Fraudulently Claiming Public Funding

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors – Fraudulently Claiming Public Funding

Public funding fraud involves individuals, companies, charities or criminal gangs who make fraudulent applications for grants or public funding (also called Legal Aid) which they are not entitled to.

Sometimes people can apply for funding and make errors in their applications leading to an allegation of fraudulently claiming public funding.

In cases where there is a joint application for public funding, several parties may face allegations or charges of conspiracy to defraud.

A fraud conviction may lead to a custodial sentence and the likelihood that all or a large proportion of the monies received fraudulently will have to be repaid under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

It is vital to seek expert legal advice from a specialist fraud solicitor as soon as an allegation of fraudulently claiming public funding is made.

In cases where Legal Aid has been awarded by the Legal Aid Agency and a fraud allegation is made, a Legal Aid Certificate is likely to be suspended pending an investigation, meaning that the outcome of any ongoing case which has been publicly funded would be jeopardised once funding was withdrawn.

Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors can advise on allegations involving fraudulently obtaining public funding at any stage and even before interview under caution, or if an individual in receipt of Legal Aid fears they might face allegations of Legal Aid fraud.

Duncan Lewis can also advise companies, charities, and those facing allegations of organised crime involving fraudulently obtaining public funding, grants or publicly funded awards.

Our fraud solicitors offer clients clear advice on charges relating to public funding fraud, and will always act in a client’s best interests.

Duncan Lewis also can liaise with the Legal Aid Agency and other agencies which might be involved in fraud investigations, including:

• City of London Police
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Federation Against Copyright Theft
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
• National Crime Agency (NCA)
• Office of Fair Trading (OFT)
• Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
• Trading Standards

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors – Our reputation for excellence

Duncan Lewis' Crime department has been recognised as a Top Tier and recommended criminal defence practice by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 edition for its General Crime and Fraud work.

Our fraud solicitors have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in public funding fraud cases.

Our lawyers are able to represent clients at police stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and the Court of Appeal. The team also includes highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious fraud cases.

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors – How to contact us

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and our fraud lawyers can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to advise on charges relating to fraudulently obtaining public funding.

We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing fraud charges. Call us during office hours on 0333 772 0409 for expert legal advice on public funding fraud or Legal Aid fraud.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 0333 772 0607.

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors – When to contact us

We advise clients who are facing fraud charges, or who may be interviewed in relation to public funding fraud allegations, to contact us as soon as possible.

Our fraud solicitors can advise even before a charge for fraudulently obtaining public funding is brought, and a solicitor from our specialist fraud department can attend a police station fraud interview conducted by the police, Serious Fraud Office or HMRC.

Public funding fraud can be complex and may involve an allegation of benefit fraud for the purposes of obtaining grants or Legal Aid.

Our department can advise on benefit fraud investigations by the Department for Work and Pensions, including attending benefit fraud interviews at job centres conducted by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors – Legal Aid & Private Client – Fraudulently obtaining Public Funding

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services. Legal Aid is means tested and may only be available in certain circumstances, our team can advise further on this at the initial client meeting.

In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, we offer competitively priced fee levels for private client representation with fixed fees and advance notice of any costs whenever possible.

In some criminal cases, ‘after the event’ (ATE) insurance may be an option and our lawyers will advise on an appropriate level of insurance to cover the potential costs of defending a criminal case and to pay any costs imposed by the court.

Call Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors to discuss allegations or charges of fraudulently obtaining public funding on 0333 772 0409.