HMRC has started to take action against individuals and businesses over suspected ‘furlough fraud’ in relation to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). On Friday 10 July 2020, the first arrests were made, including the arrest of a man suspected of defrauding HMRC of £495,000. In addition to the arrests, authorities are seizing computers, other […]
EncroChat Arrests – Our Criminal Defence Lawyers Can Help
Nearly 750 people have been arrested in the UK after law enforcement agencies such as the National Crime Agency infiltrated encrypted communications network, EncroChat. Since March 2020, the authorities have been intercepting and decoding millions of messages sent by suspected organised crime gangs. EncroChat did not notice that it had been compromised until June after […]
Police enforcement of coronavirus lockdown rules
There has been much confusion over what is, and what is not, permitted under the present coronavirus lockdown rules. The police have come under some criticism for their approach to the enforcement of the rules. The position is changing as the Pandemic continues and the following is the position as of the 20th April 2020. […]
Coronavirus & Crime
Statistics suggest that the coronavirus crisis has led to a significant drop in recorded crime, by as much as 20% in some areas. However, there is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic is and resulting ‘lockdown’ is placing a strain on every aspect of the criminal justice system. Some commentators have suggested that the police […]
Wells Burcombe achieves top tier ranking in Chambers & Partners legal guide
Wells Burcombe is delighted to have received a Band 1 ranking for its Criminal law work in the Watford, Uxbridge and Surrounds region by Chambers & Partners legal guide. Chambers & Partners is one of the leading independent directories of UK legal services, identifying the strongest firms and lawyers. The rankings are based on analysis […]
Wells Burcombe achieves enhanced ranking from the Legal 500
Wells Burcombe is delighted to have risen in the rankings in the 2020 Legal 500 guide, published on 25th September, for its criminal work in the South East. The Legal 500 is an annual publication that ranks UK law firms and solicitors based on detailed analysis of submissions from firms, extensive research within the profession […]
New motorway driving law – points and fines for ignoring lane closures
New motorway driving law, in force from 10th June 2019, brings penalty points and fines for drivers ignoring motorway lane closures on smart motorways. Defence lawyer, Harvinder Hear looks at the changes and consequences for drivers who don’t abide by the new motorway driving law. Red X lane closure enforcement New Home Office legislation will […]
Legal aid eligibility – what, when and how
Legal aid eligibility has been in the news again, firstly following the application for legal aid by ‘ISIS bride’ Shamima Begum, which led to much debate about legal aid eligibility. Additionally, the Law Society reported recently that, in respect of housing issues, over half the population lives in a local authority that has just one […]
Voluntary interview with the police – Do I need a lawyer?
What is a voluntary interview? A voluntary interview is an increasingly common method for police to use when investigating criminal allegations. They are also referred to as ‘stand-alone’ interviews. Such interviews are routinely now used for the whole spectrum of criminal offences. Attending the police station as a volunteer means that you are not under […]
Police interview under caution – the need for representation
Criminal defence lawyer, David Wells explains why you should always have legal representation at a police interview under caution. Police interview under caution What does ‘interview under caution’ mean? Let’s first look at how you could come to be called for a police interview. A suspect who is alleged to have been involved in a […]
