Prison law

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What happens when a client receives a custodial sentence?

When clients are facing time in prison, they can feel overwhelmed or daunted. Practice Note: What happens when a client receives a custodial sentence? is designed to assist practitioners to advise a client as to a possible custodial sentence. It points the practitioner to relevant detailed guidance and enables a practitioner to discuss with their client what will happen if they receive a custodial term. This Practice Note explains the process which is followed when an offender receives a custodial sentence on conviction. It explains the fundamental principles which apply when imprisonment is imposed, the issues lawyers need to consider before the sentencing hearing, practical steps to take on the day of sentencing and what lawyers need to tell their clients to expect when receiving a prison sentence with reference to the relevant Prison Service Instructions.

Prison law

The regulation and management of prisons in England and Wales are primarily governed by the Prison Act 1952 and the Prison Rules 1999, SI 1999/728. These are supported by policy

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