Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Defence
At Draycott Browne, our Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors 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 Solicitors 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 Solicitors and take immediate steps to protect your future.
How our Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors 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 Solicitors 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.
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.
Specialist expertise in defending all types of fraud offences.
Our Specialist conspiracy to deFraud Solicitors
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.
This charge is often used in serious fraud cases where there is no clear statutory offence, and it remains prosecutable alongside statutory conspiracy offences under The Criminal Law Act 1977.
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 ask to search your phone or other digital devices. You are not required to provide passwords or hand over devices immediately. If asked to unlock your phone, you are entitled to exercise your right to silence until you receive legal advice. Our solicitors can guide you on how to respond lawfully and protect your position.
Early decisions matter. Contact Draycott Browne as soon as possible if you have been arrested or invited to an interview. Our Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors are available 24 hours a day to provide urgent legal advice and support.
Case Study
Liverpool's Longest Fraud Trial
26 October 2018
In the longest fraud trial Liverpool's Crown Court has seen, Rob Mann of Draycott Browne conducted the successful representation of former Conservative councillor David Richard Barton. A not guilty verdict was returned after 137 days of trial allowing David to finally put his life back on track.
Specialist Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors
- 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 Solicitors today.
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.
Your Conspiracy to Defraud Questions Answered
If you are facing allegations of conspiracy to defraud, several laws may be relevant depending on the details of the case. Our Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors will advise you on exactly which offences apply and how they affect your defence. Common legal frameworks include:
- The common law offence of conspiracy to defraud, which focuses on dishonest agreements to cause loss or risk of loss
- Statutory conspiracy under Section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977, where parties agree to commit a specific criminal offence
- Offences under the Fraud Act 2006, including fraud by false representation or abuse of position
- Charges linked to financial documents, false accounting, or the use of fraudulent instruments
- Ancillary offences such as money laundering or possession of items used in fraud
We will provide early advice on the specific charges, how they interact, and how to challenge them effectively.
Serious conspiracy allegations are usually handled by national enforcement agencies with specialist powers. Our Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors deal regularly with these bodies and understand how they operate. Investigations may be led by:
- The Serious Fraud Office (SFO), particularly in high-value or multi-party cases
- The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), if the case involves financial services or regulatory breaches
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in cases involving tax, customs, or accounting irregularities
- City of London Police or local economic crime units, especially in commercial or professional frauds
- Joint task forces where agencies collaborate across borders or sectors
We manage all communications with investigators, ensure your rights are protected, and act swiftly to prevent unlawful searches, seizures or interviews.
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that a dishonest agreement existed between two or more people and that it was intended to cause loss or gain an unlawful advantage. Our Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors are skilled at challenging the evidence used to make this case. Investigators may rely on:
- Emails, text messages or call records that suggest coordination or agreement
- Financial documents showing shared transactions or suspicious patterns
- Surveillance or intercepted communications between alleged co-conspirators
- Testimony from witnesses or whistleblowers alleging dishonest conduct
- Evidence of false representations, forged documents or concealment of information
We will assess the prosecution’s case in detail and work to show that any alleged agreement was either misunderstood, not dishonest, or lacking in evidence.
No. Conspiracy to defraud charges are not limited to large corporations or institutions. The law applies equally whether the alleged target is a business, an individual, or a government body. Our Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors have represented clients in a wide range of cases, including:
- Agreements to defraud small businesses, sole traders or private individuals
- Cases involving charities, public sector bodies or financial institutions
- Alleged schemes to obtain loans, insurance payouts or tax advantages
- Cases where the potential loss was minimal or no money changed hands
- Situations where the client had no direct involvement in the alleged deception
We understand that many clients feel unfairly accused due to associations or misunderstandings. We act to protect your reputation and dismantle weak or speculative claims.
Conspiracy to defraud is a serious offence that can lead to significant penalties if convicted. Sentences vary depending on the scale of the conspiracy, the role played, and the harm or risk involved. Our Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors will work to limit your exposure and secure the best possible outcome. Penalties may include:
- Up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the common law offence
- Unlimited fines, particularly in corporate or high-value cases
- Confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
- Disqualification from acting as a company director or holding regulated roles
- Serious reputational harm, both personally and professionally
Effective legal representation can make a substantial difference at sentencing. We will present strong mitigation and challenge any exaggerated claims by the prosecution.
Every case is different, but there are several common defences available. Our Conspiracy to Defraud Solicitors will analyse the evidence and build a defence that challenges both the facts and the legal basis of the charge. Possible strategies include:
- Showing there was no agreement or shared dishonest intent
- Arguing that any involvement was innocent or misunderstood
- Demonstrating a lack of knowledge about the alleged plan
- Presenting evidence that the defendant withdrew from the agreement
- Questioning the reliability or admissibility of key prosecution evidence
We provide a focused defence that is grounded in legal accuracy, experience and strategic insight.
Contact Draycott Browne Solicitors
If you are charged, or believe you will be charged with a conspiracy to defraud offence, contact our experienced team 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 Solicitors 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.