Custody and parole support. England and Wales.
Legal Aid for Prison Law and Parole
If you or a loved one needs help with prison law issues or parole, you may need clear advice quickly. Legal Aid may apply depending on the issue and circumstances. A solicitor can explain what support is available and what steps to take.
No guarantees. Legal Aid may apply depending on circumstances.
If this is urgent
If there has been a recall, a parole deadline, or an urgent prison decision, you should get advice as soon as possible. Time limits and evidence requirements can matter.
This topic aligns closely with our service page on prison law and parole.
Issues prison law and parole can involve
Prison law issues can be confusing and stressful, particularly for families. The right steps depend on the type of sentence, the stage of custody, and the decision being challenged or prepared for.
- Parole preparation and hearings
- Recall to prison and review steps
- Licence conditions and alleged breaches
- Release planning and risk management
- Categorisation and prison decisions (where relevant)
- Support for families seeking clarity on the process
If the issue relates to an outcome from court, you may also want to read Legal Aid for appeals.
How Legal Aid can apply
Legal Aid may apply depending on the issue and your circumstances. A solicitor will assess eligibility and explain what support may be available. If Legal Aid is not available, they will explain private options so you can decide what is sensible.
Parole preparation
Preparing for parole often involves documents, reports, and a clear plan. A solicitor can advise on what evidence matters and what the process may look like.
Recall and licence issues
Recall can be urgent. A solicitor can advise on what the recall is based on, what steps may be available, and what evidence could help in a review.
Connected criminal case support
Some situations overlap with the original criminal case. If you need help with ongoing legal steps, see appeals and ongoing case support.
What to do now
- 1) Identify the issue: parole, recall, licence conditions, or a prison decision.
- 2) Gather documents: recall paperwork, licence conditions, parole correspondence, and any key dates.
- 3) Contact us for an eligibility check and clear next steps.
If the issue relates to sentence planning or the period after sentencing, you may also want to read Legal Aid for sentencing.
FAQs
Can I get Legal Aid for prison law or parole matters?
Legal Aid may apply depending on the issue, your circumstances, and the stage of the matter. A solicitor will assess eligibility and explain what funding options may be available.
What issues can prison law cover?
Prison law can cover matters like release planning, licence and recall issues, parole preparation, categorisation, and certain prison decisions. A solicitor can explain whether your issue is one they can assist with.
Can you help with parole hearings?
A solicitor may be able to help with parole preparation and representation where appropriate. The right support depends on your situation and the type of hearing or review.
What if someone has been recalled to prison?
Recall can be urgent. A solicitor can advise on what the recall is based on, what steps may be available, and what evidence might help for a review or hearing.
Do you guarantee Legal Aid or outcomes?
No. Legal Aid depends on your circumstances and the nature of the issue. Outcomes depend on the facts, evidence, and the decision-maker involved.