Advice and Representation at any other Investigative Interview

The vast majority of investigations on alleged criminal conduct will be undertaken by the police and if the matter proceeds to Court the case will be prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service. However, there are many other bodies and agencies which also investigate alleged criminal conduct and prosecute cases. As a firm we regularly represent defendants in relation to matters investigated and prosecuted by a wide range of bodies, including but not limited to the following:

Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

We have an abundance of experience representing clients who are investigated by the DWP. These range from those who are suspected of being overpaid relatively small amounts in benefits, often due to honest mistakes, to those accused of being involved in complex multi-million-pound frauds.

The importance of being represented from the outset cannot be stressed enough. The initial interview will often take place at a less formal setting than a police station, such as a Job Centre. However, the relevance of the interview and the effect it has on how the case dealt with is the same. There are many ways that an investigation by the DWP can be concluded without the need for the matter to proceed to Court and without the individual under investigation obtaining a criminal record. It is crucial that you are represented by a firm with experience in this area and who understands all alternatives to prosecution such as a formal caution, an administrative penalty and no further action being taken. It is also fundamental that you understand the relationship these disposal options have with overpayments and the different statutory offences that may be investigated under the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

More serious or complex investigations by the DWP will often begin from the defendant's perspective with arrest and conveyance to the police station. We regularly represent defendants in these situations. If you or a family member find yourself in this situation we urge you to instruct us as soon as possible. An individual facing this situation alone, or without the benefit of a skilled lawyer experienced in this area, will often be overwhelmed at the scale of the case and potential evidence that may be used to suggest their guilt. If instructed in these circumstances our lawyers place great emphasis on obtaining as much information as possible from the DWP concerning, amongst other things, the scale of their investigation, what evidence they have obtained, why our client is being investigated and the alleged roles of others. We are then able to use the information obtained to advise our client on their position and how best to fight their case both at the initial interview and going forward.

National Crime Agency (NCA)

Investigations conducted by the NCA are often some of the most serious and complex criminal investigations. They often start with arrest and interview at a police station by NCA officers. These officers are highly trained and some of the best in their field. They should not be faced alone. We recommend that if you, a friend or a family member are investigated by the NCA you instruct us as soon as possible so that we can protect the individual's interests.

We regularly deal with cases brought by the NCA such as multi-million-pound drug importation and money laundering cases. Our expertise in this area allows us to forewarn defendants of the complexities of such cases to prepare for the nature and extent of evidence that the NCA will seek to obtain. These cases often involve many defendants which creates further complexities that require both a skilled solicitor and barrister to assist the defendant. Given the quality of work that we are regularly instructed on, we have several highly skilled and experienced barristers who we instruct to work alongside a solicitor from our office in these matters.

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

We regularly receive instructions in cases investigated and prosecuted by HMRC. Again, these matters are often complex and the case papers voluminous. It is crucial that the case is handled by a solicitor with expertise in the area and should the case proceed to Court it is vital that experienced Counsel is instructed. As a firm we pride ourselves in only working with the best Counsel in such matters.

Local Authority

Local Authority investigations can relate to a wide range of matters including but not limited to anti-social behaviour, child truancy and benefits related fraud. Regardless of the allegation we again urge you to seek legal advice at the earliest possible opportunity. There are often ways to avoid the matter going to Court in these circumstances and your best chance of achieving that result is with skilled legal assistance.

Trading Standards

Investigations by Trading Standards can be devastating for both the individual and company. Representation from the outset is crucial in protecting the individual from prosecution and conviction. Expert evidence regarding goods will often need to be obtained by the defence to protect their client. Should you be contacted by Trading Standards regarding an investigation, we advise you to instruct us immediately.

Environmental Agency

The Environmental Agency regularly investigate individuals and companies for contravention of environmental laws and regulations. This is a fairly specialised area of law in which we have successfully defended clients accused of very large-scale offences.

Royal Society for the Prosecution of Animals (RSPCA)

The RSPCA regularly prosecute individuals for offences concerning the care of animals and the possession of dangerous dogs. In such prosecutions it is crucial that expert evidence is sought regarding the dog to obtain first whether it is in fact a dangerous dog as per the Dangerous Dogs Act. This is not a straightforward issue and as such we consult only the best experts to assist with our clients' cases. We understand the bond between owners and their pets and as a firm we pride ourselves in doing all we can to reunite them, protect dogs from destruction and owners from conviction.

Funding

If you are required to attend an interview under caution, you may also be entitled to free advice and assistance from a legal representative.

In order to assess whether you are entitled to funding, we will require your last 3 months bank statements or alternatively, proof that you are in receipt of benefits. If you are not entitled to free representation, we will be able to advise you about private paying rates. 

Contact us directly by calling us on 0207 485 6677 or sending us an email to lawyers@acalaw.co.uk . You can also tell us about your case or query by completing the form below.

This company is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Company No 05867552. Company Registered in England & Wales. Registered Office: 168-172 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2AG