Parole Board Hearings
MC Chambers | Top KC-Led Direct Access Parole Board Hearing Barrister’s Chambers – London & UK
We are a top KC-led direct access specialist parole board hearing barrister’s chambers with vast experience and stunning successes.
Catherine Daly, our specialist parole board hearing barrister, believes that everyone deserves a second chance and that often starts with the Parole Board. It is important to have a persuasive advocate fighting your corner.
At what point of their custodial sentence someone will be released depends what type of sentence they are serving. It used to be that prisoners were automatically released on license after serving half of the custodial sentence. Nowadays, due to changes in the law, prisoners will likely have to serve two thirds of their sentence in custody if the sentence over four years.
MC Chambers | Top KC-Led Direct Access Parole Board Hearing Barrister’s Chambers – London & UK
Best KC-Led Direct Access Specialist Parole Board Hearing Chambers – London & UK
For more serious offences and longer sentences, such as life sentences, the decision of when to release a prisoner is made by the Parole Board.
Where a defendant is found to be dangerous s/he will not be released until the parole board are satisfied that any risk can be safely managed in the community. A person may be found to be dangerous if the court is satisfied that they present a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm. (s.308 Sentencing Act 2020).
Best Parole Board Hearing Barrister’s Chambers – MC Chambers Top Lawyers – London & UK
Catherine Daly – Expert Barrister
Catherine appears in the Crown Court, the Magistrates Court, the Court of Appeal, and in front of Parole Boards. She deals with both minor offences, like driving, and serious cases involving violence, sex offences and drugs, and has a string of stunning successes. She often represents clients with vulnerabilities and continues to receive outstanding client feedback.
One of many 5 star Google reviews: “Catherine Daly is an exceptional criminal defence barrister who exemplifies professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication. She demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to my case, ensuring every aspect was meticulously examined and skilfully represented. Her profound knowledge of the law, coupled with her strategic insight, led to a successful outcome beyond my expectations. Catherine navigates complex legal proceedings with precision and poise.”
Catherine Daly Expert Parole Barrister | Best Direct Access Specialist Parole Board Hearing Lawyer | MC Chambers – London & UK
Public Protection Test
The Parole Board must not give a direction for release unless the Board is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the person should be confined’. This is known as the Public Protection test.
The parole process begins with an application for parole, usually six months prior to the expiry of the custodial term. The Public Protection Casework Unit (PPCU) will prepare a bundle of information called a ‘dossier’. The process will be managed by the Offender Management Unit (OMU).
This is why it is important to have a good working relationship with OMU during the process. The Parole Board are likely to follow any recommendations made by OMU. Obtaining an up-to-date OASYS assessment is also crucial. A positive assessment and favourable reports can go a long way to persuading the Parole Board that someone has the mental tools required to succeed in life on the outside.
The Public Protection Casework Unit (the PPCU) will send copies of the dossier to the applicant and his/her legal representatives. You and your legal team will prepare a response setting out your position in detail and why it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public for you to be in custody. It will include any further material you wish to rely on, such as character references from family and friends. It may be necessary to propose a package of conditions that will satisfy the Parole Board that risk can be managed in the community, such as residence at an Approved Premise.
An assessment will be carried out on the papers and parole will be granted or refused. Alternatively, an oral hearing may be required. If parole is refused, there is an automatic right to appeal within 28 days and request an oral hearing.
An oral hearing usually includes the OMU and OMS giving evidence on their view regarding release, as well as any other treating clinicians such as medical professionals. The applicant will usually also give evidence. The decision must be made available within 14 days of the oral hearing.
Notable POCA Cases | Top POCA Defence KC-Led Barrister's Chambers | London & UK | Money Laundering & Confiscation Direct Access Scheme
Catherine’s most recent parole success was for someone who had served a life sentence for his role in a murder. The police were of the view that parole should be refused because the location of the body has never been disclosed to the family of the deceased. This is pursuant to Helen’s Law. Catherine argued that there was no evidence that her client had any knowledge of where the body was located. Parole was granted. Read more.
Our Heritage | Michael Wolkind KC (formerly QC)
We are small, elite and hand-picked team. Our proud heritage arises from one of the most renowned master criminal defence barristers of recent times – Michael Wolkind KC (formerly QC).
Although retired from active client representation now, Michael remains an integral part of Chambers.
Contact Us Now | Top KC-Led Direct Access Scheme Parole Board Hearing Chambers | Best-In-Class Specialists Lawyers for London & the UK
If you, or someone you know, is applying for parole or has been refused parole and are seeking the best possible representation from a KC-led specialist parole board hearing barrister’s chambers with an outstanding track record of success together and reputation for personal care, contact us now on 0207 101 4164 or send us a message here.