General

Q: What is Prison Law Support UK?
A: We are a legal consultancy service providing support and guidance to prisoners and their families. We assist with prison complaints, IEP status, parole preparation, categorisation, adjudications, public protection matters, and resettlement issues. We are not solicitors and do not provide reserved legal services.

Q: Are you solicitors?
A: No. We are legal consultants. This means we can offer expert advice, draft letters, and make representations, but we do not attend court or carry out reserved legal activities.

Q: Who can use your services?
A: Our services are for prisoners in custody across England and Wales, and for their families who want to support them.

Parole & Release

Q: Can you help with parole?
A: Yes. We can help review the dossier, draft representations, and prepare supporting documents. We cannot act as legal representatives in the hearing, but we can prepare the case and advise throughout.

Q: What is HDC (Home Detention Curfew)?
A: Also known as “tag”, HDC allows certain prisoners to serve part of their sentence at home with an electronic tag. We can advise on eligibility and help challenge refusals.

Q: What is MAPPA?
A: Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements manage high-risk offenders. We can advise on MAPPA levels, help challenge decisions, and assist with licence conditions.

Prison Life & Complaints

Q: How do prisoners make a complaint?
A: Prisoners use the COMP1 form. If unhappy with the response, they can submit a COMP1A appeal. If still unresolved, the case may be escalated to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO). We can assist with drafting these complaints and appeals.

Q: What is an IEP (Incentives and Earned Privileges) level?
A: Prisoners are placed on Basic, Standard, or Enhanced levels. These affect pay, visits, and privileges. We can help challenge unfair downgrades or apply for upgrades.

Q: Can prisoners have legal phone calls?
A: Yes, but only with approved legal numbers. We can guide you through the process of applying to have a consultancy number added.

Family Support

Q: Can families contact you on behalf of a prisoner?
A: Yes. With the prisoner’s written consent (Letter of Authority), we can liaise directly with staff and agencies.

Q: Can you visit prisoners?
A: At this stage, we primarily work through correspondence, phone, and written representations. However, we can advise families on how to request special visits or support.

Other

Q: What areas of prison law do you cover?
A: We cover:

  • Complaints (COMP1, COMP1A, Ombudsman)

  • IEP challenges

  • Adjudications (Governor & Independent)

  • Parole preparation

  • Categorisation challenges

  • Licence conditions

  • MAPPA issues

  • Public protection matters

Q: How can I get started?
A: Simply fill in our Contact Form or email us directly. We will respond within 24–48 hours and guide you through our client intake process.

Adjudications & Discipline

Q: What happens if a prisoner is put “on report”?
A: The prisoner will usually face an adjudication hearing with a Governor, or in serious cases, an Independent Adjudicator (a District Judge). We can help prepare written representations and advice.

Q: Can you represent prisoners at adjudications?
A: We can assist with preparation and written submissions, but we cannot appear as representatives at hearings.

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Costs

Q: How much do your services cost?
A: Our fees depend on the type of service (e.g. letter-writing, representation drafting, case preparation). We aim to keep services affordable. Contact us for a tailored quote.