Prisoners Legal Service

Who we are

The Prisoners Legal Service (PLS) is a statewide specialist service of Legal Aid NSW. PLS provides advice, minor assistance and representation to prisoners. Our service is free and confidential.

Who we help

Prisoners in NSW gaols.

How we can help

Advice and minor assistance

We give independent advice and assistance in matters like bail, appeals, legal aid, parole, classification and other prison issues. We also give advice and assistance in other areas of prisoners’ lives such as family law and civil law (fines, debt, housing) to help them rehabilitate after release.

PLS also participates in workshops at gaols showing the Back on Track legal education DVDs.

Representation

PLS represents prisoners at:

hearings at the State Parole Authority
life sentence determinations
segregation appeals
visiting magistrate hearings.

Location

Our main service is located at the Parramatta Justice Precinct, 160 Marsden Street, Parramatta and is available from 9am to 5pm.

PLS lawyers visit or video link conference most gaols around NSW either weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Prisoners can book an appointment through a Legal Aid Book kept in the gaol or contact the Prisoners Legal Service.

Contact us

Prisoners can contact the Prisoners Legal Service on the gaol CADL phone system as a free call - just press 11# (Legal Aid) and ask for PLS.

Prisoners who need an appointment with a solicitor from the PLS should ask their gaol's wing officer to put their name down in the Legal Aid Book.

Prisoners can find information about accessing Legal Aid and other legal services in gaol on the Prisoners Legal Information Portal that is available on the 'green computers'.

Friends and family of prisoners can contact the Prisoners Legal Service on 02 9066 6046 or fax 02 9066 6002 between 9am and 5pm.

Prisoners can also write to: Prisoners Legal Service, PO Box 695, Parramatta NSW 2124.