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Prison Law

As a Practice, we are active members of the Association of Prison Lawyers. We are a respected Practice proud to boast the achievement of impressive peer review standards by the Legal Aid Agency and attainment of Lexcel quality standards.

We are able to offer Legal Aid to the vast majority of our Clients. In the event of non-eligibility we also accept instructions in line with private funding arrangements.

Call us today on 0115 986 0983 to discuss your case or complete enquiry form on our contact us page. Alternatively, please email admin@carringtons-solicitors.co.uk

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Our Practice are recognised as the largest provider of Prison Law work in England and Wales.

Our dedicated team of experts represent prison inmates throughout England and Wales in all issues of Prison Law.

We understand the problems that can be faced by those incarcerated, and advise promptly and clearly, attending many clients in person at their holding establishment.

Our Prison Law Services

Independent Adjudications

When prison rules are breached, a prisoner may face an adjudication hearing before an independent adjudicator—usually a District Judge. If found guilty, punishments can follow. Our solicitors can represent you at these hearings to ensure your case is presented fairly.

Parole Reviews for IPP and Lifers

The Parole Board assesses whether those serving IPP or life sentences can be safely released into the community. The outcome can be life-changing. We strongly recommend legal representation, and our solicitors are highly experienced in preparing and presenting cases at Parole Reviews.

Licence Recalls

Prisoners released on licence can be recalled for breaching conditions or other concerns. We act quickly to challenge recalls and secure re-release wherever possible.

Home Detention Curfew (HDC) Appeals

The HDC scheme, often referred to as “tag” or “house arrest”, allows for early release under strict monitoring. Decisions can be complex and sometimes unfair. Our solicitors can prepare and lodge appeals where HDC has been refused.

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.
IPP Licence Terminations
Ten years after first being released on licence, those serving IPP sentences may be considered for licence termination removing the risk of recall. Our team can also make applications for early termination on your behalf.
IPP and Lifer Licence Variations
IPP and life sentence prisoners often face licence conditions that may be restrictive or disproportionate. We assist in making applications to vary or terminate these conditions through the Parole Board.
Pre-Tariff Reviews
Before serving the full tariff, some prisoners may be considered for a move to open conditions. We advise and represent clients through the Pre-Tariff Review process, ensuring progress and risk reduction are properly recognised.
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 Carringtons 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.

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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.

Written by David Parker - Head of Prison Law

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Carringtons Solicitors – The National Prison Law and Criminal Defence Specialists

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