If you are found guilty of a fraud offence you could be facing a very lengthy prison sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment or a substantial fine dependent on the nature of the crime and the harm caused as a result. The court may also impose an ancillary order such as a confiscation order in order to compensate the victims, deprivation order, financial reporting order, serious crime prevention order or disqualification as acting as a company director in the future.

When sentencing the judge will consider the amount of loss caused or intended, together with other potential culpability factors including:

• Abuse of position of power or trust or responsibility

• Sophisticated nature of offence/significant planning

• Fraudulent activity conducted over sustained period of time

• Large number of victims

• Deliberately targeting victim on basis of vulnerability

• A leading role where offending is part of a group activity

• Involvement of others through pressure, influence

Our criminal defence team provides expert legal fraud defence advice and representation throughout the UK to those suspected of or charged with such offences. Forbes Solicitors criminal defence team have many years' experience in representing clients who have been the subject of investigations conducted and prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office. In our experience, expert advice from the outset of an investigation can reduce the prospect of being prosecuted, or help lay the foundations for the defence of cases which do go to court.

Our fraud solicitors are members of the Specialist Fraud Panel and Serious Fraud Association and depending on the circumstances are able to conduct the provision of advice and representation in fraud defence, either on a private fee-paying basis or through public funding through Legal Aid.

We are a dedicated and expert firm of specialist fraud defence lawyers with an outstanding reputation for the tenacious defence of cases of serious fraud and serious crime. To speak to a fraud solicitor, call 01772 220 022, or alternatively, complete our online enquiry form.