December 10, 2025
Criminal law solicitor Sarah Myatt explains why proposed jury trial reforms won’t solve court delays and risk undermining a key pillar of UK justice.
Fraud Lawyers
If you’re facing a fraud charge, you need a strong and thorough defence. A fraud charge can affect your personal life, career and finances, and come with serious penalties if you’re found guilty. The consequences can range from hefty fines and asset forfeiture to imprisonment in the most severe cases.
A fraud charge can also jeopardise your job security, impact your reputation and strain your relationships. If you find yourself in this predicament, it's essential to seek expert legal advice.
The specialist fraud defence solicitors at Switalskis are equipped to guide you through the legal process. We have extensive experience in handling a broad range of fraud cases, such as identity theft, corporate fraud and insurance fraud. We tackle each case with the focus and attention to detail it deserves, offering clear and practical advice at every turn.
Our top priority is defending your rights and minimising the impact on your life. With Switalskis, you're not just getting legal representation; you're gaining a supportive team committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
To discuss your specific situation and find out how we can assist you, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458 , or reach out to us via our website .
To discuss your specific situation and find out how we can assist you, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458, or reach out to us via our website.
When you get in touch with Switalskis, our specialist fraud solicitors will arrange an initial consultation to assess your situation and provide expert legal advice. We’ll explain what the legal process involves, including how fraud investigations, internal investigations and potential fraud proceedings tend to progress. Whether you're facing allegations of mortgage fraud, identity fraud, benefit fraud, or fraudulent trading, we’ll help you understand the scope of the charges, the relevant sections of the Fraud Act or Crime Act, and the legal steps that follow. We can also advise on eligibility for legal aid and outline likely legal costs.
Our fraud lawyers provide expert legal representation in both civil and criminal fraud matters, including complex fraud cases involving multiple defendants, regulatory breaches, financial crime and advance fee fraud. We know how to challenge enforcement agencies’ actions, such as search warrants or requests for financial records and bank details, and we’ll support you through each stage from police interview to court hearing. We’ll build a clear, strategic defence designed to achieve the best possible result for your situation whether that is a ‘not guilty’ verdict, discontinued proceedings or a reduction in the severity of the outcome.
We have experience in confronting charges brought by the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority, HMRC and others. We have a deep understanding of how these organisations operate, which gives us an advantage in building your defence and lets us know what to expect when they carry out investigations.
Fraud covers a broad and often complex range of offences. If you are under investigation or already facing charges, we can help you work through the legal process with clear advice and strong representation. Our team defends individuals and businesses accused of:
We understand that facing a fraud charge is more than just a legal issue; it's a stressful life event that can affect your reputation and peace of mind. That's why we approach each case with not just legal expertise, but also genuine compassion.
If you're dealing with a fraud offence investigation or charge, whether those mentioned above or one that’s not listed here, get in touch with us today. We've got a broad range of experience and will be able to assist you.
Depending on your unique circumstances and those of your case, the process of dealing with fraud-related issues varies. However, here's a quick and general guide to how we help you through the process of defending your rights in the face of such allegations:
The first thing you should do if you find yourself under investigation for fraud is to speak to our expert fraud defence team. We'll have an initial consultation to understand what you're up against, assess your case and give you a clear idea of what to expect from the investigating authorities.
If you decide to go ahead, we'll start collecting the evidence we need to build your defence. This could include financial records, emails and any other documents that could help your case. We may arrange interviews with experts who can provide relevant testimony, or speak to witnesses within your business.
Once we've compiled the evidence to make a strong argument, we'll develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. We'll make sure you understand your options and what each approach entails.
We'll open lines of communication with the prosecuting authorities. Sometimes cases can be resolved without going to court. If that's not possible, we're fully prepared to defend you in court and present your case at trial.
If your case goes to court, we'll represent you with all the expertise and professionalism you'd expect of a team with decades of experience. We'll present your defence clearly, fight for your rights, and make sure you receive a fair trial.
Whether it's a dismissal, a plea deal or a trial verdict, we'll be with you until your case is resolved. We'll also advise you on any next steps, like appeals or adjustments to restraint orders.
Throughout the process, we'll keep you in the loop so you understand your position and obligations. Through open communication, we can work towards the outcome you want and bring your case to the best possible resolution.
While these might not be the first things you may think about when you learn that you’re under investigation for fraud, here are some key steps to help you build a strong defence:
Defending against a fraud charge is about protecting your reputation and avoiding a conviction. With the right strategy and expert legal advice, you can navigate this difficult period with greater confidence and have the best chance at a fair outcome.
Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 0800 1380 458 , or contacting us through the website.
It is possible to be prosecuted for:
Enforcement agencies such as the Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, and the Financial Conduct Authority typically lead these investigations, depending on the nature and scale of the fraud involved. Cases can involve individuals or businesses accused of wrongdoing and often focus on bank details, financial records or regulatory breaches. If you’re under investigation, early intervention from specialist fraud solicitors will significantly influence the outcome.
Civil fraud typically involves disputes between individuals or businesses and is handled in the civil courts. It can lead to compensation or injunctions but not imprisonment. Criminal fraud, on the other hand, involves prosecution by the state under laws such as the Fraud Act 2006 or the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
If you are found guilty of criminal fraud, the consequences can include severe penalties, including prison sentences. Some complex fraud cases involve both civil and criminal elements, particularly when large sums of money or multiple jurisdictions are involved. If you’re unsure about the nature of the fraud allegations against you, it’s best to seek legal advice from a law firm experienced in these matters.
Advance fee fraud typically involves obtaining money by promising goods, services or financial returns that never materialise. These allegations can escalate quickly into formal charges under the Fraud Act 2006, even when there was no intention to be dishonest or commit fraud. If you're accused of advance fee fraud, it’s critical to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible. Our fraud lawyers will assess the case against you, challenge any insufficient evidence or procedural issues, and work to protect your rights. Acting early allows us to manage communications with enforcement agencies and may prevent the case from progressing to court.
If you're asked to attend a police interview under caution, it usually means you’re suspected of involvement in a criminal fraud offence. You’re entitled to free legal representation at the police station, and it’s strongly advised you don’t attend without a solicitor. The police may question you about financial records, bank details, internal investigations or other matters related to the alleged fraud. Anything you say can be used in evidence, so preparation is critical. Switalskis’ specialist fraud solicitors will support you during the interview , advise on how to respond and work to protect your legal position throughout the process.
Benefit fraud involves giving false information or failing to report changes that affect your entitlement to benefits. Common examples include not reporting income, living arrangements or assets. These offences are prosecuted under the Fraud Act or Social Security Administration Act 1992 and are treated as criminal cases. If found guilty, penalties can include fines, community orders or prison sentences, depending on the scale and intent. Our team has extensive experience defending clients accused of fraud, including benefit fraud, and will work with you to review the evidence, explain your options and challenge any overreach by those agencies involved in your case.
We have a proven track record in defending clients against allegations of false accounting and false representation. These types of fraud often arise in financial crime and business-related offences. False accounting involves manipulating records to mislead or conceal losses, while false representation means knowingly making untrue claims to gain financially. Both are criminal offences under the Fraud Act and can attract severe penalties if proven. Switalskis will assess the evidence, including financial records and emails, to determine if there’s proof of your innocence, insufficient evidence for a conviction or any procedural error that could lead to a not guilty verdict or dropped charges.
Penalties for criminal fraud vary depending on the offence and its severity. Sanctions may include fines, confiscation of assets, community service or prison sentences. Factors such as personal gain, the number of people affected and the financial value involved will influence sentencing. Some types of fraud - such as complex fraud, money laundering or cases brought by the Serious Fraud Office - can result in lengthy custodial terms. A strong defence from experienced fraud lawyers can help reduce the severity of these outcomes, or in some cases, prevent a guilty verdict altogether.
Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 0800 1380 458, or contacting us through the website.
Criminal law solicitor Sarah Myatt explains why proposed jury trial reforms won’t solve court delays and risk undermining a key pillar of UK justice.
The announcement that Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) will be removed in 2028 has sparked debate, but one point is clear. If these roles are to go, the funding released must be directed towards areas where it can make a genuine difference to safety and public confidence.
Sarah Myatt joined Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero on an exclusive true crime podcast ‘True Criminals’. The episode, ‘Wrongfully Convicted: The Peter Sullivan Story’ discusses the recent quashed conviction of Peter Sullivan, the UK’s longest serving victim of a miscarriage of justice.
Sarah Myatt, Solicitor Advocate and legal representative for Peter Sullivan, has spoken to Phil McCann at the BBC about the government’s proposed uplift in compensation for victims of miscarriages of justice.
Our solicitors are experts in fraud defence. We have decades of experience to draw from when dealing with any aspect of fraud allegations, raids on your premises to secure evidence, and investigations, so we know what to expect. We stay up to date on new developments in fraud and business law so that we can be extremely thorough in reviewing your case.
Here's what you can expect when you work with us:
Fraud cases can seem like a confusing mess of legal language and intricate procedures. We're here to make it simple for you. We'll break down the key terminology, answer your questions and keep you in the loop at every stage so you can make informed decisions.
We understand that this is a stressful time for you. We'll listen to your concerns, get to grips with your situation and offer tailored advice. You're not just a case to us; you're a person facing a difficult time, and we're here to support you and make sure you’re treated fairly.
When it comes to defending against a fraud charge, you need legal representation you can be confident in. With Switalskis, you're in good hands. We've got a wealth of experience and a strong track record in handling fraud cases of all types. You can trust us to fight your corner.
We're committed to making sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. We'll stand by you every step of the way, turning what can be a daunting experience into a pathway towards justice and peace of mind.
For advice on any aspect of defending against fraud allegations, call Switalskis as soon as possible to discuss your situation and benefit from our expertise. Contact us today on 0800 1380 458 or through our website.