7 Appeals paperwork
PLLP can provide services to prisoners around appeals paperwork in England and Wales, including support prisoners in navigating the complex legal and procedural requirements involved in appealing their conviction or sentence. These services could be especially valuable to prisoners who are unrepresented, have limited literacy, or cannot access legal aid.
8 Parole paperwork
PLLP offer service to help prisoners with their parole paperwork by providing structured, accessible, and legally compliant support that helps prisoners prepare for their Parole Board review. This is especially important for prisoners serving indeterminate sentences (IPP, life) or extended determinate sentences (EDS), where parole is required for release.
Since legal aid is limited and many prisoners are unrepresented, a PLLP offering non-legal support can fill critical gaps - but cannot engage in regulated legal activity (as we are not authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or similar body).
7 Appeals paperwork
7.1 Initial Case Review
- Reviewing the prisoner's conviction and/or sentence details.
- Identifying if there are potential grounds for appeal (e.g., errors in law, new evidence, procedural unfairness).
- Advising on whether an appeal is realistically viable.
7.2 Assistance with Grounds or Appeal
- Helping the prisoners draft clear and legally sound grounds or appeal against conviction and/or sentence.
- Explaining how to frame these grounds persuasively and in line with appeal court expectations.
7.3 Completion of Appeal Forms
Assisting with the correct completion of relevant appeal forms, including:
- Form NG (Notice and Grounds of Appeal) for the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division).
- Form SJ for sentence appeals.
- Applications to the Single Judge for leave to appeal.
7.4 Gathering Supporting Documents
Helping prisoners compile:
- Trail transcripts.
- Sentencing remarks.
- Legal arguments from counsel.
- New evidence or expert reports (if applicable).
7.5 Communication with Legal Representatives
- Liaising with solicitors or barristers (if appointed or available) to help bridge gaps in paperwork or instructions.
- Assisting self-represented prisoners in preparing correspondence to courts or counsel.
7.6 Advice on Deadlines and Time Limits
- Advising on statutory deadlines (typically 28 days from conviction / sentence).
- Helping prisoners apply for leave to appeal out of time, if needed.
7.7 Assistance with Renewals or Rejections
- Supporting prisoners with paperwork to renew an appeal if initially refused by Single Judge.
- Drafting applications or letters to the Full Court for oral hearings.
7.8 Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) Applications
- Preparing or assisting with applications to the CCRC in cases of alleged miscarriages of justice.
- Supporting with gathering materials to support the application.
7.9 Sentence Calculation Challenges
- Assisting with appeals against sentence miscalculations or unlawful detention periods.
7.10 Translation or Simplified Explanations
- Translating legal documents or providing simplified summaries for prisoners with limited English or literacy challenges.
Optional Add-On Services
- Workshops or information packs on how to appeal.
- Template letters and guidance for prisoners to use independently.
- Family liaison services - helping relatives understand the appeals process and support the prisoner.
- Referral to solicitors or pro bono barristers, if appropriate.
Disclaimer
Please note that PLLP can assist with paperwork and procedural guidance, it will not give legal advice as it is not regulated (e.g., by the Solicitors Regulated Authority or Bar Standards Board). However PLLP can operates legally by:
- Providing administrative support.
- Offering general legal information.
- Referring complex legal issues to qualified practitioners.
8 Parole paperwork
8.1 Parole Preparation Support
Helping the prisoner understand:
- The purpose and process of parole.
- What the Parole Board considers: risk, progress, rehabilitation.
Providing easy-read guides to the parole system.
8.2 Assistance with Prisoner Personal Statements
Supporting the prisoner to write their personal statement, which is submitted to the Parole Board.
Helping them:
- Reflect on progress.
- Acknowledge offending behaviour.
- Describe what they've learned.
- Explain future plans and how they will manage risk.
Please note: This is support with expression and structure, not legal advice - PLLP will avoid telling the prisoner what they "should" admit or deny, unless authorised to do so legally.
8.3 Parole Dossier Review
- Helping prisoners understand the parole dossier: a pack of reports (e.g., psychology, probation, prison behaviour).
- Explaining how to identify errors or request missing documents.
- Assisting with requests to correct the dossier or submit further information.
8.4 Drafting Representations or Supporting Letters
Assisting with:
- Letters from family members, mentors, or employers.
- Written representations (non-legal) about the prisoner's readiness for release.
Helping prisoners structure letters to the Parole Board (e.g., clarifying goals, housing, support network).
8.5 Oral Hearing Preparation
Providing mock earing preparation.
- What questions might be asked.
- How to present themselves effectively.
- How to address concerns in their reports.
Reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.
8.6 Requesting Witnesses or Reports
- Helping draft requests for witnesses (e.g., external mentors, psychologists) to attend parole hearings.
- Assisting with applications for independent reports (such as a private psychologist).
8.7 Challenging Parole Decisions (non-legal)
Explaining options after a negative decision:
- Requesting an oral hearing (if only a paper review occurred).
- Applying for a reconsideration under the Parole Board Reconsideration Mechanism.
Assisting with drafting the reconsideration request, within legal boundaries.
8.8 Through-the-Gate and Post-Parole Support
Helping prepare release plans:
- Housing, employment, health services, mentoring.
Linking to community services that support successful resettlement.
Preparing documents the Parole Board experts, such as resettlement plans or risk management strategies.
Other Add-on Services
- Parole workshops or group sessions inside prisons.
- Self-help packs and templates.
- One-to-one coaching or peer mentoring (by ex-prisoners).
- Family liaison to support with accommodation offers or statement.
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