Experts in the defence of serious crime & commercial fraud

This practice is one of the leading criminal practices in the country. The firm only undertakes criminal defence work and, most usually, in relation to serious and complex criminal investigations and prosecutions. Whilst we work on serious and complex cases nationwide, we are selective as to the cases we undertake. The firm will accept private case instructions for all types of criminal casework. In relation to Legal Aid casework, whether we accept an instruction will depend upon the weight and complexity of the case involved, and where geographically the case is brought. We deliberately restrict the number of cases we take on so that we can devote our resources and expertise to these more serious and complex cases.

As a consequence, we are involved in the defence of very high value and complex fraud cases, for example, those brought by the Serious Fraud Office, or specialist fraud investigation departments, and HM Revenue & Customs. The firm also undertakes the defence of serious drug importation, and supply conspiracies, and the defence of allegations of a sexual nature, which may often be historic.

Whilst the range of offences that we will be instruct upon is wide, it is the weight and complexity of the case that will determine whether we accept an instruction, unless the matter is one which is privately funded.

Knowledge & Experience

We provide representation throughout the UK through a network of offices in Manchester, Blackburn, Salford, Leeds, Preston and Accrington.

Our lawyers have a substantial reputation for the tenacious defence of cases of serious crime and commercial fraud which are tried before the Crown Court. Our criminal lawyers undertake the detailed preparation of the defence of such cases where matters proceed to trial. This will involve an extensive assessment and examination of the prosecution case, and the marshalling of a clients defence, including obtaining evidence from defence witnesses and expert witnesses.

Where clients plead guilty, we prepare detailed mitigation for presentation before the Court to assist as to sentence. As criminal solicitors we advise as to Recovery of Defence Costs Orders, Orders for Prosecution Costs and Confiscation Proceedings.

Knowledge & Experience

The practice has an outstanding reputation for the representation of professionals who find themselves the subject of investigation or prosecution. The firm has acted on numerous occasions for solicitors, barristers, accountants, doctors, dentists, opticians, mortgage brokers, insurance agents, pension agents, police officers and officers of HM Revenue & Customs. We receive many instructions through recommendation and also via other professionals, including solicitors, accountants and barristers.

Where we instruct outside Counsel to act, we exercise a careful and considered choice from the very best of the Criminal Bar.

As criminal lawyers we have acted in many high profile cases over the years, acting for clients charged with the most serious criminal offences including murder, manslaughter, drug importation and supply, diversion and MTIC fraud, conspiracy, terrorism and corporate fraud.