With Kind Permission From Billy Bragg
Combined years of post-qualified legal experience in Criminal Law
We Offer
Parole Reviews
A parole review determines whether a prisoner can be safely released back into the community.
The Parole Board will examine reports from prison staff, psychologists, probation officers, and other professionals to judge risk.
Release will be granted if the Parole Board agrees that the risk to the public can be safely managed outside of prison.
If you have an upcoming Parole Review, our team can provide you with Parole Board representation. Get in touch on 01274 561666.
Oral Parole Review Hearings
Many parole reviews are now decided at an oral hearing. This is a formal meeting in which the prisoner, their legal representative, and a Parole Board panel discuss the case, examining progress, behaviour, and risks.
Our parole review solicitors can support you by helping you to understand what to expect and gathering the evidence needed to support your case.
Our team will also speak with the relevant professionals involved in your case and stand with you on the day.
We will ensure the panel has fair and accurate information and that your case is presented in the most effective way possible.
Evidence Required for Parole Reviews
A strong parole case will usually include:
- Reports from prison staff and probation officers
- Psychological assessments (where relevant)
- Details of completed courses
- Behavioural records
- A clear release plan, including accommodation and support available
Our team of parole solicitors can help in preparing the best possible evidence for your case.
We gather all the documents the Parole Board will need to consider your case. We will review your sentence plan and progression, and identify anything that could affect the outcome.
We will request reports from prison staff, probation officers, and psychologists where needed, so you don’t have to.
And we’ll talk to you to understand progress from your perspective, address any concerns you may have, and help you prepare for any questions that might come up during the review.
At a hearing, our parole solicitors will present all of the gathered evidence, question witnesses (where needed), and make sure your case is put forward clearly and effectively to achieve the best possible outcome.
Legal Aid is available for many parole reviews, but we can discuss your individual circumstances with you beforehand.
Lifer and IPP Parole Reviews
People serving life sentences and IPP sentences follow a different parole process to other prisoners.
Instead of being released automatically at an agreed point, the Parole Board must decide whether it is safe and appropriate to move them to open conditions or release them.
We support lifers and IPP prisoners through every stage of the process, including pre-tariff reviews, tariff-expiry reviews, and later parole applications.
Our role is to ensure all reports are gathered, the case is presented clearly, and any issues affecting your case’s progress are addressed promptly.
Pre-tariff Reviews
A pre-tariff review happens before a lifer has reached their tariff (the minimum time they must spend in custody).
The review usually happens around three years before the tariff expires. The Parole Board looks at the lifer’s progress, behaviour, and risk, and then decides whether the person is suitable for moving to open conditions.
Legal aid is no longer available for these cases, but we can support you on a private fee basis.
We will gather all required evidence, request the necessary reports, prepare written representations, and ensure the Parole Board has a full and accurate picture of your progress.
Tariff Expiry Reviews
At the tariff expiry date, lifers can request that the Parole Board consider them for open conditions or release at an oral hearing.
If there is support for release within their parole reports, the Parole Board will consider this application at an oral hearing.
All parole cases are now managed by an Intensive Case Management System (ICM), and oral hearings are not automatically given.
Prisoners are entitled to full legal assistance and representation to bring cases to the Parole Board, and we are experienced in ensuring cases are prepared thoroughly for the best possible outcome.
If the Parole Board decides that the person can be released, that decision is final, and the Secretary of State must follow it. The prisoner will then be released.
However, if the Parole Board refuses to release the prisoner, a further review will take place at a date set by the Secretary of State. This will usually be within two years.
If you believe the Parole Board made the wrong decision, you may be able to challenge it, but urgent legal advice is essential.
Contact us today on 01274 561666.
Risk Factors Considered By the Parole Board
The Parole Board will consider the following when reviewing lifer and IPP prisoner cases:
- Psychological assessments
- Completed courses or interventions
- Behaviour in custody
- Progress against the sentence plan
- The support available on release
- Accommodation and supervision arrangements
- The risk of harm to the public
Our Experience Preparing Complex Parole Review Cases
As members of the Association of Prison Lawyers, we are experienced in preparing complex parole review cases, so you can be certain you’re receiving the best possible service and that your case will be put forward in the clearest and most effective way possible.
Contact us to discuss your case.
Recall to Prison
Anyone on licence can be recalled to prison. The recall is initiated by the Probation Service and is authorised by the Secretary of State. These recalls can happen when probation believes someone has breached the conditions of their licence or their risk level has increased.
This can include missed appointments, concerns about behaviour, contact problems, or issues linked to the original offence.
We know how worrying and disruptive this can be, and recalls often happen with very little warning, with immediate consequences.
Given how quickly the process moves, early legal advice is necessary. We can start to act on your behalf as soon as we are contacted.
Our recall-to-prison solicitors understand the complexity of this area of law. We can review the recall reason, assess the evidence, and advise you on the next steps.
Once the recall has happened, the Parole Board will look at the case to decide whether you should remain in custody or whether you can be re-released. They will review reports from probation and the prison, along with representations made on your behalf.
We will prepare all documentation and remain by your side to represent you in oral hearings. Legal aid is often available for recall cases, so contact the team today to discuss your case.
Funding and Legal Aid
Legal aid is available for most parole reviews and recall cases. We can support you on a private, fixed-fee basis for pre-tariff lifer cases.
Why Choose Chivers?
We have been representing clients with parole reviews, including complex lifer and IPP parole reviews, and recall cases since 1997.
We are part of the Association of Prison Lawyers and can offer nationwide representation and clear and honest advice.
Get Support From Our Parole Solicitors Today
If you’re facing a parole review or a prison recall, we’re here to help. Our team can provide clear, concrete advice to you and your family members.
We can gather the representation needed and support you in oral hearings without delay. Request a Consultation or call 01274 561666 for expert support.
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our trusted legal experts
“Chivers Solicitors are dedicated to providing honest, straightforward advice to clients in a friendly and cost effective way.”
Marcus Farrar, Principal