SFO Investigations and Prosecutions

Duncan Lewis Business Fraud Solicitors – SFO Investigations and Prosecutions

Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigations can be multi-agency investigations with a remit not only to uncover serious fraud, but with the purpose of protecting the reputation of the City of London as a financial centre, and the reputation of the UK.

The SFO has two departments which each deal solely with serious fraud investigations, and a further two departments dealing with cases in involving suspected bribery and corruption.

SFO investigations and prosecutions are usually HVCC and highly complex, crossing jurisdictions and also sectors.

In such complex investigations, it is highly likely that those who are innocent of any offence will find themselves being investigated as part of a wider investigation.

It is vital to take expert legal advice from a specialist business fraud solicitor with expertise in SFO investigations and prosecutions at an early stage of any investigation.

Duncan Lewis business fraud solicitors can advise on SFO investigations and prosecutions even before an investigation is launched.

Our fraud lawyers offer robust criminal defence services, including advising on likely financial penalties for serious fraud offences and Deferred Prosecution Agreements, introduced in 2014 under the Crime and Courts Act 2013.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on offences under the Bribery Act 2010, under which a prison sentence of up to 10 years may be imposed and/or an unlimited fine.

Taking legal advice early can in some cases help prevent SFO prosecutions being brought.

Duncan Lewis business fraud solicitors can liaise with the Serious Fraud Office and agencies involved in serious fraud investigations, including:

• City of London Police
• Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• National Crime Agency (NCA)
• Office of Fair Trading (OFT)

Duncan Lewis has considerable expertise in handling very high court costs (VHCC) cases involving financial fraud.

Duncan Lewis business fraud solicitors can also advise Confiscation Orders under Section 2 of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), and civil asset recovery proceedings such as Restraint Orders under Section 5 of POCA.

Duncan Lewis Business Fraud Solicitors – Our reputation for excellence

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

Our team 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 SFO investigations and prosecutions.

We represents clients at police stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal, and has highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious fraud cases.

How to contact us

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales, and a fraud lawyer from Duncan Lewis can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to advise on serious fraud charges.

We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing SFO investigations and prosecutions. Call Duncan Lewis during office hours on 0333 772 0409 for expert legal advice on all fraud charges.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.

When to contact us

Duncan Lewis advises clients who are facing SFO investigations and prosecutions or who may be interviewed in relation business fraud or serious fraud allegations to contact us as soon as possible.

Our business fraud solicitors can advise even before a charge for fraud or bribery and corruption 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 HM Revenue and Customs.

Duncan Lewis Business Fraud Solicitors – Legal Aid & Private Client

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.

Duncan Lewis can advise further on Legal Aid at the initial client meeting.

In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, our business fraud solicitors 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 Duncan Lewis 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 Business Fraud Solicitors to discuss SFO investigations and prosecutions on 0333 772 0409.