What are Adjudications ?

Prisons seek to maintain good order in Prisons by having a disciplinary system which means that if someone in prison is alleged to have breached the rules they can face a Prison adjudication .

For minor matters those hearings take place before a Prison Governor for example disobeying a lawful order .

Where more serious offences arise such as committing criminal offences in prison , use or supply of drugs then a Prisoner can face an Independent Adjudication before an external Judge .

For Independent Adjudications – Legal Aid is available and we can offer representation .

For Governor Adjudications – Legal Aid is not available but we can offer representation on a privately funded basis .

Need to Act quickly

When you receive a charge you need ot act quickly . You should usually have been charged within 48 hours of the charge . One of the first things we will check is where you are facing a lawful charge in accordance with the relevant PSI on Prison Discipline .

Any charge must be proved beyond reasonable doubt .

It is important to remember that the outcome can affect an existing sentence not just additional days but it will also impact upon future applications for  parole, recategorisation, or the Home Detention Curfew (HDC) scheme.

Appealing your outcome

If you have a finding against you we can also offer advice on appealing it or in certain cases pursuing a judicial review application