Tēnā koutou,

You may have seen earlier today via What’s New for lawyers providing Legal Aid that a new hearing preparation fee has been added to Schedule J: Fee schedule for Parole for offenders serving indeterminate sentences with parole matters before the Extended Parole Board. If you have not seen the update, it can be found here.

In addition to this, and based on feedback provided to Legal Aid Services, we are also updating our process regarding successive criminal legal aid applications for parole matters.

If you have previously represented your client in parole matters pursuant to s21 Parole Act 2002, a full new application form will not be required for subsequent s21 parole hearings.

Going forward, you may request a new legal aid file to be opened for your client via email, instead of submitting the full criminal legal aid application form. The request must include the following information:

• Client name
• Date of birth
• Current Corrections Facility
• Date of previous parole hearing
• Date of next parole hearing
• Confirmation your client has nominated you as their lawyer of choice
• Either:
  • Confirmation that the applicant’s financial information is the same as in the previous parole application, or
  • A completed form 17 (Statement of financial position) if your client’s financial situation has changed.

The following template can be used to assist with your email request:

The information will be actioned as a new legal aid application, and you will be notified of the decision of your request in the usual manner.

If you have not previously represented your client for a s21 parole hearing, a completed criminal legal aid application form must be submitted.

For more information please see: Whats New for lawyers providing Legal Aid | New Zealand Ministry of Justice