serving IPP sentences, once ten years has passed since their first release on licence they will automatically be considered for licence termination. Once a licence is terminated they can no longer be recalled. Our solicitors can apply for an earlier termination.
IPP/Lifer Licence Variations
Although they are similar sentences, IPP and Lifers will have licence variations. Our solicitors can help to appeal to the Parole Board for licence termination.
Pre-Tariff Reviews
The purpose of a pre-tariff review is to determine whether a prisoner is eligible to be moved to open conditions. This is determined by the Parole Board and Secretary of State, and follow a similar structure to a generic Parole Process. A risk assessment will be conducted which examines any progress the prisoner has made.
Home Detention Curfew (HDC) Appeals
HDC is a scheme that allows people to be released from custody early with an electronic tag that is fitted to the body. Approval for HDC can be complex and depends on certain factors. HDC is also known as ‘house arrest’ or having a ‘tag’. Our solicitors can aid with appeals for HDC.
Re-Categorisation
Re-categorisation refers to changing security category within a prison. A person is categorised depending on their risk level. Different categories have different levels of freedom and rules. Our solicitors can help with appealing to change categories.
OASys and Sentence Plans
OASys or the Offender Assessment System measures the risks and needs of each prisoner. Sentence plans are given to each prisoner. They outline a plan that helps a person prepare for release back into the community. The plan may contain specific goals that a prisoner needs to complete. We can help prisoners with OASys and their sentence plans so they can step closer to release.
Sentence Calculations
Knowing and understanding the prison sentence is vital. They can be complicated and it is not uncommon for prisoners to receive sentences that involve different terms of imprisonment. Our team at Reeds will provide help throughout the sentence calculation process.
Advice on What to Expect When Family or a Friend Is in Custody
Having a family member or friend in custody is undeniably upsetting and stressful. Our team will help you to know exactly what to expect and what to do.
Extended Sentences
There are multiple variations of extended sentence that a prisoner may serve. Due to the similarities between them it can be difficult to know which each one means. Our expert team can guide you through the process and ensure that the sentenced person is being treated fairly and knows what to expect.
The list above is not exhaustive. Our specialist team is able to advise on various Prison Law issues, including advice for family and friends when a person is in custody.
Please get in touch in order to discuss your individual issue.
For more information or to get in touch with a member of our team today, call us on 01865 592670 or email prisonlawmb@reeds.co.uk. Alternatively, fill out our enquiry form here.
Costs
Legal Aid is available for a limited number of services and is subject to a calculation on income and savings. These include matters such as recalls, Parole and Adjudications
Other matters that cannot be dealt with by Legal Aid are matters such as HDC, re-categorisations and sentence planning. However, we are still able to assist with such matters on a private paying basis. You should contact us for an individually tailored quote on our fees.
What Reeds Can Do For you
No matter where you or your loved one is in the prison system, we can provide advice and assistance for a whole host of circumstances. Even if it is just to provide advice on your first time in custody, we are able to assist with this on a private fee basis.
Contact Us
To find out more about our staff or services, call us today on 01865 592670 or email prisonlawmb@reeds.co.uk to discuss your case. Or complete enquiry form on our contact page here
