Regulatory & Business Solicitors

This is the generic term given to specialisms of work not necessarily Criminal but with a degree of similarity to Criminal cases, indeed they are often referred to as Quasi-Crime. Between Mr Safdar Ashraf and William Southcott of Ashcott Solicitors the firm has over 40 years combined experience of such cases. Whilst certain of the principles and procedures of general Criminal Law apply, it is vital that any lawyer involved in this type of work understands the foibles of these specialist areas, and particularly the agencies that prosecute them, that only longstanding experience can provide.

Surprisingly Legal Aid can sometimes still be available for matters such as these. Particularly where Individuals are prosecuted however even where actions are brought against Companies or Company Officials Ashcott Solicitors have been able to successfully ensure costs have ultimately been paid by the Opposition or from central funds.

Areas covered include:

• Health and Safety Prosecutions
• Planning Law Prosecutions
• Private Hire(Taxi) Regulation and Licensing Matters
• Police Misconduct and Disciplinary Matters
• Civil Aviation Authority Prosecutions
• Education Act (Truancy) Prosecutions
• Waste Management Act Prosecutions
• Environment Agency Prosecutions
• Trading Standards Prosecutions
• Inquests
• Tabloid and other Media ‘Stings’

Regulatory Matters & Business Crime – Questions We’re Often Asked 

What constitutes a regulatory and business crime?

Regulatory and business crime cases occupy a grey area on the edge of criminal law. Regulatory offences are varied, but often constitute a failure to comply with certain regulations. This varies from industry to industry; in the medical or healthcare fields, it could include a failure to carry out DBS checks. In construction, it could consist of dangerous materials being improperly disposed of, or a wide range of other potential offences. 

As regulatory and business law is such a complex field, it’s imperative that any lawyer involved in your defence has the requisite knowledge and experience to ensure that justice is achieved.

In many cases, it might be the company that is found to be the guilty party, rather than an individual. Ensuring that your business isn’t unnecessarily damaged through the trial process will be a priority in these cases.

Classifications of regulatory and business crimes

Regulatory and business crimes come under an incredibly broad bracket of different offences. There are multiple other offences with a potentially serious criminal element, with the potential for serious sentencing of a defendant found guilty, including insider trading, fraud, money laundering and corruption. Offences which might be serious in terms of the future of a business itself include regulatory issues such HSE investigations, insolvency issues, and tax investigations. 

Ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the offence in question are fully understood is imperative to achieve an appropriate result. Diligence and an appreciation for the field in question are both absolutely necessary, a combination that our legal team possesses.

Due to the fact that these kinds of crimes often have ramifications far beyond an individual, it’s important to take that into account when building a legal defence. It’s important to consider who to involve in the process, and to what degree you’re legally required to inform or keep back information. 

Parties who may need information on the case might include shareholders, employees, and existing clients.

Failure to navigate matters such as these in an appropriate manner can have impacts beyond the criminal aspect of your case. The reputation of your brand and business stands to lose a lot should the case be handled badly, damage which is often unnecessary and irreversible. 

What should you do if you’ve been charged with regulatory and business crimes?

Seeking expert legal advice in a timely manner can massively help in these cases. In an ideal world, advice should be sought before a charge is brought forward. If action is taken soon enough, it might be possible to take steps to avoid criminal prosecution entirely. 

Working with Ashcott Solicitors – Your defence in regulatory matters and business crime

Whether through fines or the criminal prosecution of an individual, the difference that the right legal team can make is significant. Knowing how to properly communicate and cooperate with regulatory and criminal investigators is important, and can also change the course that any case will take.

If you require urgent legal advice, call us now on 0161 234 0020 (Manchester) /0203 053 8625 (London) / 07956 555979 (24 hour).

You can also contact us via our contact form and we will respond to you as soon as possible.