A prison tag is the informal name for a Home Detention Curfew tag that is attached to a prisoner when they are under house arrest. It is typically attached around the ankle and allows the prison officers to monitor when and where the prisoner is, to ensure they are following the rules of their licence. The tag restricts the liberty of the offender, as they become subject to a nightly, electronically monitored curfew. If that curfew is broken, the sanction can be a return to prison.
A tag is often a method to ease overcrowding for those prisoners who are eligible. It provides a level of freedom that is not available inside a prison. Our team of solicitors can assist you in applying for a prison tag, as it can be a complicated process.
If you, a family member or friend are eligible for an HDC or Prison Tag, you will be given an HDC Eligibility Date. This does not mean a prisoner will automatically be released on this date. In our experience, the most common cause for delay in prison tag applications is that the process requires the communication and consent not only from the prison, but also from the Probation Service.
If you wish to consider applying for a tag, our experienced Prison Law solicitors at Reeds can not only assist you with the application itself by drafting representations, but can also attempt to minimise the delays caused by other agencies. We can also assist in appeals for those unfortunate in receiving a refusal.
Unfortunately, Legal Aid is not available for this area, but our Prison Law Team can agree competitive fixed fees with you.
When to Contact Reeds
You should contact us around 4 months prior to your TAG date in order that we have time to take instructions and prepare representations for you but we would advise contacting us as soon as possible.
Call us today on 01865 592670 to discuss your case or complete enquiry form on our contact page here. Alternatively please email prisonlaw@reeds.co.uk