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Criminal Defence

Investigations

Raj Chada
Partner
Ruth Harris
Ruth Harris
Partner
Caroline Liggins
Caroline Liggins
Partner
Chloe Hartnell
Chloe Hartnell
Partner
Darrell Ennis-Gayle
Darrell Ennis-Gayle
Partner
Graeme Hydari
Graeme Hydari
Partner
Jessica Davis
Partner
Kerry Spence
Kerry Spence
Partner
Laura O'Brien
Laura O’Brien
Partner
Mike Schwarz
Mike Schwarz
Partner
Sean Caulfield
Sean Caulfield
Partner
Abbi Hart
Abbi Hart
Trainee
Amy Coulter
Amy Coulter
Trainee
Aneka Thirurajah
Aneka Thirurajah
Associate
Cally Gormally
Solicitor
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Charlotte Gamble
Paralegal
Donjeta Canolli
Donjeta Canolli
Paralegal
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Ella Ferriter
Paralegal
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Ellie Horan
Paralegal
Emily McNally
Emily McNally
Solicitor
Francesca Cociani
Francesca Cociani
Associate
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George Steel
Solicitor
Ghislaine Sandoval
Ghislaine Sandoval
Solicitor
Izzie Bond-Mills
Izzie Bond-Mills
Paralegal
Jessica Atkinson
Jessica Atkinson
Solicitor
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Jessica Murray
Solicitor
Justin Stuart-Mills
Consultant Solicitor
Katie McFadden
Katie McFadden
Associate
Kiran Mehta
Kiran Mehta
Consultant
Kit Gamble
Kit Gamble
Paralegal
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Lara Ideo
Solicitor
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Lauren Shore
Paralegal
Marina Afzal-Khan
Marina Afzal-Khan
Paralegal
Maxine Barker
Maxine Barker
Associate
May Spencer
Paralegal
Michael Ackah
Associate
Shelby Keppel
Shelby Keppel
Consultant
Shivani Mehta
Trainee
Shyan MacTavish_Website
Shyan MacTavish
Solicitor
Sinéad Vaughan
Paralegal
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Somaya Yassine
Paralegal
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Viviane Bablin
Solicitor

If you are contacted by the police, Serious Fraud office, the National Crime Agency or any other regulator, you should contact us as soon as possible. We have decades of experience of fighting for our clients rights and holding the authorities to account.

We know the tactics, procedures and policies of each law enforcement agency. We can advise you about the best course of action for you or your company.

Our lawyers are supportive and empathetic, knowing that the most valuable asset in any defence is in fact the client themselves. We know that it is often important to our clients that we keep our cases out the media spotlight and we are experienced at managing your reputation.

Hodge Jones & Allen_Chambers 2023_pngOur Crime team have been ranked in the Chambers & Partners 2024 legal directory. The team was described as “extremely strong in terms of criminal defence and particularly protest cases” and were praised for their “dedication to clients”.

Legal 500 uk-top-tier-firm-202“Hodge Jones & Allen are possibly the best firm of criminal solicitors conducting publicly funded work, and also offer an excellent service to privately funded clients. They have a large team that has continually prospered through recruiting excellent trainees and investing in people.” – Legal 500, 2024

Criminal investigations

Similar issues arise with investigations by regulators into companies or individuals. Investigations by Regulators can be linked to criminal investigations and having the right advice from the outset is key.

Alternatively, you may first become aware during a dawn raid. This will be the trigger for a wider investigation and could lead to arrests or seizure of material. We will review any search warrant and consider any legal challenges in a complex and developing area of law.

As the investigation draws to a close, potential prosecutors have to consider whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute and whether it is in the public interest to prosecute. This decision should be taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors (although a CPS document, the guidance is followed by most prosecutors). In addition, there are different guidelines for different offences. This provides an opportunity for proactive defence lawyers to make representations to the prosecutor not to continue the case.

"KERRY SPENCE HAS BEEN EXCELLENT THROUGHOUT OUR MATTER, EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS AT ALL TIMES. SHE CLEARLY CARES VERY MUCH ABOUT HER CLIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND UNDERSTANDS THE STRESSES THAT THEY ARE UNDER DURING DIFFICULT TIMES. WE THANK HER SINCERELY FOR ALL HER EFFORTS."

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Why choose Hodge Jones & Allen?

We have specialised and highly trained lawyers that can represent you at a police station or any interview under caution.

Many cases are now “Released Under Investigation” and one of the strategic issues that we assist clients to consider is whether to await the outcome of the investigation or proactively provide information and make representations to the investigators. This is not a straightforward decision and requires specialist advice. We can provide the following advice on how to:

  • Negotiate with the authorities
  • Scrutinise or criticise their actions
  • Robustly assert your rights
  • Proactively build up your case

On many occasions, it is not the police, the SFO, NCA or other investigator who will contact you first – it could be your employer with an internal corporate investigation. It is absolutely essential that you get the right advice immediately. Decisions taken at this early stage can have a profound impact on subsequent criminal proceedings.

“I was very impressed with the level of professionalism this company provides. I can’t thank enough for all the great support they provided. Professional, carrying, but also very knowledgeable in their field!”

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Featured cases

Accused of shoplifting

Instructed by an Executive in a leading investment bank who was threatened with arrest for shoplifting. By acting quickly and decisively, we ensured that there was no arrest and by forcing the police to act quickly, we could show that there was a clear example of mistaken identity.

Possession of drugs with intent to supply

Instructed by the son of a high-profile foreign politician who had been arrested at a nightclub for possession of drugs with intent to supply. Following police station attendance, further evidence collected and representations made with result that he was cautioned for simple supply.

Possession of imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

Instructed by youth who had been accused of possession of imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Representations were made and the client was diverted away from the Criminal Justice System and avoided any criminal record.

 

Contact our specialist team on
0808 271 9413
or request a call back.
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Frequently asked questions

The police have arrived at my premises with a search warrant, what can be done?

Our specialist financial crime lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with raids by the police or other investigative authorities. Whatever time of the day or night, we can swiftly advise on the legality of the search taking place, the search procedures, the scope of any warrant and any protections available, particularly where material is subject to conditions of confidentiality and/or Legal Professional Privilege.

I’ve been requested to attend the police station, but I’m not sure why?

Our financial crime experts can advise you whether you’re being interviewed as a suspect or a witness. The difference between the two is crucial, so we’ll ensure that you’re clear from the very outset as to how the authorities will treat you. We’ll explain the situation to you and ensure your position is protected at all times.

I’ve been arrested and taken to the police station, what should I do?

Our specialist financial crime lawyers will proactively support and advise you from the moment you arrive at the police station, acting swiftly to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. 

We’ll obtain information about the investigation and then advise you on the procedure at the police station, ensuring that you’re treated fairly throughout. We’ll then advise you on the best strategy to take during the interview, including whether to answer questions or not, or whether to put forward a written statement setting out your case.

We have an outstanding reputation for providing high quality client advice at the police station. We’ll make sure that you know your rights and will use our experience to protect you and your reputation, ensuring that you receive the best possible result.

I have received a summons to attend Court, what does this mean?

A summons is the formal issuing of prosecution in the Magistrates’ Court, and it should detail a summary of the alleged facts. It will require you to attend Court on a specified date. It’s important that you seek legal advice as soon as you receive the summons. 

If you don’t attend Court when required, the Court could issue a warrant for your arrest. Our financial crime solicitors can advise you on charges contained in the summons, represent you at Court and explain how the case is likely to proceed.

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"I am so grateful and honestly I appreciate the help you rendered onto me during my case at police station. Once again thank you so much I really appreciate."

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