Criminal Litigation

Case Studies

This is based on the experience of many of our clients

"It was Tuesday and raining - nothing out of the ordinary there. But then just as I entered my office, ten police officers, two lawyers from the Serious Fraud Office, two FBI agents and three computer specialists were there to greet me. I was arrested for money laundering, and told that the US were interested in alleged corrupt overseas payments made through a US bank. My team were served with notices compelling them to answer questions about commercially sensitive matters. My computers are imaged, including legally privileged correspondence. Later that day I was interviewed at a police station about events several years ago, which I could barely remember and in any case only ever had partial information. Then, another document is served, an order restraining my bank accounts."

You need a solicitor urgently, one who can deal with all the complexities of the ancillary implications of a criminal investigation as well as the investigation itself. At this point you will have lots of questions. Do I answer the police questions, not knowing the full extent of their enquiries? What are the implications in the US of answering questions or remaining silent? Can I be extradited?   What about bail?   Will my home be searched - my family are all there? Can I assist US or the SFO informally as a witness? Who do I tell about the investigation and in what terms? Does my regulator need to know? Can I carry on my business? What about press reporting?   Shall I go public myself? What about lawyers for my staff? How can I afford it all?   How will I cope?

We have decades of experience in dealing with these issues and a highly skilled team which will be at your disposal: building a defence portfolio, engaging with the investigative process in a coherent, comprehensive and realistic way - protecting and advancing your interests and that of your business. Your rainy Tuesday is a day we have seen many times.