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Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors

At Draycott Browne, our Conspiracy to Defraud Lawyers provide strategic legal defence for individuals and businesses facing serious fraud allegations. Allegations of conspiracy to defraud are often high risk, move quickly and may involve allegations of dishonesty based entirely on conversations or agreements, even where no fraud has actually occurred.

Conspiracy to defraud is a common law offence. It applies when two or more people are believed to have agreed to cause another party financial or proprietary loss through dishonest means. If you are under investigation or have been accused, it is vital to act quickly. Even without evidence that any fraud occurred, a charge can still lead to prosecution in the Crown Court.

Our Conspiracy to Defraud Lawyers act immediately to protect your position. We advise clients from the earliest stages, attend police interviews, engage with investigators and begin building a strong defence strategy based on the facts. Everything we do is guided by our commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

Draycott Browne is recognised nationally for our expertise in serious fraud. With over 25 years of experience, we have built a reputation for precision, determination and results. Our fraud department is led by Rob Mann, one of the firm’s directors and Head of Fraud. His leadership in high-value conspiracy and financial crime matters makes him a key figure in this area of law, ensuring every matter is approached with strategic focus and expert oversight.

If you are under investigation, have been arrested, or believe you may be accused of conspiracy to defraud, early legal advice is essential. Contact Draycott Browne now to speak directly with an experienced Conspiracy to Defraud Lawyers and take immediate steps to protect your future.

How our Conspiracy to Defraud Lawyers Can Help

If you are facing allegations of conspiracy to defraud, our solicitors will take immediate steps to protect your position. From the moment you make contact, we provide clear legal advice, manage communications with investigators, and begin preparing a strong defence strategy tailored to your situation.

We help clients at every stage of proceedings, including during the earliest stages when the right advice can make a decisive difference. Our Conspiracy to Defraud Lawyers can:

  • Provide immediate advice following arrest or notification of investigation
  • Attend and represent you during interviews under caution
  • Advise on your rights and how to respond to investigator requests
  • Communicate directly with law enforcement and prosecuting authorities
  • Review and challenge the evidence put forward by the prosecution
  • Prepare a defence strategy based on the facts and legal issues
  • Represent you robustly in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court
  • Help protect your reputation and professional standing throughout proceedings

Conspiracy cases can escalate quickly and often without warning. Early legal advice from experienced fraud solicitors is essential to protect your rights and strengthen your defence. Our team is available now to advise you, represent you at every stage, and begin building a robust defence strategy tailored to your case.​​​​​

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Our legal team is available 7 days a week

Criminal Defence Expertise for Conspiracy to Defraud Offences

Robert Mann Criminal Defence Lawyer

How I Take Control of the Investigation

Robert Mann | Fraud Defence Lawyer

"I don't believe in waiting for the prosecution to make the first move. Success in fraud defence is built in the months before you ever step into a courtroom. We use that time to dismantle the case against you piece by piece, auditing every document and challenging every assumption. When we take control, we aren't just reacting to the investigation; we are leading it."

Arrested or facing an urgent interview? Call me now on the 24/7 emergency number at the top of this page for immediate advice.

 

 

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Our Specialist conspiracy to deFraud Lawyers

Shaun Draycott

Shaun Draycott

Managing Director & Serious Crime Solicitor
Rob Mann

Rob Mann

Director & Serious Crime Solicitor
Venessa Schweitzer

Venessa Schweitzer

Consultant Litigator
Caitlin Cardwell

Caitlin Cardwell

Crown Court Litigator
Meet the Team

What is Conspiracy to Defraud?

Conspiracy to defraud is a common law offence. It applies when two or more people are alleged to have agreed to act dishonestly and cause another party financial or proprietary loss. The offence lies in the agreement itself. It is not necessary for the fraud to have been carried out.

The common-law offence of conspiracy to defraud is expressly preserved by section 5(2) of the The Criminal Law Act 1977. Section 12 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987 also confirms that a conspiracy to defraud charge may still be brought where the agreed course of conduct would itself involve the commission of another criminal offence.

In practice, these cases often involve financial documents, digital communications or conduct that prosecutors say indicates a shared dishonest purpose. Individuals may be charged even if their role was limited, or if they did not personally benefit.

If you are under investigation, it is vital to seek legal advice from a solicitor with experience in conspiracy cases at the earliest opportunity.

What Should I Do If I Am Arrested on Suspicion of Conspiracy to Defraud?

If you are arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview, do not answer questions until you have spoken to a qualified criminal defence solicitor. These cases carry serious consequences, and what you say at this stage can have a lasting effect on the strength of your defence.

During any police interview, you have the right to remain silent. The police will caution you by saying that you do not have to say anything, but that anything you do say may be used in evidence. Interviews can be highly pressurised. Without legal advice, it is easy to make statements that may later be misinterpreted or used against you.

You have the legal right to free representation while in police custody. You can ask for the duty solicitor or request a lawyer with experience in conspiracy to defraud cases, such as a member of our team. We strongly advise against attending an interview unsupported.

The police may also seek access to your phone or other digital devices. Whether you are legally required to provide access, passwords or encryption information will depend on the powers being exercised. In some circumstances, investigators can serve a formal notice requiring disclosure of protected information under Part III of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

You should obtain legal advice before responding to any request or formal notice concerning access to encrypted devices or data, as failing to comply with a lawful requirement can itself have serious consequences.

Early decisions matter. Contact Draycott Browne as soon as possible if you have been arrested or invited to an interview. Our Conspiracy to Defraud Lawyers are available 24 hours a day to provide urgent legal advice and support.

Specialist Conspiracy to Defraud Lawyers

  • 24/7 Availability
  • Proven Success in High Profile Cases
  • Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation

Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Conspiracy to Defraud Defence Lawyers today.

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24 Hour Availability

Investigations into conspiracy to defraud can begin without warning. Arrests, interviews under caution, and search warrants often take place outside of normal working hours. In these situations, access to immediate legal advice is essential.

At Draycott Browne, our solicitors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have been arrested late at night, contacted by investigators at the weekend, or face an unexpected interview, we are ready to act without delay.

When you contact us, you will be speaking directly with a solicitor who understands how to protect your rights and guide you through urgent criminal proceedings. We provide emergency representation at police stations, and can take swift action to manage risk and safeguard your defence from the start.

Legal Aid

If you are facing an investigation or prosecution for conspiracy to defraud, you may be entitled to financial support through the Legal Aid scheme. This support can cover the cost of legal advice, representation at the police station, and ongoing defence throughout your case.

Our experienced Legal Aid Solicitors will assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process. We will help you secure the maximum support available to ensure your rights are protected at every stage.

No one should be denied access to high-quality legal representation because of financial circumstances. If you believe you may qualify for Legal Aid, speak to our team today for clear guidance and urgent support.

Private Funding

While we continue to support clients who are eligible for Legal Aid, it is important to understand that Legal Aid imposes restrictions on the level of service and resources we are able to provide. In serious or document-heavy fraud cases, those limits can affect the depth of preparation and strategic input available.

Privately funded criminal defence offers clear advantages. It gives you access to the highest standard of legal advice, full case management, and additional time dedicated to your defence. It allows us to instruct specialist barristers, forensic accountants and digital experts where needed, and to explore every avenue that may support your case.

Our Private Criminal Defence Solicitors provide the highest level of service, ensuring that every detail is considered and no opportunity is missed in securing the best outcome.

If you are facing serious allegations of conspiracy to defraud, we strongly recommend discussing private funding with us. It is often the most effective way to ensure you receive the strongest possible defence.

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Our legal team is available 7 days a week

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Contact Draycott Browne Solicitors

If you are charged, or believe you will be charged with a conspiracy to defraud offence, contact our experienced criminal solicitors here at Draycott Browne to make sure you mount the strongest defence possible. 

By entrusting your case to us, you can be assured that you will have a team of highly experienced and tenacious legal specialists who have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of this area of law.

As one of the UK's leading Criminal Defence Law Firms, we are highly regarded nationally across the legal profession and noted for consistently delivering positive results for our clients.

Our expert Conspiracy to Defraud Lawyers regularly act for clients in Manchester, Preston, Blackpool, Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, and London. As recognised Criminal Lawyers we can represent you wherever you live in England and Wales.

Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or somebody you know has been arrested and needs expert legal representation, contact Draycott Browne today.

Frequently Asked Questions for Conspiracy to Defraud

Conspiracy to defraud cases may be investigated by the Serious Fraud Office, Financial Conduct Authority, HMRC, City of London Police or specialist economic crime units, depending on the scale and nature of the allegations. Some investigations also involve joint working between several agencies, particularly in complex or cross-border cases.

The prosecution must prove that two or more people entered into a dishonest agreement intended to cause loss or secure an unlawful advantage. Evidence may include messages, financial records, surveillance, witness testimony or documents said to show coordination, concealment or false representations.

No. A conspiracy to defraud can target an individual, business, charity, financial institution or public body, and the alleged loss does not have to involve a major company. The offence can also apply where little or no money was ultimately lost, provided the prosecution can prove the dishonest agreement.

Conspiracy to defraud can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, along with an unlimited fine. A conviction may also lead to confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, director disqualification and other professional or reputational consequences.

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