Expert legal advice in your corner

When your business is facing an investigation or prosecution, your livelihood, and in some cases, freedom, could be on the line. Ensuring you have a legal team of experts in business defence in your corner is key. 

Combining experience in both commercial and criminal law, Smith Partnership offers the expertise you need. Get in touch to find out how we can help you.

Robust advice and representation

Having helped many businesses and professionals through those trying times, we have the specialist skills and knowledge to do the same for you. We offer robust advice and representation in areas including:

  • Fraud 
  • Prosecution of a director 
  • Breach of director’s duties 
  • HM Revenue and Customs 
  • Trading Standards 
  • Corporate manslaughter 
  • Inquests and public enquiries 
  • Fire safety and health & safety 
  • Food and product defects 
  • Local authority investigations and prosecutions

We believe that no matter the circumstances, everyone has the right to expert legal advice. Whatever the issues you or your business are facing, our dedicated business defence solicitors take the time to understand your individual situation and tailor a strategic and proactive approach to help you reach the best possible outcome. 

Here when you need us most

Providing you with dedicated legal support at every stage of your case, you can rest assured that your business’s best interests are in safe hands at all times. Right from initial instructions, all the way through to completion, you’ll receive fearless advice and representation.

A member of our team will be on hand during any investigation at your business premises as well as to assist and advise during any formal interviews at the police station, or elsewhere. If necessary for the case, our specialist team of advocates can represent you during any court proceedings.

Don’t just take our word for it...

Our business defence services have been recognised by the Legal 500, which states:

[Kevin McGrath] leads the corporate crime and fraud unit. 

Huge presence in The Midlands.

Very strong criminal team, with great experience, technical ability and commitment.

The combination of friendliness and professionalism – they are very approachable and do not give the impression of “judging” clients. They have a strong work ethic and far better respected than other firms in the local area.

The Legal 500, 2023

Why choose Smith Partnership?

Whether a case relates to tax evasion, false accounting, health & safety practices or anything else, our team approaches every matter with the same level of dedication and commitment to providing an excellent service to reach the best possible outcome.

Combining our unrivalled expertise of criminal law with many years of experience in all manner of corporate and commercial law, we provide holistic advice and solutions. Not only do we advise you on your stance, but also on any impact or risks that action could have on the business as a whole.

Smith Partnership’s services are built on being straightforward and practical. This means that our advice to you will always be easy to understand and free of any legal jargon, which we know is valued by our clients, particularly in matters which could have significant implications.

From our offices in Leicester, Derby, Burton Upon Trent, Swadlincote and Stoke on Trent, our team ensures that your business has access to approachable and responsive expert legal advice and support whenever and wherever it is needed.

Contact our team today

To find out how our expert team of solicitors can help you, contact us today on 0330 123 1229, send us an email via info@smithpartnership.co.uk or complete our contact form.

FAQs

If you are being interviewed under caution at the police station you have the right to have a lawyer with you. That lawyer will be able to make enquiries on your behalf to confirm what the police are investigating, take your instructions and give advice and help you through the interview process. In most cases, such help can be provided free of charge under the Legal Aid scheme regardless of your means.

The Department of Business takes a leading role in investigating allegations relating to criminal offences arising out of business malpractice. They have the power to apply to the court to disqualify you as a director and instigate criminal proceedings which can result in unlimited fines and/or a prison sentence. You should take immediate, specialist legal advice.

Illegally disposing of controlled waste or ‘fly tipping’ is a serious offence punishable with an unlimited fine and/or up to five years’ imprisonment. There are a number of possible defences available. You should take specialist legal advice before speaking to the authorities.

The Fire Authority may simply be asking you to comply on a voluntary basis. Alternatively, they may have served you with an improvement, enforcement or prohibition notice or they may be investigating with a view to prosecution. Whatever the circumstances you should take all necessary steps to remedy any breach as soon as possible and seek immediate advice from a lawyer who specialises in fire safety cases.

You should contact a solicitor who specialises in cases of fraud straightaway. You are entitled to take legal advice before answering any questions. Your personal liberty, the future of your business and your ability to act as a director could well depend upon you seeking the right advice as quickly as possible.

Directors cannot rely upon limited liability to avoid the risk of being prosecuted as an individual if a death occurs in the workplace following breaches of health and safety. Penalties upon conviction can range from an unlimited fine to life imprisonment depending upon the circumstances. Seek legal advice immediately.

You are entitled to nominate someone to attend the meeting with you and that can include a solicitor but HSE do not have to agree. If you are being interviewed under caution and in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act you can insist on having a solicitor with you.