Coverage from the media is rarely kind when there is a negative outcome in these circumstances.
Having successfully defended organisations across all industries, we know every step of the process inside out. As a full-service firm, we are able to call on the expertise of our commercial, construction and litigation specialists whenever necessary to build the strongest possible case for you.
Vast Experience to Guide You
There are various different types of business crime, and to protect the reputation, value, and future trading or your business, you need to be able to put your full trust in a business crime lawyer who will guide you through the process from start to finish.
No matter the size or geographical location of an organisation, only the best legal representation and advice will do when it comes to business crime. Our criminal defence specialist team are experienced in representing businesses of all kinds for a vast array of alleged offences.
White-collar crime, as it is sometimes referred to, is not limited to businesses. It also encompasses individuals who are prominent in business, politics and the public eye.
Protect your business; instruct an expert
Rest assured our department has a proven track record in reaching effective resolutions within reasonable time frames. As your trusted business crime solicitor, we’re here to protect your reputation, safeguard your assets and maintain day-to-day operations wherever possible.
Head of our Business Crime & Regulation team, Rachel Fletcher is renowned throughout the North of England for supporting business owners, directors and corporations facing criminal investigation.
Variations of business crime & regulation
Please seek advice from a professional as soon as you receive notice of an alleged business crime or investigation. The sooner you reach out to a business crime and regulation solicitor, the sooner we can examine the case, talk you through the options of approach and discuss a realistic outcome.
Financial Crime
The umbrella of financial crime is broad-reaching. It is what most of the reported business crimes are classified under.
Financial crime can relate to activity such as fraud and embezzlement, tax fraud, money laundering or false accounting, to name a few.
There can be stark differences in the severity of a charge, depending on the type of financial crime and extent of it. Speak to our experts for further information on severity and maximum sentences.
Health and Safety breaches
In the most serious of cases, depending on the nature of your business, there could be accusations of corporate manslaughter. When an accident at work becomes fatal, there can be severe consequences for the employer.
Again, it is crucial to speak with an expert business crime solicitor as soon as you can.
Specialist Business Crime and Regulation Defence
Do not hesitate to consult our specialists when suspected of criminal activity. We believe that every party is entitled to a defence and the earlier you seek advice, the more rounded a defence we can work to build.
If you need to speak to an expert business crime and regulation solicitor, contact our team today on 0161 969 3131 or simply fill in our online contact form to arrange an initial consultation.
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Can I get a tax solicitor for an HMRC Investigation?
Tax laws in the UK are getting ever more complex. If HMRC suspects that you have under-reported income or underpaid tax, then an initial inquiry will take place. Often these are resolved quickly, but if they are not, a full investigation will begin.
If you are subject to an HMRC investigation, there could be a risk of significant fines and tarnishing of reputation. In the most extreme cases, you could face criminal charges.
The complexities of tax can be difficult to navigate, and we strongly advise that you seek expert advice from a business crime and tax solicitor before HMRC moves forward with an investigation.
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What happens if my business is suspected of a bribery offence?
Failure to prevent bribery is a criminal offence, and all employees should be made clear of this, as individuals involved may be held liable, not just the business itself.
The Bribery Act 2010 was introduced to tighten up laws on bribery both in the UK and abroad.
Business owners must ensure that robust policies are in place, but in the event of a breach, it is imperative to seek legal advice from a bribery solicitor who is experienced in defending business crime.
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What happens when accused of money laundering?
It is highly encouraged to seek legal advice if you are accused of money laundering. Allegations can cause disruption not only to the suspected individual but to their families and business partners, too. This can put extra pressure on these people because they are expected to have been ‘in on it’.
Seeking advice from a professional is paramount to making an investigation run as smoothly as possible towards a favourable outcome.
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What constitutes a financial crime?
The breadth of financial crime includes money laundering, bribery and corruption, market abuse, insider trading, terrorist financing and fraud.
Financial crime is taken very seriously. It can sometimes bring a business to the ground, so allegations of financial crime are thoroughly investigated. The police have growing power to examine potential financial offences.
Be confident that you have the best support possible for the entirety of your investigation by choosing a respected financial crime solicitor with a great track record.
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What happens in a criminal investigation for financial crime?
If you are suspected of committing financial crime, your business and / or home are likely to be searched by law enforcers executing a warrant and you are likely to be forced to hand over documents or information, including, potentially, those of your spouse or business partner.
In the most serious of instances, your property and electronic devices may be seized for inspection, and there may be consequences to your personal and business assets.
You may be charged with a criminal offence if evidence is found to support the allegation, and in severe cases, face prosecution.
It is crucial to have a financial crime defence solicitor by your side throughout the investigation. Not only will it be complex, but it is draining, stressful and can be traumatic.
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What are the consequences of breaching regulations?
The severity of the punishment will depend on the severity of the breach and the impact it has had on individuals or businesses.
In most cases, there is the possibility of a fine, which can be quite large. More severe instances may lead to a fine and imprisonment. The right to practice within the particular field can also be revoked.
It is crucial to seek professional legal advice at the soonest opportunity to ensure that you can get the best possible outcome for the circumstances you are in. Contact a regulatory defence solicitor as soon as there are concerns that you will be investigated, and we will do all that we can to help.
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What happens if I am called to a Coroner's inquest?
When a post-mortem shows that a death is not from natural causes, or if somebody has died under arrest or in prison, the Coroner can investigate the cause of death.
If you are called to a coroner’s inquest as a witness, you will have to provide a witness statement, so that the coroner can establish the cause of death.
Should you be called as a witness, we can assist in the drafting of witness statements to ensure that all of the relevant information is included in your statement. It can be a stressful experience, and so our regulatory defence solicitors will ensure that you are aware of any risks and well-prepared for any difficult questions you may face.
Our expert team of regulatory defence lawyers can also provide practical advice on any further investigations that may follow, such as criminal proceedings or referral to your regulator.