As a result of amendments to the Prison Service Instructions (PSIs), only prisoners deemed to have a good chance of having their risk managed within the community will be recommended for a Pre-tariff Review.
Prisoners suitable for a move to open conditions are identified via a “sorting” system known as the Pre-tariff Sift – which helps prison staff short-list prisoners who may be eligible for a Pre-tariff Review.
The Pre-tariff Sift is part of the prison’s Sentence Planning and Review Meeting (SPRM) – and once a prisoner has been advised that a Pre-tariff Sift is to take place at the meeting, they will be able to submit representations to help the Parole Board review their case.
It is important to take legal advice when preparing representations to the SPRM about a Pre-tariff Review to ensure the best chance of success.
Duncan Lewis prison law solicitors have a wealth of experience in representing clients at the Pre-tariff Sift stage of a review – including assisting in the preparation of written representations for the SPRM.
There may be instances where a prisoner is consider high-risk – such as Category A prisoners – and although all prisoners serving a sentence of three years or more should be eligible for a Pre-tariff Review, prisoners with a history of absconding, self-harm or violence may find they are not eligible.
The Governor will take the final decision about whether a prisoner should be recommended or not for a Pre-tariff Review.
In some cases, however, assessments can be challenged by appealing a decision via the prison complaints service, if a prisoner feels their risk has been unfairly or erroneously assessed.
Duncan Lewis prison law solicitors can also advise on Guittard Applications and Judicial Review of a Pre-tariff Review refusal.
Call Duncan Lewis as soon as possible for legal advice on Pre-tariff Reviews, or any other prison law matter.
There are time limits involved in submitting written representations for a Pre-tariff Review. The case manager has to advise the prison authorities four months before the review that a Pre-tariff Sift will take place – and the SPRM must take place two months before the parole process begins.
Once a prisoner has been recommended for Pre-tariff Review by the Governor, Duncan Lewis prison law solicitors can help prepare written representations to offer a client the best chance of success.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and our prison law solicitors regularly visit police stations, prisons and courts to advise on criminal law and prison law.
For expert legal advice on Pre-tariff Reviews, call Duncan Lewis prison law solicitors on 020 7923 4020.
For urgent prison law advice or 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.
Under reforms to Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis is no longer able to offer public funding for legal advice on Pre-tariff Reviews.
However, Duncan Lewis prison law solicitors are usually able to offer competitively priced fixed fees to our clients, with notice of legal costs in advance whenever possible.
To speak to one of our prison law experts about Pre-tariff Sifts and Pre-tariff Reviews, call Duncan Lewis prison law solicitors now on 020 7923 4020.