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.