BUSINESS CRIME SOLICITORS: WHITE COLLAR DEFENCE & CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS
Our Business Crime Solicitors are specialists in advising and representing individuals and businesses facing a wide range of serious charges.
Allegations of criminal activity and criminal investigations can be extremely damaging to a company or individual, and our solicitors understand just how complex business crime cases can be. We therefore recommend clients seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure a swift response to the accusation and the best chance of a successful outcome. We are however happy to take on your case at any stage.
If you or your business are currently facing charges for a business crime, call Draycott Browne today on +44 (0)161 266 7085.
HOW OUR BUSINESS CRIME SOLICITORS CAN HELP YOU
If you or your business is facing investigation for a serious crime, such as money laundering or corporate manslaughter, Draycott Browne is here to help. We will provide you with advice and representation through every step of the following proceedings:
- Police station attendance
- Interviews with authorities
- Investigation processes
- Preparing your case for trial
- Trial
From the moment you instruct us, we will work with you to assess and review your business operations. We will not only defend you against current investigations, but also to protect you against further allegations. We will help you to understand your professional and personal rights, while also working to protect your business and reputation.
By thoroughly examining your current business model, we will help you to navigate current employment laws and regulations. We can highlight areas of concern, and understand what is expected of your business. You will be able to successfully avoid the risk of accusations and potential prosecution in the future.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin to act on your behalf, which will put you in the strongest position possible. Do not delay. The moment you have been informed that you or your business is under investigation for a crime, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.
What is business crime?
Business crime is also known as ‘white collar crime’. It is the group of nonviolent crimes committed by employees in the course of their occupation. Such crimes include fraud, bribery, money laundering, false accounting, tax fraud, Ponzi schemes, embezzlement, insider trading, cyber-crime, intellectual property infringement, racketeering, identity theft, and forgery etc.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUSINESS CRIME?
- Bribery
- Computer and Internet crimes
- Corporate Manslaughter
- Credit card fraud
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- False accounting
- Financial crimes
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Insurance fraud
- Insider trading
- Investment fraud
- Missing Trader Intra-Community (‘MTIC’) and carousel fraud
- Money laundering
- Operating without a licence
- Pension fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Tax and VAT fraud
The use of specialist government departments, new regulatory powers and technological development has led to an increase in business crime detection as well as prosecutions.
OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE
We handle allegations of financial crime and health and safety breaches through to trading standards prosecutions. We pride ourselves on successfully representing clients in a wide variety of business crime cases, specialising in the following areas:
When a fatal accident occurs at work, charges of corporate manslaughter can be brought, with investigations carried out by the police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). You will need the best professionals working on your behalf to navigate this difficult and complex situation. Our highly skilled team of solicitors at Draycott Browne can offer you the specialist advice, guidance and legal expertise that you need.
Allegations of corporate manslaughter can be stressful for both individuals and businesses. We are here to support you from the initial investigations through to any resulting court proceedings.
Money laundering is, in essence, possessing, using, concealing or facilitating the acquisition of criminal property, such as money or goods. We fully understand the far reaching consequences for anyone facing allegations of this sort. That is why our experienced legal team can help and support you throughout the process offering professional guidance and advice.
At Draycott Browne, we specialise in the three key areas: serious high value fraud, benefit fraud and tax evasion.
Cases regarding financial services can be challenging and complex but our solicitors will use their wealth of experience in this area to deal with the complexities and technicalities that will inevitably arise.
Our specialist team combines comprehensive business and legal knowledge to ensure you have the best representation possible to guide you through the judicial process and beyond.
We have over 17 years' experience in dealing with key enforcement agencies, including:
- The Serious Fraud Office
- The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
- Trading Standards
- The Office of Fair Trading
- The Crown Prosecution Service
- The Financial Conduct Authority
- HM Revenue and Customs
Our solicitors communicate with local authorities and enforcement agencies on your behalf. We will keep you up to date on your case and reduce stress during what can be a complex process.
BUSINESS CRIME LEGISLATION
The Companies Act 2006
The Companies Act 2006 is the main piece of legislation governing company law in the UK. It contains over 1,300 sections covering the lawful act of doing business and there is a surprisingly large number of criminal offences set out in the Act. The majority of these can be committed not only by the company itself but also by its directors and officers.
However, only a very small number of offences committed under the Act result in any action being taken, let alone prosecution.
More serious offences including those related to convening the rules against fraudulent trading could face a fine and up to ten years in jail on conviction in the Crown Court.
A conviction for any offence under the Act is also likely to lead to disqualification proceedings. The director may be deemed to be ‘unfit’ to act as a company director.
The Bribery Act 2010 (Bribery Act)
The penalties for committing a crime under the Bribery Act are a maximum of 10 years’ in prison, an unlimited fine and the potential for the confiscation of property. A prosecution for bribery and corruption crimes is also likely to result in the disqualification of directors under the Company Directors Disqualification Act.
The main body responsible for enforcing the Bribery Act is the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
WHAT IS THE COMPANY DIRECTOR’S DISQUALIFICATION ACT?
The Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 sets out the procedures for company directors to be disqualified in certain cases.
The effect of the order is to prevent people convicted of business crime from being involved in running another business during the period of the disqualification.
A company director would be disqualified if, for example, the person is convicted of an offence in connection with illegal business practices. Or if, while the company is winding up, it appears the person has been guilty of an offence for which they are liable.
The maximum period for the disqualification order is 15 years.
CONTACT DRAYCOTT BROWNE TODAY
Our Business Crime Lawyers and White Collar Solicitors are part of the wider team of nationally recognised Criminal Defence Lawyers. Contact our Business Crime Solicitors today by calling 0161 228 2244. If you would like us to contact you, simply fill in our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.
As a leading Criminal Law firm, we regularly act for corporate and high profile clients and directors in London and throughout the North West, including Manchester and Liverpool. When in need of expert legal representation and following allegations of white collar crime and regulatory investigations, expert legal representation is vital. By entrusting your case to us, you can be assured that you will be working with a highly skilled and experienced team. Our Business Crime Solicitors have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the law.
Our legal team is available 7 days a week. If you or your business need expert legal representation, call Draycott Browne today on +44 (0)161 266 7085 or complete our contact form. When your business faces the stiffest challenge, you cannot afford to settle for anything less than Draycott Browne. Call our business crime team.
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