When a person is released from prison on license or on parole, they will be provided with a copy of their license, including all the conditions attached to their release.
Recall to Custody
If any of these conditions are breached, they risk being recalled to prison to serve the remainder of the sentence.
Expert Prison Law Solicitors
At GT Stewart, our expert prison law solicitors provide clear, practical advice and robust representation to prisoners and their families across England and Wales. We understand that decisions made in custody can have a profound impact on sentence progression, release dates, and future prospects.
Our specialist team advises on all aspects of prison law, including adjudications, categorisation reviews, recall to prison, parole proceedings, sentence calculations, and challenges to unlawful or unfair decisions. We act swiftly where urgent action is required and work closely with our clients to ensure their rights are protected at every stage.
We are committed to holding decision-makers to account and ensuring that prisoners are treated fairly and lawfully within the system.
Experienced Prison Law Lawyers
Our experienced prison law lawyers form part of a specialist Prison Law team dedicated exclusively to representing prisoners across England and Wales. We have an in-depth understanding of the prison system and the legal framework governing decisions made in custody.
We regularly represent clients before the Parole Board, in adjudication hearings, and in challenges to categorisation, licence conditions, recall decisions, and sentence calculations. Our team understands how vital progression is and works proactively to ensure that clients are given a fair opportunity to move through their sentence and prepare for release.
Where decisions are unlawful, unfair, or disproportionate, our specialist Prison Law team takes robust action. This can include formal complaints, appeals, and, where necessary, judicial review proceedings. We are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and ensuring that prison authorities and decision-makers are held to account.
We also work closely with families, providing clear communication and practical guidance at what can often be a difficult and uncertain time.
Recall to Custody
A person may be recalled to prison if:
They breach any of the license conditions attached to their release;
They commit a further offence during their license;
They are charged with another offence during the term of their license;
The person is behaving in such a way that their Offender Manager (the person responsible for their supervision) reasonably believes that they will go on to commit a further offence – for instance, behaviour that involves heavy drinking or the use of drugs.
There are three types of recall. The length of time the prisoner must spent in prison depends on the type of recall to which they are subject.
Following a person’s recall to prison they will be provided with full reasons for their recall. The prisoner will have the opportunity to make full representations to the parole board within 2 weeks of the prisoner being given full reasons for their recall and we can help with preparing these representations.
The parole board's four available options:
Order the prisoner’s immediate release back into the community on license;
Refuse the prisoner’s immediate release but order a future review for the prisoner to be released at a later date;
Make no recommendations at all;
Send the prisoner’s case forward to a full oral hearing.
We can help with an application for parole at the next review and representing the prisoner at the oral hearing. Please see further information on our Application for Parole page.
Why choose GT Stewart?
Our specialist prison law team has extensive experience representing prisoners in parole hearings, adjudications, recall cases and challenges to categorisation and sentence calculations. We understand how decisions made in custody affect progression and release, and we act swiftly where urgent action is required.
We prepare cases thoroughly, present clear and persuasive arguments, and challenge unlawful or unfair decisions robustly. Where legal aid is available, we will advise you on eligibility and guide you through the process.
At every stage, we are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and ensuring fair treatment within the prison system.
Our Expert Lawyers are ready to Help
GT Stewart has established itself as a leading firm in the UK, specialising in both private cases and also Legal Aid work.
Meet some of our Criminal Defence team
Speak to one of our Prison Law Solicitors
Our Tenacity Results in Success
We represented a teenage client who was charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
By | Jun 04, 2026
We represented an appellant whose conviction was referred to the Court of Appeal by the CCRC on the basis that there was no jurisdiction to hear one of the counts, as it involved alleged conduct committed outside the UK.
By | May 27, 2026
We represented a client in proceedings where the prosecution sought to invoke the “slip rule” under section 385 of the Sentencing Act 2020.
By | May 21, 2026
Client Testimonials
"Harry Charalambous and his dedicated team, Louise and Harry Pell, provided exceptional representation throughout my case, in which I faced a multitude of serious allegations. From the outset, they meticulously explained my options and guided me through every stage of the process. Their expertise and strategic approach ultimately led to my case being dropped before it even reached trial. During such a challenging and uncertain period, it would have been easy to lose hope. However, their unwavering commitment, support, and determination to prove my innocence gave me the confidence to keep fighting and persevere through one of the most difficult times in my life. What truly sets this team apart is their prompt communication, extensive knowledge, and carefully considered legal strategy, all of which contributed to achieving the best possible outcome. Harry Charalambous is a leading figure in criminal law, and I have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone in need of expert legal representation. I am sincerely grateful for the hard work, dedication, and professionalism shown throughout my case. Thank you to the entire team for always being available to address my concerns and answer any questions I had along the way."
“I’ve worked with GT Stewart since 2014 in relation to matters involving my brother. Over that time, I’ve dealt mainly with Rebecca Hill and, more recently, Tahmina Islam. Having that continuity has been invaluable. They know my brother, they know our family and they understand the history of the case, which means we haven’t had to start from scratch every few years. I’ve always found them professional, passionate and easy to deal with. When I’ve needed advice or had concerns, they’ve been available and have taken the time to understand what matters to us. Acting as my brother’s litigation friend comes with a huge responsibility and I have always felt that he has been well represented. The fact that I’ve continued to return to GT Stewart over the last 12 years probably says more than anything else I could write. I trust them to do right by my brother.”
"Ghazala Parveen was thoroughly professional and very supportive throughout the process of our parole application. Her experience meant that a lot of the stress was taken away from us."
"I just wanted to say a huge thank you [Nick] for everything you have done for D and his case - I truly don’t think we would have had this outcome with anyone else. As soon as the case was with you it felt like a weight was lifted and all the things we were fighting for since the beginning came to light. D is doing so much better & hopefully things will only go up from here - myself and D's family are all so grateful for yours and Madeline’s work."
"You have been fantastic [Atia] - no issues whatsoever, fast responses, kept me up to date and handled every situation perfectly. Would/will use the firm for all future conveyancing. Thank you very much."