We understand the gravity of being investigated or facing prosecution for serious fraud. Our solicitors can direct you through every step of an investigation, or defend you against any charges.
Serious fraud is organised, high in value and often takes place over a long period of time, involving multiple people. As serious fraud is more complex, it’s investigated and prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) rather than the police and CPS.
Our expert serious fraud solicitors have years of experience helping clients through SFO investigations. We can navigate the investigation process to help limit its impact and protect your best interests at every stage.
If you’re being investigated for serious fraud, or you’re worried about facing prosecution, contact our specialist serious fraud solicitors as soon as possible on 0808 159 9175, or get in touch online.
How Can We Help?
Our expert serious fraud solicitors can help you with every stage of the investigation or prosecution. We can help you prepare for and attend interviews, gather evidence to support your case, or represent you at trial to give you the strongest defence possible.
We have a wealth of experience in representing clients at interviews under caution, the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal, including:
- Acting for clients who’re under SFO investigation or prosecution
- Acting for clients going through confiscation proceedings after being convicted for serious fraud
- Advising and representing clients going through Account Freezing Order and Restraint Order proceedings
- Helping direct clients through bribery and corruption charges
- Helping direct clients through money laundering charges
- Advising and representing clients going through proceedings relating to Unexplained Wealth Orders.
SFO investigations are often complex and can take place over many months or sometimes even years. We understand this can have a devastating impact on your life, so it’s best that you instruct specialist defence lawyers as early as possible.
What’s The Process For SFO Investigations?
The SFO will likely first contact you when they suspect you’re involved in fraud. They’ll ask you to attend an interview for a criminal investigation, under caution. If the SFO believes you’re involved in large-scale fraud, they can issue you with a notice to compel you to attend an interview or hand over documents.
The SFO will have already gathered evidence against you before they bring you in for an interview. They can compel other people to provide information about you through documents or an interview. They’ll gather detailed statements from potential witnesses, whistle-blowers or victims and the SFO also has the power to issue search warrants.
If the SFO believes they have enough evidence to convict you, they’ll bring charges against you.
Once the SFO decides to prosecute you, they may seek to recover any money you received in connection with the serious fraud, through ‘confiscation proceedings’. They may also try to freeze or restrain your assets. If convicted, you could serve up to 10 years in prison.
It’s best if you contact specialist fraud lawyers as early as possible. Fraud lawyers can provide tactical advice on how best to cooperate with the SFO, making sure your best interests are protected throughout.
How Can I Fund My Case?
Our clients often fund their own case with us, but some clients can’t afford to. Insurance policies can help fund your case and you can also use legal aid funding if you’re financially eligible. We can advise you about what’s available to you in your initial meeting with us.
We’ll always discuss the likely costs of your case at the start and we’ll keep you updated regularly throughout the case. We always aim to keep costs as low as possible.
Who’s In Our Team?
Partner, Jason Newall, and senior associate, Tina Lakhani, are both highly experienced in representing clients who’re under SFO investigation and prosecution.
Jason Newall has a proven record of providing realistic advice and he works closely with his team to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.
Tina Lakhani is a highly experienced criminal lawyer who specialises in representing clients who’re under criminal or regulatory investigation, particularly concerning serious financial fraud.
Meet our team.
Are We Available 24/7?
We understand that our clients may need us at any time. Therefore, we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0808 291 3945.
Why Choose Us?
Our expert Regulatory and Criminal lawyers work together to share their expertise to make sure we secure the best outcome possible for our clients.
We know fraud investigations can often lead to further civil action for restitution. Because we’re a full service law firm, our clients benefit from our working closely with our in-house commercial litigation team.
As one of the largest law firms in the UK with offices nationwide, we can help you wherever you’re based. We can also offer flexibility in our fees, making our services more accessible and affordable.
Testimonials
"Jason Newall – New head of department, is a strong solicitor and a good generator of work" - Legal 500, 2022
"They have a neat crossover between fraud and regulatory work; the team has the ability to recognise how to get clients out of trouble." - Chambers & Partners, 2019
Contact Us Today
If you’re being investigated for serious fraud, or you’re worried about facing prosecution, contact our specialist serious fraud solicitors anytime on 0808 159 9175, or get in touch online.
For general enquiries
0808 291 3524
Or we can call you back at a time of your choice
Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year