Help Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about prison, sentencing, release dates, and support services.
General
Inside Out Justice is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting prisoners, their families, and professionals working in criminal justice. We provide free tools, resources, and guidance to help navigate the UK prison system.
Our resources are free for everyone — prisoners, family members, legal professionals, prison staff, students, and anyone interested in criminal justice reform.
We strive for accuracy and regularly update our content, but our information is for guidance only. Always consult a solicitor for legal advice specific to your situation.
You can support us by donating, volunteering, sharing our resources, or contacting your MP about prison reform. Visit our Get Involved page for more options.
Calculator
The Sentencing Act 2026 introduces new release fractions for certain prisoners. Most standard determinate sentences (SDS) will have a release point of one-third instead of 40%, though some serious offences are excluded.
Our calculator provides estimates based on the rules in the Sentencing Act 2026. It does not account for HDC, parole decisions, or errors in sentence calculation. Always verify with prison staff or a solicitor.
SDS (Standard Determinate Sentence) is a fixed-term sentence. SDS+ applies to sentences for section 244ZA(7) offences, where stricter release conditions may apply even under the new rules.
Added days are extra days added to your sentence as punishment for breaking prison rules (adjudications). They delay your release date.
Currently, our calculator focuses on standard determinate sentences. Extended sentences have different rules and are not fully supported yet.
Yes! You can save multiple scenarios locally in your browser and compare them side by side. Your data is not stored on our servers.
Legal
Schedule 15 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 lists "specified offences" — serious violent and sexual offences. Being convicted of a Schedule 15 offence can affect sentencing options and release conditions.
Section 244ZA(7) lists specific offences that trigger SDS+ provisions under the Sentencing Act 2026, potentially meaning a longer minimum custody period before release.
You can use the Law Society's Find a Solicitor service or the government's Legal Aid Finder. Look for solicitors specialising in "prison law" or "prisoners' rights".
Appeals must usually be lodged within 28 days of sentencing. You should consult a solicitor immediately if you believe your sentence was wrong.
Licence conditions are rules you must follow after release from prison until your sentence end date. Breaking them can result in recall to prison.
Support
Use our Support Services directory to search by category (housing, employment, mental health, etc.) and region. We list over 500 verified organisations across the UK.
Many organisations support families, including help with prison visits, financial advice, and emotional support. Search our directory for "families" or visit organisations like PACT.
If you work for an organisation in our directory, you can claim it to update information. Click "Claim this organisation" on the listing page and follow the verification process.
Use the "Suggest an Organisation" form on the Support Services page. We review all suggestions and add verified organisations within a few days.
Still have questions?
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