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.

Independent Adjudications

A prisoner may receive adjudication if it is said that they have committed an offence contained within the Prison Rules such as disobeying lawful orders, failing a mandatory drug test or having an unauthorised item, such as a mobile phone.

All such charges are first heard by the Prison Governor. However, where the charge is potentially serious enough for a punishment of additional days being added to a prisoner’s sentence, the matter will be referred to an Independent Adjudicator who is a District Judge that will come into the prison to deal with the hearing.

Legal Aid for adjudications

Prisoners are entitled to legal aid to instruct a solicitor to represent them in any proceedings before the Independent Adjudicator, subject to means, and we regularly represent prisoners in these hearings.

Unfortunately, legal aid for adjudications before the Prison Governor is no longer available.  However, once a matter has been referred to the Independent Adjudicator then it cannot be referred back to the Prison Governor.  Any matter that has been unlawfully or wrongly referred to the Independent Adjudicator should be dismissed by them and we can attend the hearing with the prisoner to make this argument.

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.