The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA 2002) defines money laundering as attempting to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or possess criminal property.
Wilkstone Law Solicitors are experts defending complex money laundering allegations prosecuted under POCA 2002. Money laundering offences are regularly prosecuted by the police, National Crime Agency, the Crown Prosecution Service, HMRC and trading standard departments of local councils where it is believed that Money is being ‘washed’ or converted from criminal activity. In fact any prosecution authority can bring an offence of money laundering as part of a criminal prosecution. Our specialist money laundering solicitors can defend allegations of money laundering that you may face.
Criminal investigations into allegations of money laundering will often commence with a suspicious activity report being sent to the Police or National Crime Agency from a bank or other entity required to file suspicious activity reports (SAR). It is often the case that reports are made with a low level of suspicion of money laundering – this can result in innocent people being drawn into a complex financial criminal investigation for money laundering.
Wilkstone Law have a detailed understanding and knowledge of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations in place against regulated businesses and have been instructed by businesses, large corporate entities, Company Directors and private indiviuals to help defend allegations of money laundering and requirements under the Criminal Finances Act 2017. Our specialist money laundering defence solicitors advise upon all aspects of AML requirements and how these may impact defending an offence of money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
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Moreover, the entity investigating you for money laundering will often apply to the Crown Court for a Restraint Order freezing your bank account and assets belong to you and your business. Wilkstone Law specialist money laundering solicitors will provide you with holistic advice relating to allegations of money laundering and any associated application for a Restraint Order – our expert solicitors recognise that being falsely accused of money laundering can paralyse your both your finances and your business.
The prosecution must prove that the person accused of money laundering knew or suspected the property being transferred, converted or disguised was criminal property. The Police or other investigating body may not fully understand your business or the origins of the alleged criminal property or money.
It can be beneficial in some criminal investigations and prosecutions for money laundering to give a detailed and documented explanation how you came possession of the property or money and that you had no knowledge or suspicion that the property was in fact criminal. Likewise it may be advisable not to answer police questions about an allegation of money laundering until you or your money laundering solicitor receives full evidential disclosure. Our expert money laundering defence solicitors at Wilkstone Law will provide you with the best advice in your circumstances.
The sanctions and penalties for money laundering can be significant. If an individual is convicted of money laundering a Crown Court can consider up to 14 years imprisonment. If a corporate entity is accused of money laundering or breaching AML requirements any financial penalties can be based upon the annual turnover of the company. This can result in large fines based upon a multiplier of annual turnover for money laundering offences.
Our expert money laundering defence solicitors at Wilkstone Law will assess the allegations made against you, consider the specific facts of your case and provide you advice on the best next steps to defend any suggestion that you have illegally laundered criminal property or washed the proceeds of a criminal offence.
When an investigation for money laundering is commenced by the police, National Crime Agency or any other investigation team there is a careful balance between cooperation, explanation and avoid avoiding any risk of incriminating yourself or compromising your defence. Our expert defence team at Wilkstone Law will advise you on the best way forward in defence of any allegation of money laundering.
We can represent you at the police station or for an interview under caution when you are accused of Money Laundering. You may have been represented by the duty Solicitor during the first interview, Wilkstone Law’s expert money laundering solicitors can provide you with a second opinion upon your case if you have been released on police bail or charged to attend court with a money laundering offence.
Our specialist Money laundering defence team can advise and represent you at hearings in both the magistrate court and the Crown Court. We have access to specialist money laundering Barristers whom we can instruct to defend you from allegations of money laundering in the Crown Court – we use only the best money laundering barristers across the regions and in London in your defence at the Crown Court.
If you have been accused of a money laundering offence, are under investigation or facing court proceedings for any offence of money laundering call our expert money laundering defence lawyers at Wilkstone Law for specialist and confidential advice on your case.
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If you have been arrested, you should not answer police questions until you have received expert legal advice from criminal defence solicitors.
You should only confirm your name and basic personal details before requesting legal representation. You are entitled to free legal advice whilst in police custody, and early representation at the police station can significantly affect the outcome of a criminal investigation.
Wilkstone Law provide immediate police station representation and expert legal advice for clients accused of criminal offences throughout Cardiff and across England and Wales.
If you have been released on police bail or released under investigation, it is important to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible.
Our criminal defence solicitors can review the evidence, advise you in relation to the investigation and consider whether pre-charge engagement with the police may be appropriate. In some criminal cases, early representations can result in allegations being dropped or no further action being taken.
We can also advise upon:
Early strategic advice can strengthen your defence and improve the outcome of your case.
Wilkstone Law can provide independent expert legal advice and a second opinion regarding your criminal defence matter.
Our solicitors can obtain the police disclosure and paperwork from the Duty Solicitor, review the evidence and advise whether the legal advice previously provided was appropriate in the circumstances.
We regularly assist clients who require ongoing representation following release from police custody and can take over conduct of the case where appropriate.
Call us as soon as possible – we will agree a fixed fee consultation to discuss and advise upon your case. At this meeting, we will advise you upon what happens next and will apply for copies of the police statements and evidence before your first court appearance.
We will carefully consider the evidence and advise you upon the strength of the police evidence and upon any defence that you may have to the charges you face. There may be urgent steps that we advise you to take to strengthen your defence before you appear in court.
The first appearance in any court case is at the Magistrates Court – we can appear in court on your behalf to represent you.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence and required to attend court, you should seek legal advice immediately.
Our criminal defence solicitors in Cardiff can advise you upon:
The first hearing in a criminal case will usually take place before the Magistrates’ Court. Early preparation and expert representation can make a significant difference to the progression and outcome of proceedings.
Yes. The first call to Wilkstone Law is free.
During the initial call, we can provide general guidance regarding next steps and arrange a fixed fee consultation to discuss your case in greater detail. However, we cannot provide case-specific legal advice until formally instructed.
Consultations can usually be arranged at short notice either in person, by telephone, or via video conference.
Our fixed fee consultations start from £500 plus VAT.
Following the initial consultation, we are often able to provide a fixed fee quotation for representation throughout the lifetime of your criminal case.
Legal fees will depend upon several factors including:
Wilkstone Law also advise clients in relation to legal aid and Legal Aid Agency funding where available.
Wilkstone Law are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Our Managing Director, Jon Wilkins, is recognised as a Grade A Solicitor by the Legal Aid Agency and is a recommended lawyer in The Legal 500.
Our criminal defence solicitors are highly regarded for providing expert legal advice and representation in serious and complex criminal cases.