If you or your business are faced with an investigation by an official body or charged with breaching regulations, you could be liable for a substantial fine and/or receive a prison sentence.
It is advisable to seek legal representation as soon as you are aware of the investigation to ensure that your rights are observed and that you do not inadvertently harm your case.
Extensive legislation exists covering every aspect of operating a business as well as related activities such as financial transactions. Breach of some regulations is considered so serious that it is a criminal offence.
Complying with so many rules can be difficult, particularly if your organisation is sizeable or complex.
If you are investigated on suspicion of breaching regulations, you should act quickly to deal with the matter to minimise the damage and disruption as far as possible.

Expert advice, guidance and representation

At Taylor Law, our business defence solicitors understand how important it is to keep your organisation running smoothly. If you are accused of a regulatory offence, we will step in quickly to ensure any investigation is properly managed and, wherever possible, to stop the matter from
proceeding to a prosecution.
We will give you advice and guidance prior to any interview you may be asked to give and will attend interviews with you to ensure that your rights are observed and that you do not incriminate yourself.
Our team will put together a robust defence on your behalf and, where appropriate, raise any mitigating factors.

Regulatory breaches

Breaches of statutory regulations are investigated and prosecuted by various authorities, rather than the police, although more serious offences may be referred on to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Penalties can be severe. If you are held to be personally liable, then you may be fined and/or imprisoned, as well as having penalties imposed on your business.
We can represent you during regulatory investigations and in the event that you are charged with an offence. We have experience across a range of sectors, including the following:

•  Financial Conduct Authority
•  HM Revenue & Customs
•  Companies Act offences
• Health and Safety Executive
• Environment Agency
• Town and Country planning enforcement
• Food Standards Agency
• Trading Standards
• Driving Vehicle Standards Agency
• Information Commissioner’s Office and Data Protection Act breaches
• Federation Against Copyright Theft investigations
• Marine Management Organisation

An investigation into your business can be damaging to your brand and to your commercial reputation. For this reason, it is advisable to deal with any contact from the authorities without delay. By facing the allegations, taking legal advice and managing the investigation from the outset, you stand the best chance of minimising disruption.

Contact us

At Taylor Law we have expertise in a wide range of areas. We are commercially focused and will offer practical advice and deal efficiently with investigations and any case against you.
We have criminal defence solicitors in Leeds, Middlesbrough and London who are experts in the area of regulatory offences. If you are the subject of a regulatory investigation or have had allegations or charges made against you ring us on 0113 532 8100 (Leeds), 01642 221 108 (Middlesbrough) or 0203 780 7646 (London) or fill in our Contact Form.