Offences
Kidnap and False Imprisonment
Kidnap is an offence under common law.
There are four elements to the offence of kidnap:
• Taking of one person by another
• By force/fraud
• Without consent
• Without lawful excuse.
Carefully planned abductions where the victim is used as a hostage are likely to attract sentences of more than eight years’ imprisonment. The use of violence or firearms or the presence of other aggravating features will lead to much lengthier sentences.
False imprisonment is an offence under common law and is distinct from kidnap as involves purely the unlawful detention of the victim and does not involve the carrying away of the victim.
Burglary
Burglary is classed as a “dishonesty” offence, along with theft and robbery.
Burglary is a complex criminal offence and usually involves a person or persons entering a building illegally – trespassing – with the purpose of carrying out an illegal activity, such as removing property or possessions, causing damage, or even assaulting someone inside the building.
Burglary is also defined by other factors such as the type of property or structure entered, how it has been entered – and to what purpose.
Buildings, for example, are defined as permanent structures or those with a considerable lifespan – but “buildings” may also be inhabited structures. such as canal barges or caravans on fixed sites.
Burglary of a residence is also a separate offence from burglary of another type of structure.
Charges relating to burglary will also consider legal definitions for trespassing and entering – trespassing might involve going into a public building, but later accessing a restricted or private area.
Entering may mean actually walking into a property and trespassing – although entering can also involve simply put a hand or arm or leg inside a property: for example, climbing in through a window so that part of the body is inside the property; or extending an arm across a shop counter to place a hand inside a till, or putting an arm through a window.
The prosecution must prove intent to commit burglary – i.e. steal or cause criminal damage.
Not everyone facing burglary charges is guilty, but because burglary can be such a complex charge, it is vital to take legal advice on burglary charges as soon as possible.
At the early stage of a police investigation it is easy to make errors and misjudgements, which might prejudice the outcome of a case if it goes to trial.
You are innocent and proven guilty.
We will of course test all the police evidence and advise you throughout so that you receive the best possible expert legal representation.
Robbery and Theft
Offences of robbery and theft and other associated offences are all defined within the Theft Act 1968.
The Court will consider factors such as the value of the robbery, the offender’s previous convictions and other aggravating features of the offence.
Robbery can be thought of as theft with the threat or use of violence.
Robbery can only be dealt with at the Crown Court.
The sentencing guidelines reflect the different ways in which robbery can be carried out splitting the offence of Robbery into three sections:
1. Street and or Less Sophisticated Commercial Robbery
2. Professionally Planned Commercial Robbery and Conspiracy to Rob
3. Robbery at a dwelling.
Theft involves the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other person of it.
A theft conviction is a conviction for dishonesty and has a hugely detrimental effect on an individual’s character and prospects.
Dawn Raids
In the event of a dawn raid, expert advice is urgently required to protect the rights of the businesses and individuals concerned.
We can provide immediate and effective support and assistance in these challenging circumstances.
Dawn raids are a frequent feature of criminal and regulatory investigations and can be instigated by various authorities, such as Police Forces, National Crime Agency (NCA), the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), HM Customs and Revenue (HMRC), the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), and even the EU Commission.
We respond to co-ordinated raids in multiple locations, both in the UK and overseas, and can provide expert advice relating to the validity of warrants, the seizure of documents and data, privilege, governance, control and representation where employees or officers are arrested as well as dealing with reputation management and the minimisation of disruption.
After of a raid we will provide continued advice and assistance about the next steps to ensure your defence not prejudiced throughout the investigation.
Sexual Offences
Being accused of sexual offence is very distressing and you may be concerned about any resulting damage to your reputation. We appreciate what you are going through and can support you throughout.
Our legal experts are experienced in defending the full range of sexual offences, including the following:
• Rape
• Having sexual activity with a child
• Possessing, making or distributing Indecent photographs of a child
• Child cruelty
• Sexual assaults
• Assault by penetration
• Sexual touching or grooming
• Gross indecency
• Outraging public decency
• Buggery
• Voyeurism
If you have been accused of or are being investigated for a sexual offence and would like to discuss your situation and obtain legal advice,
HMRC Criminal Investigation & Prosecution
An HMRC Criminal Investigation will be considered where they suspect that a significant amount of revenue has been lost by way of fraud or another form of deliberate conduct. An HMRC Criminal Investigation, rather than a civil inquiry, will also be conducted when they want to send out a strong deterrent message or where they regard the alleged conduct to be so serious that it is necessary.
Reasons for an HMRC Investigation
HMRC criminal investigations are likely to occur when HMRC suspects:
Deliberate filing of inaccurate Tax Returns or VAT Returns including income tax evasion;
• Deliberate failure to file Tax Returns or VAT Returns;
• Use of false or forged documents;
• Concealment, deception, or corruption;
• Failure to provide full and accurate disclosure in an investigation or settlement;
• Money laundering;
• Conspiracy with others to evade tax or duty;
• Involvement of a professional (tax adviser, accountant or lawyer), particularly if they advise or act for taxpayers (as they will be viewed as ‘a source of infection’);
• VAT Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) or carousel fraud;
• VAT ‘bogus’ or ‘hijacked’ registration repayment fraud;
• Breach of import or export prohibitions or restrictions (‘sanctions busting’);
• A Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) has been offered under Code of Practice 9 (COP9) but the taxpayer has chosen to reject/ignore the offer.
Powers of the HMRC Criminal Investigator
The HMRC Criminal Investigator has strong powers. There are nearly 600 dawn raids annually (search and seizure) at homes and business premises, which is three times as many as four years ago, and is often accompanied by the arrest of the taxpayer. Routinely, HMRC will also covertly obtain warrants and court orders to require banks, advisers and even accountants to provide records and financial information about a taxpayer.
HMRC also has the power to apply without notice (i.e.. behind closed doors) for a Restraint Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to freeze all the assets of the person being investigated until the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
In one year, HMRC’s Criminal Investigation team lived up to its previous promise by bringing nearly 1300 tax fraud prosecutions resulting in a total of over 400 years in prison sentences. As well as some high profile, serious cases this confirmed a toughening approach as many cases involved relatively minor tax evasion, VAT evasion, and duty evasion (tobacco and alcohol smuggling, and fuel duty, especially red diesel).
Confiscation Orders & Other Powers
The HMRC Criminal Investigation team will always consider additionally seeking a Confiscation Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to obtain the tax involved plus interest, following a successful prosecution. Some very draconian financial assumptions can be made against the individual. A confiscation order is always backed up by a default sentence of imprisonment for non-payment (in addition to any other sentence).
HMRC has also created a new Fraud Investigation Service (from a merger of its previous Specialist Investigations and Criminal Investigations units) and has repeated that they will be active in maintaining a similarly high rate of investigations and prosecutions going forward.
Our legal team have significant experience in defending HMRC criminal cases includes cases with a significant international dimension and multi-million-pound frauds.
Our HMRC criminal investigating lawyers have also acted for high profile individuals. Get in touch
Murder & Manslaughter
A.K. Legal has vast experience of defending murder and manslaughter allegations.
Offences of murder and manslaughter vary immensely and can include:
• Complex conspiracies
• Gang related killings
• Domestic violence
• Fights that result in death
• Cases of child cruelty.
These offences may be supported by or reliant on
• Medical evidence,
• Telephone connectivity,
• Forensic evidence involving DNA or fingerprints
• Psychiatric evidence
Could well be and are usually utilised in murder investigations.
Murder is an offence under the common law of England and Wales. It is committed when a person:
• Of sound mind and discretion
• Unlawfully kills
• Any reasonable creature in being
• Under the King’s Peace
• With intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm.
Drug Offences
Drugs offences are primarily prosecuted under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Offences range from simple possession of lower-level drugs through to possession with intent to supply, importation and cultivation.
We have vast experience of defending the most serious of drugs allegations.
The firm’s reputation for commitment and thorough defence work as resulted us attracting some of the most serious criminal cases in the country.
Controlled (illegal) drugs fall into three categories – A, B and C with A being the most serious class of drug and C the least serious:
• Class A including drugs such as cocaine, heroin and ecstasy
• Class B including drugs such as cannabis, amphetamines
• Class C including drugs such as diazepam and anabolic steroids
Most of the offences under the Misuse of Drugs Acts are considered “Criminal lifestyle offences” and consequently, in the event of conviction, confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 are almost inevitable.
Cases of conspiracy to supply or import drugs often involve:
• Undercover police operations
• Complex telephone evidence
• Detailed forensic investigations involving DNA, fingerprints
• Analysis of drugs.
• Observations
• Covert Recordings
• Police intelligence
Motoring Offences
Road Traffic and Motoring Offences
We provide free traffic law advice with our team of highly experienced UK road traffic legislation lawyers.
Find out all your legal defence options & defend your driving licence.
Most Common UK Driving Offences: –
S172 – failing to provide driver information/identity. Otherwise known as failure to nominate or ‘driver identity’ offences
Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users or without due care and attention offences – Section 3 Road Traffic Act 1988
Using a motor vehicle without there being in force a relevant policy of insurance or permitting someone else to drive without insurance
Failing to stop after an accident or failing to report an accident to the Police
within 24 hours of it happening
Driving NOT in accordance with a licence, otherwise known as driving without a licence.
Dangerous driving offences- one of the most serious road traffic law allegations
Being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst the proportion of alcohol in your breath exceeds the legal limit and all other drinking & driving related offences.
Drink or Drug Driving
Road Traffic and Motoring Offences
We have a team of specialist and highly experienced drink driving lawyers across England and Wales that will investigate all elements of your alleged drink driving offence and commence building your defence as soon as possible. We provide legal representation and advise our clients at a time and place that suits them.
If you are prosecuted for a drink driving offence, you need expert legal advice and representation, we are experts in this field and want you to have the best chance of contesting the charge.
We will look at every aspect of the charge, from the initial roadside stop through to the charging decision—we leave no stone uncovered. Our lawyers will be with you from start to finish, working tirelessly to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved.
There is a lawful procedure for stopping a vehicle, arrest and taking evidential specimens of either breath, blood or urine. If a police officer fails to follow these procedures correctly, then this can lead to your case being thrown out of court.
If you do not achieve your desired outcome because of sub-standard or no representation and are subsequently convicted of drink driving in England or Wales, you will face an automatic 12-month disqualification from driving (at minimum) and a criminal record. You could lose your livelihood, if you drive as part of your job, and even receive a custodial sentence.
We offer a FREE telephone advice service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which could save your driving licence and help avoid a criminal record. Please call today on 0121 340 1000.
Taxi Licensing
Taxi (Hackney Carriage) and Private Hire Vehicle Licence Holders
We regularly represent professional drivers who find themselves involved in licensing disputes, whether their current licence has been suspended or revoked, or they have had a new application or renewal refused.
Often a Local Authority or TFL may assess a driver as falling below the standard of what they consider a fit and proper person and refuse to grant or renew a licence application, or in some circumstances, they may revoke or suspend an active licence.
This can occur for example where a driver has received a criminal conviction, or is under investigation by the police. Alternatively, it can occur where a driver has received complaints from members of the public or other drivers.
In such circumstances, we can assist the driver in appealing the decision. Sometimes this can be done through negotiation with the Local Authority and the submission of written representations.
It may be necessary to appeal the decision to the Magistrates’ Court.
There is a strict time limit of 21 days in which to lodge an appeal in taxi licensing matters.
These appeals are complex civil proceedings which require expert legal advice and assistance, not least because they can often result in a loss of livelihood and the other party’s costs being awarded against you.
As licensing disputes have strict time limits for appealing a decision, it is therefore crucial that we are contacted as soon as possible if you have received a suspension or revocation notice, or had an application reused.
We can advise and assist you upon all such aspects.
Conspiracy Offences
Our serious crime department is highly respected and is renowned for its high acquittals, fearless defence, and overall success rates.
The central element of a criminal conspiracy is the agreement by two or more individuals to carry out a criminal act, meaning an offence is committed even if no further action is taken following the agreement. If you have been accused of conspiring to commit a criminal offence, it is essential that you seek proper legal representation immediately.
To speak to a solicitor if allegations of conspiring have been made against you, contact us on 0121 340 1000 or 07977 555 555 or fill in our online enquiry form and we will be happy to advise and assist.
About Conspiracy Offences
Conspiracy offences can take many forms, including conspiring to:
• Commit fraud
• Import drugs
• Supply drugs
• Launder money
• Commit cyber crime
• Commit terrorism
• Commit a violent act.
It can be difficult for the prosecution to prove its case, especially in complex conspiracies allegedly committed by many individuals over a lengthy period, where the nature and substance of alleged agreements may be unclear.
We will represent you with our highly experienced, driven yet friendly legal team will ensure that potential defences are fully explored.
To prove a conspiracy, the prosecution must be able to show two things:
• An agreement has been made between two or more parties
• The agreement is to commit a criminal offence
The agreement to commit an offence must include details of how the criminal act will be carried out.
If obviously a defendant is not aware of the plans, it will be difficult to be found guilty of conspiracy.
There may be present many reasonable plausible and innocent explanations from the client which can offer an explanation to the evidence which could avoid a guilty or adverse inference.
We will fully explore every and all possibilities and have the benefit of expertise and access to experts in all fields of enquiries, forensics , telecommunications, DNA, listening devices, cultures, technology and devices used in the commission of offences, CCTV, social media platforms, cell site, call data records etc..
People Trafficking
We have vast experience of defending people charged with human trafficking offences. The firm has dealt with many human trafficking offences and have the experience to advise you professionally and competently.
Human Trafficking is the action or practice of illegally transporting people from one country or area to another, typically for the purposes of forced labour or commercial, sexual or domestic exploitation and servitude.
It is considered as one of the most serious offences as trafficking into the UK for sexual exploitation under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and such offences carry a maximum sentence of imprisonment of 14 years.
Firearms
It includes any prohibited weapon, any component part of such a weapon and any accessory to such weapon designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing the weapon.
The weapons are defined in section 5 (1) of the Act and include machine guns, burst fire weapons, short-barrelled rifles, handguns, revolvers, self-loading shotguns and more.
If you are not sure whether a weapon would be contained within the minimum mandatory sentence offence, contact us for specialist firearms advice.
It is often the case that other forensic lines of enquiry will follow such as:
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Quasar testing
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Fingerprint analysis
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DNA testing
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Forensic Discharge residue (FDR)
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Compatibility of firearm together with any recovered ammunition.
Unexplained Wealth Orders
The UK has recently introduced unexplained wealth orders, which require individuals to explain their interest in specified property and the source of wealth used to acquire it.
They can act as a gateway to forfeit the property under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 or to acquire information which can be used to further other investigations.
It is essential to formulate an immediate strategy to challenge or respond to such orders.
Contact us immediately.
An unexplained wealth order can be made in respect of any property valued at more than £50,000, wherever in the world it is situated, if a court is satisfied that there is reasonable cause to believe a person has an interest in it and reasonable grounds to suspect that they would not have been able to obtain that property using their lawfully obtained income from known sources. The court must also be satisfied that the person against whom the order is made is a politically exposed person from a state outside the European Economic Area, a person about whom there are reasonable grounds to suspect involvement in serious crime, or is closely connected to a person in either one of those categories.
Once made, the person will be given a limited amount of time in which to respond. A failure to respond can be relied upon in civil recovery proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002: it reverses the burden of proof to require the person to prove that the property is not the proceeds of crime, rather than requiring the state to prove that it is. Regardless of whether civil recovery proceedings are commenced, the response can be used to inform other investigations, including criminal investigations.
Accordingly, it is essential to seek expert advice immediately upon receipt of an unexplained wealth order.
We have extensive experience advising clients affected by proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and unparalleled expertise in representing clients facing internationally focused investigation. Peters & Peters can help devise an appropriate strategy for those affected by unexplained wealth orders.
Pre-Charge Representation & Proactive Defence
We are able to challenge illegal arrests and searches, seek the return of seized property, point out flaws in the evidence and address legal errors by the investigators or prosecutors. In addition, we often advise clients to mount a pro-active defence exercise by gathering evidence from witnesses and experts to contradict the prosecution allegations so that charges cannot be justified under the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
We look to establish that there is insufficient evidence for our clients to be charged and/or that a prosecution would not be in the public interest. This involves creative, intensive and intelligent legal strategy and a ‘no stone unturned’ approach to pre-charge defence.
Crime
Our expert criminal defence lawyers, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have teams of specialist barristers and solicitors nationwide; . Whatever crime you are accused of we will work from your very first call to achieve the best possible result.
Whether you are worried about a criminal investigation, have been called for interview or have already been arrested and charged, our criminal defence lawyers can provide you with specialist legal advice, from one of the most highly skilled criminal defence law firms in the country.
Pre-Charge Advice and Representation
We are able to challenge illegal arrests and searches, seek the return of seized property, point out flaws in the evidence and address legal errors by the investigators or prosecutors. In addition, we often advise clients to mount a pro-active defence exercise by gathering evidence from witnesses and experts to contradict the prosecution allegations so that charges cannot be justified under the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
We look to establish that there is insufficient evidence for our clients to be charged and/or that a prosecution would not be in the public interest. This involves creative, intensive and intelligent legal strategy and a ‘no stone unturned’ approach to pre-charge defence.
Terrorism
We have vast experience of defending terrorism allegations. The firm’s reputation for committed and rigorous defence work means that we have attracted and defended some of the heaviest and serious criminal cases in the country.
Terrorism offences can be brought under:
• The Terrorism Act 2000
• The Anti-Terrorism, The Crime and Security Act 2001
• The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005
• The Terrorism Act 2006
• The Counter Terrorism Act 2008.
Typical offences include the following:
• Preparing for acts of terrorism
• Training for terrorism
• Dissemination of terrorist publications
• Possessing information for terrorist purposes
• Fund raising for terrorism
• Failure to disclose information which might be of assistance in preventing an act of terrorism
• Conspiracy to murder
• Conspiracy to cause explosives
Proceeds Of Crime
Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) & confiscation
We have a team of expert fraud lawyers experienced in dealing with cases involving confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA).
We often receive requests to take over cases after there has been a conviction so that we can deal with the confiscation proceedings.
Our reputation in this area is growing and we are often recommended by those we are already representing.
We deal with cases nationwide and have the expertise to deal with the difficult issues that arise in these cases.
Our experienced lawyers have the expertise and knowledge to look at the required level of detail to defend you.
Confiscation proceedings
When POCA came in there was a huge upsurge in confiscation proceedings. Prior to that, confiscation proceedings had been limited to the powers under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and the Drug Trafficking Act 1994. POCA extended the confiscation powers to financial crime and gave the courts wide ranging powers to confiscate assets and to make ‘assumptions’ as to how certain assets had been obtained. If an asset was said to be the benefit of criminal conduct, then potentially it could be confiscated. The court then looks to the available amount to find out what assets are held and the value of those assets. A confiscation order can be made in the sum of the benefit of criminal conduct or the sum of the available amount whichever figure is the lower. If this sum remains unpaid then a term of imprisonment can be imposed for non-payment. POCA also introduced a series of criminal offences relating to money laundering.
Confiscation proceedings only take place after someone has been convicted of an offence. Often the Prosecuting authority will take the view that the offences involved constitute a ‘criminal lifestyle’ under the Act. This can be done if the offence was said to have taken place over a period of six months or more. This means that the court can consider any items or acquisitions from the 6 years preceding the date of the commencement of the proceedings. The court is then entitled to assume that any transaction within that period is the proceeds of crime and it is up to the defendant to prove that it isn’t.
As a result of this the benefit of crime figure may be much higher than you first think. An example of this would be if some of the money gained from the crime is used to pay off part of a mortgage. This payment would then ‘taint’ the rest of the property and the entire equity in the property would be a benefit of the crime not just the mortgage payment figure.
We do not simply accept the Prosecution’s view of the benefit of crime and ensure that the figures are meticulously challenged.
We often instruct forensic accountants to assist with this to counter problems such as ‘double counting’ of assets. We always have it in mind that the higher this figure is, then the higher a possible term of imprisonment could be if there is a non-payment following a confiscation order. Our clients’ liberty is paramount.
Proceeds of crime & confiscation
How can we help?
Our solicitors have an excellent track record for getting the benefit figure reduced. We keep up to date with any changes on the law to ensure we have every opportunity to argue that the prosecution have their figures wrong.
It is often the case that a defendant does not have any assets and so initially is not concerned about POCA.
We still fight the benefit figure even in those circumstances to protect any future assets. Often defendants are unaware of the fact that confiscation order lasts a lifetime and if the defendant were to get any assets in the future then the prosecution can apply to the court to take any future assets into account. This means that you are never safe until you have paid the entire benefit figure.
This is why it is important to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s assertions so that if you have a windfall in the future, it can be protected.
‘Hidden assets’
Another issue that is often a surprise to a defendant is the issue of ‘hidden assets’. If the benefit of crime figure is far higher than the available assets, then it is for the defendant to account for the shortfall. It is open for the court to say that any difference is as a result of the defendant hiding the proceeds of crime. If the court takes the view that a defendant has siphoned off money elsewhere in order to hide it then the court can make a confiscation order reflecting that regarding of the fact a defendant has no assets on the face of it. In order to prevent this happening it is extremely important for a pro-active approach to the confiscation.
At A.k. Legal we always ensure that every transaction as far as possibly is accounted for to reduce the risk of having a ‘hidden assets’ finding against you.
Expert legal advice
We believe that for anyone facing such proceedings it is important that the legal team has the requisite experience to ensure that our clients’ liberty is protected. This may include detailed knowledge of issues such as trust funds, pensions, overseas assets and third party interests.
Our team has expertise in all areas pertaining to financial asset recovery and rest assured that we will fight to protect those assets that should not come within these orders.
We have the skills to deal with all manner of cases ranging from very low value to very high value. In respect of high value cases, it is paramount that your Solicitor has the requisite commercial knowledge in order to protect you as far as possible.
Our experienced team of fraud lawyers has the expertise and knowledge to look at the required level of detail to defend you.
Crash For Cash
Crash for cash – or cash for crash – is a form of motor insurance fraud which may also involve making a personal injury claim for hard-to-diagnose conditions such as whiplash injury, back pain or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Disproving allegations of crash for cash can involve technical expertise according to the circumstances of the crash.
Those facing allegations of crash for cash may have a history of road traffic accidents and related injuries – or may simply be motorists caught up in a scam whose car was also involved in the faked road accident.
Motor insurance companies now thoroughly investigate any suspicions that crash for cash has taken place – and a case may go to trial if sufficient evidence is obtained that a road crash was deliberately engineered for the purpose of making an insurance claim.
We offer expert legal advice even before a formal investigation into crash for cash is launched – or if an individual or group of people fear they may face allegations or charges relating to crash for cash.
We regularly defend those facing investigation for serious fraud – including crash for cash.
Internet & Cyber Crime
Cyber Crime has increased, more and more people are being investigated and prosecuted. We have substantial experience of defending suspects of internet and cybercrime offences.
Cybercrime refers to any type of crime that can be committed online. The commission of crime online allows someone to hide both their identity and their location. This can then prove extremely difficult for the police to trace the identity of any offenders. Such crimes can include the following:
• Internet fraud
• Identity theft
• Cyberstalking
• Cyber terrorism
• Phishing scams
• Hacking
• Credit card fraud
Serious Fraud
Fraud lawyers available nationwide
We are expert fraud defence lawyers, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have teams of specialist barristers and solicitors nationwide, including London and the South East, the Midlands and the North.
Whatever the type of fraud you are accused of we will work from your very first call to achieve the best possible defence and result.
If you are worried about a fraud investigation, have been called for interview or have already been arrested and charged, we can provide you with specialist legal advice, from one of our highly skilled fraud defence lawyers.
Take Legal Advice Now
Never avoid taking advice about a fraud investigation, as delay can be fatal, with every day carrying the risk that your assets may be restrained under the Proceeds of Crime Act. And never communicate with the police or any fraud investigation agency without first speaking to a specialist fraud lawyer – even honest and innocent mistakes, in what you tell them, can be held against you if your case reaches the criminal courts.
VAT & Carousel Fraud
Our serious crime department is highly respected and is renowned for its high acquittals, fearless defence and overall success rates.
If you are worried about a fraud investigation, or have already been arrested or charged, speak to one of our specialist fraud defence lawyers today. The early stages of any fraud case are critical to the outcome.
What We Cover:
• HMRC Criminal Investigations
• SFO Investigations
• Police Economic Crime Enquiries
• DWP Investigations
• NHS Protect Investigations
• Conspiracy to Defraud
• Fraud Act 2006
• Fraudulent Trading
• False Accounting
• Money laundering
• Trading Standards & Copyright Theft
• Proceeds of Crime & Restraint Orders
Tax & Investigation Prosecutions
Tax Investigations can be very stressful and time consuming.
Our Tax Investigations Team aims to provide you with specialist advice to minimise the stress and anxiety that an HMRC investigation may cause.
We endeavour to resolve the tax investigation in the most efficient and cost effective manner whilst minimising your tax exposure wherever possible.
We can represent you in the whole range of tax investigations from voluntary disclosures and those conducted at local compliance level right through to cases of serious tax fraud and tax evasion under HMRC’s Code of Practice 9 (COP9) – Contractual Disclosure Facility conducted by HMRC’s Specialist Investigations team. We also provide VAT Inspection advice and specialise in VAT Fraud cases.
We operate on the basis that all clients receive the highest levels of professional representation, service, courtesy, and value for money. If you are subject to a tax investigation by HMRC, call today on our 24 hour helpline to discuss how we can assist.
Benefit Fraud Investigations
Our serious crime department is highly respected and is renowned for its high acquittals, fearless defence, and overall success rates.
If you are accused of benefit fraud by the Department of Work and Pensions you will need specialised legal representation by an experienced solicitor.
We are specialists in dealing with cases of alleged benefit fraud and we will mount a strong defence on your behalf.
If you are arrested you should ask for a Solicitor at the earliest opportunity.
Usually, the DWP will write to you and invite you in for an interview. We will represent you at this interview to ensure your legal rights and defence are provided.
Contact us immediately so that we can contact the benefits fraud investigator on your behalf.
We are highly experienced in these matters and have avoided clients being prosecuted and saved them from a criminal record.
What is Benefit Fraud?
Allegations of Benefit Fraud can arise for a number of reasons, such as:
• Not keeping the DWP up to date with changes to your circumstances, for example your income, leading to being overpaid
• Intentionally misleading the DWP in order to receive benefits which you are not entitled to
We will represent you and prepare a defence on your behalf and or mitigation.
We will take your instructions to prepare statements for the DWP and we will liaise with them on your behalf. We will also ensure that any mitigating factors are taken into account by the financial investigators.
Not all cases of benefit fraud result in criminal prosecution. In some cases it may be possible to negotiate the repayment of any benefits to which you were not entitled over a period of time, with no criminal charges being pursued.
Contact us to speak to one of our specialist criminal defence lawyers.
Mortgage Fraud
Fraud Defence Experts
Our fraud defence team has a wealth of experience in all areas of fraud law, including HMRC criminal investigations, SFO matters, financial services cases, bank fraud and all police fraud squad inquiries.
We know that your reputation as well as your liberty are at stake and we fiercely defend our clients, whilst maintaining complete confidentiality and professionalism, to minimise any damage to your reputation.
Money Laundering
Our serious crime department is highly respected and is renowned for its high acquittals, fearless defence and overall success rates.
Our team is continually instructed to act for clients who are subjected to police station attendance, court appearances and criminal proceedings for Money Laundering offences.
It is vital that clients instruct specialist lawyers, who have the ability to react quickly to each case and begin to prepare a robust defence for the client. We have been requested to represent clients on serious charges of Money Laundering involving companies and banks across the world. We frequently advise the instruction of specialist forensic accountants to assist in the preparation and presentation of the defence in Money Laundering cases.
At Hussain Solicitors we are well positioned to channel our expertise to deal with alleged Money Laundering and to decipher the pressing issues of your case then react concisely and properly to the allegations. This is an area where pro-active defence investigations can bring real value by establishing the legitimate source of funds or casting doubt on the client’s state of knowledge about the criminal background.
Money Laundering
We have vast experience of defending money laundering cases or cases of Possession of Criminal Property. The firm’s reputation for committed and rigorous defence work means that we attract some of the most noted or media attracting and serious criminal cases in the country.
Money laundering is an act which constitutes an offence under the sections or a conspiracy or an attempt to commit such an offence.
The maximum sentence for a money laundering offence is 14 years imprisonment.