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Precision AOD Solutions
Precision AOD Solutions Ltd

AOD Reports FAQ

Find comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions about AOD reports, pre-sentence reports, parole reports, cultural reports, and sentence equality in New Zealand's justice system. Our FAQ combines expert knowledge with references to legislation, professional standards, and our detailed service guides.

AOD Reports
How much does a pre-sentence report cost?
These services are available at no cost to you if you qualify for legal aid. We facilitate this process to ensure you can receive financial support to cover the fees for our services.
Internal: Pre-Sentence Report Pricing | External: Legal Aid Services Fee Schedule
How long does it take to complete an AOD report?
Typically 10-15 working days from confirmation of legal aid approval.
Internal: AOD Report Process | External: AODNZ Professional Standards (2024)
Are AOD reports confidential?
Yes, all information is treated with strict confidentiality in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements. Reports are only released to authorized judicial officers with client consent.
Internal: AOD Report Confidentiality | External: New Zealand Psychological Society Code of Ethics
Pre-Sentence Reports
Who can request a pre-sentence report?
Courts, legal counsel, probation officers, or defense lawyers can request pre-sentence reports. In some cases, offenders can also request them to provide additional context to the court.
Internal: Pre-Sentence Report Process | External: Department of Corrections Probation Guidelines
How much does a pre-sentence report cost?
These services are available at no cost to you if you qualify for legal aid. We facilitate this process to ensure you can receive financial support to cover the fees for our services.
Internal: Pre-Sentence Report Pricing | External: Legal Aid Services Pricing Guidelines
Can pre-sentence reports lead to reduced sentences?
While outcomes depend on judicial discretion, comprehensive reports demonstrating rehabilitation potential, genuine remorse, and low risk can positively influence sentencing decisions. Our reports have contributed to sentence reductions in numerous cases.
Internal: Pre-Sentence Report Impact | External: Sentencing Act 2002, s 8 (purposes of sentencing)
What if I need the report urgently?
We offer expedited services for court deadlines, typically completing urgent reports within 1-2 weeks. Additional fees apply for rush services—please discuss your timeline requirements upfront.
Internal: Urgent Report Services | External: Court Timelines and Deadlines Guidelines
Do you provide updates or addendums?
Yes, we provide addendums for significant developments, such as treatment progress or changes in circumstances, which can be submitted to the court.
Internal: Report Updates | External: Judicial Proceedings Best Practice Guidelines
How confidential is the information?
All client information is protected by professional confidentiality. The final report is prepared specifically for court purposes and shared with authorized legal representatives.
Internal: Confidentiality Standards | External: Privacy Act 2020
Can family members be involved?
With client consent, family members can provide collateral information about support systems and relationships that may be important for sentencing considerations.
Internal: Family Involvement | External: Family Court Best Practice Guidelines
Parole Reports
What criteria does the Parole Board consider?
The Parole Board considers rehabilitation progress, risk of reoffending, release plans, victim interests, and public safety. AOD recovery is often a critical factor in these decisions.
Internal: Parole Board Criteria | External: Parole Act 2002, s 13
How far in advance should I request a parole report?
Reports should be requested 3-4 weeks before the Parole Board hearing to allow sufficient time for assessment and preparation. Urgent requests can be accommodated but may incur additional fees.
Internal: Parole Report Timeline | External: Parole Board Hearing Preparation Guidelines
What information do you need for a parole report?
We require prison records, treatment history, psychological assessments, probation reports, and information about accommodation, employment, and support networks planned for release.
Internal: Parole Report Requirements | External: Department of Corrections Information Requirements
Can parole reports be updated?
Yes, we provide addendums or updated reports if significant developments occur before the hearing, such as treatment progress or changes in circumstances.
Internal: Report Updates | External: Parole Board Supplementary Information Guidelines
How much does a parole report cost?
These services are available at no cost to you if you qualify for legal aid. We facilitate this process to ensure you can receive financial support to cover the fees for our services.
Internal: Parole Report Pricing | External: Legal Aid Services Fee Schedule
Can family members be involved in the assessment?
With client consent, family members can provide collateral information about support systems and relationships that will be important for successful reintegration.
Internal: Family Involvement | External: Corrections Act 2004 (Family Participation Provisions)
Cultural Reports
When is a Section 27 report mandatory?
While not always mandatory, courts are required to consider cultural reports when the offender identifies as Māori or when cultural factors are relevant to the offending or rehabilitation.
Internal: Section 27 Requirements | External: Section 27 Cultural Reports Act 2004
How long does a cultural report take?
Typically 10-15 working days from confirmation of legal aid approval.
Internal: Cultural Report Timeline | External: Ministry of Justice Cultural Report Timelines
Can cultural reports be requested by offenders?
Yes, offenders can request cultural reports, and courts have a duty to consider such requests when cultural factors are relevant to the case.
Internal: Requesting Cultural Reports | External: Sentencing Act 2002, s 27
What cultural factors are considered?
Cultural reports consider whakapapa, cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, cultural context of offending, whānau dynamics, and culturally appropriate rehabilitation approaches.
Internal: Cultural Assessment Factors | External: Ministry of Justice Cultural Factors Framework
Do cultural reports always lead to reduced sentences?
Cultural reports inform sentencing by highlighting mitigating factors and appropriate rehabilitation, but outcomes depend on the individual circumstances and judicial discretion.
Internal: Cultural Report Impact | External: Sentencing Act 2002, s 8(h) (cultural background considerations)
How much does a cultural report cost?
Please contact us to confirm pricing as it depends on complexity and cultural consultation requirements. This would be at a cost to the client as legal aid no longer funding section 27 cultural reports.
Internal: Cultural Report Pricing | External: 2025 Cultural Report Funding Guidelines
Can whānau be involved in the assessment?
Yes, whānau involvement is often essential for comprehensive cultural assessments and provides valuable context about family dynamics and support systems.
Internal: Whānau Involvement | External: Te Whare Tapa Whā Māori Health Model

Need More Information?

Our FAQ covers the most common questions about AOD reports and related services. For personalized advice or to discuss your specific situation, please contact us for a confidential consultation.

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