We specialise in defending clients who are subject to Confiscation Proceedings (often prosecuted under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 or in some circumstances via Criminal Justice Act 1988 and Drugs Trafficking Act 1994).
The provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) are extremely powerful and their effective procedures can have tragic consequences, not just for defendants, but also very often for your spouses, business partners, parents and children.
The initial stages of the confiscation procedure will start following a conviction for a relevant offence, such as money laundering, fraud and drug offences. This is undoubtedly a worrying time for any person who finds themselves in this situation.
Prior to the Court making a Confiscation Order, a great deal of work must be undertaken to minimise the damage to your assets. We pride ourselves on the hard working and fast acting approach we take during the initial stages of confiscation cases.
Prior to a Confiscation Order being made, various statements will need to be filed. To develop the most robust case, extensive evidence usually needs to be obtained and detailed statements need to be prepared. We adopt a through and detailed approach to all POCA cases and regularly achieve favourable outcomes for clients.
The state has never had such wide-ranging and formidable powers to tackle the proceeds of crime, both pre and post-conviction. In many cases, defendants face a confiscation or restraint order when a prosecution is highly unlikely.
Without expert advice, defendants are at a real risk of an order based upon "hidden assets" that may not even exist.
We act for defendants and third parties. Our solicitors also have extensive experienced acting on matters involving the Serious Fraud Office, as well as the CPS.
We believe it is absolutely vital for clients to seek expert professional advice at the earliest stage, as it can have a hugely beneficial effect on the ultimate outcome of a case.
