Regulatory Offences Solicitors

Accused of regulatory offences? Need urgent help? Lawtons Criminal Defence Solicitors are available now. Call us immediately on 0333 577 0522.

Tax Fraud & Evasion Solicitors

UK Money Laundering legislation is amongst the most stringent in the world, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. Cases can be extremely complex, as Courts will seek to prove a full audit trail of activity before any judgement is passed. Read more

Fire Safety Law Regulations Solicitors

Regulations surrounding Fire Safety have recently undergone major changes with increased prominence. Inspectors now have more power to enforce alterations, enforcement or even entirely shut down premises. Read more

HMRC Investigations & Tax Solicitors

Tax legislation can feel like an overly-complicated minefield with the number of Government departments and police bodies potentially involved in the case. There’s also huge amounts of paperwork and strict timescales for compliance. Read more

Health and Safety Solicitors

Health and Safety regulations can affect almost any business or any employee. Prosecutions can be severe, sometimes even resulting in imprisonment. UK businesses are also subject to EU Health and Safety regulations, so appointing a specialist solicitor is a must. Read more

Trading Standards Specialist Solicitors

Trading Standards investigations can be confusing, as it is often the case that no one knows why or how they have started investigating. These investigations can also be extremely disruptive, so in order to reduce disruption, it’s important to get specialist advice and guidance as soon as possible. Read more

Fraud Defence Solicitors

All types of fraud offences are serious and while some constitute theft, those specifically defined under the Fraud Act fall into three categories – false representation, abuse of position and failure to disclose information. All of these may carry a sentence of several years’ imprisonment. Read more

VAT Appeals & Tax Tribunal Solicitors

VAT appeals can be a long-drawn out process and it is important to have the right legal guidance at every step to ensure success. If HMRC does not provide a satisfactory response in the first instance then an internal review will take place, followed if necessary by an appeal to the First Tier Tax Tribunal. Read more

Corporate Crime Defence Solicitors

There are a large number of offences that can be called business crime, but the most common include bribery, insider trading, tax offences and money laundering. The punishments for these offences are often severe and custodial sentences are common. The prosecution will attempt to determine if one person can be held responsible. Read more

Director Disqualification & Investigation Solicitors

Director investigations are conducted where a company has initiated insolvency proceedings, and may uncover evidence of civil offences such as wrongful trading. They can lead directors to be disqualified from running a company for a set number of years and in some circumstances may give rise to criminal investigations. Read more

GDPR Compliance & Data Protection Solicitors

If you or your business is accused of a data protection offence, the consequences can include significant costs and reputational damage. Under the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) these offences are closely regulated by the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office). It is crucial to seek the services of a specialist lawyer who will be up to date on the latest legal developments in this area and examine the case in detail. Read more

FAQs about Regulatory Offences

What’s the most serious type of regulatory offence?

All types of regulatory offences, from fire safety breaches to tax offences, can be considered extremely serious. Depending on the specifics and severity of the case, any of the offences listed above can lead to a term of imprisonment in the event of a guilty verdict.

Can my business be closed down for regulatory offences?

Yes. Bodies such as Trading Standards do not have the authority to close down a business, but if a court order is secured in relation to any regulatory offence then it is possible for your business to be closed down.

What offences does HMRC cover?

Not only do tax offences come under the remit of HMRC, but state support payments, fraud and regulatory regimes including the minimum wage are also in this category.

Can employers and employees be fined for failing to comply with fire safety?

Yes, the law states that a regularly reviewed fire risk assessment is a must and fire departments have been known to fine organisations for failing to comply with safety regulations.

What is the difference between the Data Protection Act 2018 and the GDPR?

The Data Protection Act 2018 is the UK’s implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means that the principles and offences under each are broadly the same.

Who is responsible for workplace health and safety?

In the workplace it is the employer’s duty to protect the health and safety of their employees and other people who might come into contact with the business.

Can HMRC go back 20 years during a tax investigation?

Although HMRC could go back 20 years during a tax investigation, they usually go back 6 years.

Do I have to pay UK tax if I live abroad?

Yes, you can still be a UK resident for tax and live abroad. For example, if you visit the UK for more than 183 days in a tax year.

Can Trading Standards close my business down?

Trading standards cannot close a business down. However, they can apply for court orders which may then cause the closure of a business to be ordered.

Been arrested? Contact us now to safeguard your future.

Are you or your business being accused of a regulatory offence? Whatever the nature of your case, contact the experienced solicitors at Lawtons today on 0333 577 0522 and they will begin working towards the best possible outcome to protect your livelihood.

With extensive experience in defending complex regulatory offences, and knowledge of the constantly changing laws, we will examine all aspects of your case to build a robust defence. We will also advise you on the process and, if necessary, how court proceedings will work.

We can represent cases including: