Criminal Fraud Solicitors
A fraud investigation can upend your life before a single charge is ever brought. If you’re under investigation, attending a voluntary interview, or simply unsure what comes next, our criminal fraud solicitors in Manchester, Sale and Chester will give you straight-talking advice from day one.
Contact Us
Talk to one of our team members on 0330 111 3131 or via our online enquiry form.
What is criminal fraud?
Criminal fraud is the act of dishonestly making a false representation, abusing a position of trust, or failing to disclose information in order to make a gain or cause a loss to another person. In England and Wales, fraud offences are primarily governed by the Fraud Act 2006. Fraud is now one of the most common types of crime in the country, and prosecutions can involve individuals, company directors, employees, and professionals across a wide range of sectors. Allegations do not need to involve large sums of money to be treated seriously, even minor discrepancies in financial data can form the basis of an investigation.
How our criminal fraud solicitors can help
Fraud defence solicitors in Manchester, Sale and Chester
We represent individuals and businesses at every stage of a fraud matter, from the first sign of an investigation through to trial and, if necessary, appeal.
Fraud investigations and voluntary interviews
Being under investigation for fraud, even without charge, can have serious consequences for your career, reputation, and personal life. Our fraud defence solicitors advise clients at the pre-charge stage, including at voluntary police interviews, helping to ensure the right approach is taken from the outset.
Types of fraud allegation we defend
We have experience across the full range of fraud allegations, including:
- False representation to lenders, investors, customers, or public bodies
- Abuse of position by directors, employees, or regulated professionals
- Failure to disclose information where a legal duty exists
- Grant and loan fraud, including COVID-era support scheme allegations
- Expense and benefit fraud within employment or regulated roles
- Account and mandate fraud involving disputed authority over funds
- Complex commercial disputes reframed as fraud through financial data or hindsight
SFO, HMRC, and regulatory investigations
Fraud investigations are not always led by the police. The Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, the National Crime Agency, and the Financial Conduct Authority all have powers to investigate and prosecute fraud offences. We advise clients facing scrutiny from any of these bodies.
Asset freezing and restraint orders
A restraint order can be applied for at any point during a fraud investigation, freezing your accounts and assets before any charge is brought. We act quickly to challenge freezing orders and protect access to funds wherever possible.
What to expect from our fraud solicitors
- Initial consultation
You tell us what’s happening and we listen without judgement and give you an honest assessment of where you stand. Most clients come to us at the investigation stage, often before any formal action has been taken.
- Early case strategy
We review the available information and identify the key issues early. In fraud cases, assumptions based on financial data can harden into allegations quickly, challenging them at this stage carries far more weight than waiting for charge.
- Representation through investigation
We engage with investigators on your behalf, attend any interviews with you, and manage disclosure. This stage can last months or, in complex cases, years.
- Preparing your defence
If a charge follows, we build your case thoroughly: scrutinising the evidence, instructing experts where needed, and advising you clearly at every step through to court.
Why choose Slater Heelis as your criminal fraud solicitors
Award-winning criminal defence team
We won Criminal Law Team of the Year at the Manchester Legal Awards in 2022 and were finalists again in 2025. We’re also listed in The Times Best Law Firms for 2026. With over 1,400 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 on ReviewSolicitors, our clients trust us when it matters most.
Specialist experience as fraud defence solicitors
Our criminal defence solicitors have direct experience representing individuals and businesses facing fraud allegations across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, from early-stage investigations through to Crown Court proceedings. We regularly act in cases involving the police, HMRC, the Serious Fraud Office, and the National Crime Agency.
Straight-talking advice from solicitors who know fraud cases
Fraud investigations move slowly, but the decisions you make at the start carry significant weight. We’re based in Manchester, Sale and Chester, with solicitors available across the North West when you need them, whether that’s attending a voluntary police interview or responding to an unexpected asset freeze. We understand how these investigations develop, how financial data gets misread, and where weak cases can be challenged before they ever reach charge.
Facing a fraud investigation is serious, and the decisions you make early on can shape everything that follows. Our solicitors are ready to step in, engage with investigators on your behalf and work towards the best possible outcome for you.
Call us on 0330 111 3131 or contact us via our online enquiry form to speak with our criminal defence team.
Our offices in Manchester, Sale and Chester are open for face-to-face meetings. We’ll deal directly with the police, HMRC, or any other investigating authority on your behalf, keep you informed at every stage and give you straightforward advice in plain English, so you always know exactly where you stand.
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