Prison relaxations are important steps towards reintegration. They test the prisoner’s reliability and prepare release – and are often a precondition for a favourable prognosis.
Forms of relaxation
Relaxations include in particular escorted or unescorted leave, day release (work outside the institution), outside employment and prison furlough. The details are governed by the prison laws of the federal states; in North Rhine-Westphalia the State Prison Act (StVollzG NRW) applies.
Requirements
Relaxations require that there is no risk of escape or misuse and that the prisoner is suitable for the measure. This assessment is frequently the point of dispute – here, statements can be rebutted with good preparation.
Legal protection where refused
If a relaxation is refused, the application for judicial review under § 109 StVollzG is available. We examine the refusal and enforce justified claims to relaxations.
Has a relaxation been refused or is one pending? Get in touch – we will review your case.
Note: This information is general and does not replace advice in an individual case.