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SGK Solicitors

TEL: 020 7734 9700

including 24 HOUR POLICE STATION ADVICE
WESTGATE HOUSE, 9 HOLBORN, LONDON EC1N 2LL

Entrance to the subway

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Please click on links for description of services

APPELLATE WORK

This is an extremely specialised area of work and requires an in-depth knowledge of both procedure and complex legal issues, to best present your case to the Court of Appeal or Criminal Cases Review Commission.  We have particular success in overturning convictions and having sentences reduced, and are frequently referred work in this field.

We regret that other than in exceptional circumstances we do not conduct Appellate Work for new clients under the Legal Aid Scheme.

ASSAULT

These allegations range from the slightest altercation through to events falling just short of an allegation of murder.  For assaults in a domestic context please see below under ‘Domestic Violence’.

In defending allegations of assault we draw on the best available advice from forensic experts, and exercise our strategic judgement and tactical awareness to achieve the correct outcome.

BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION

The Bribery Act 2010 allows for the prosecution of an individual or company with links to the United Kingdom, regardless of where the crime occurred, and has been described as "the toughest anti-corruption legislation in the world". This firm dealt with the UK’s first prosecution under the Act in 2011 when a clerk at Redbridge Magistrates’ Court was charged with bribery and misconduct in public office. Advice from a criminal lawyer should be sought at the outset of any investigation, including during employment tribunal proceedings given that evidence heard during a tribunal may be admitted in any concurrent or subsequent criminal investigation or prosecution. We have the understanding, experience and expertise to advise you in such matters.

CROSS JURISDICTIONAL LAW

Criminal law is increasingly international in nature and many cases involve international or multi-jurisdictional dimensions. The firm has contacts with lawyers around the world and can call on expert assistance where and when required. In particular, the firm has a resident US qualified lawyer working as a consultant and we are able to offer expertise in numerous areas of US law as and when these arise in our work.

Legal Research Pros are a US based company offering legal research and drafting expertise to other qualified lawyers. If you are a law firm and you require guidance as to federal or State law in the United States you may wish to contact Legal Research Pros with whom we have an association.

You can contact them here: legalresearchpros.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

This area has become a zero tolerance target of Government, and a sensitive and tactical approach is required at all stages of the investigation and at any subsequent proceedings.  We are extremely experienced in handling such cases, and have the knowledge and expertise to deal with all the agencies that typically are involved in these proceedings.  Where appropriate we will refer you to specialist matrimonial lawyers for additional assistance.

DRUG OFFENCES

These include offences of simple possession, importation and supply.  More serious offences can be the most heavily investigated, often resulting from lengthy intelligence lead operations.  The prosecution may rely on sophisticated surveillance techniques together with analysis of telephone records, cell site analysis, financial records and other evidence.

In defending such allegations we draw on the best available advice from forensic experts, and exercise our strategic judgement and tactical awareness.

ENCROCHAT

Are you involved in an EncroChat investigation? Have you made use of an EncroChat phone? We have experience of EncroChat investigations, and can advise if you are investigated, or if you are concerned that you may be investigated.

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY OFFENCES

Investigations by the Environment Agency may require a detailed forensic response from qualified experts in the relevant field.  Our experience includes defending alleged breaches of regulations and negotiating with the Environment Agency as to charge and case disposal.  In such matters we secure the best available advice and expertise.

FINANCIAL CRIME

The introduction of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 was a legal watershed.  Allegations of money laundering are now commonplace, and the authorities increasingly pursue Restraint and Confiscation Orders and apply for cash seizures.

Such cases can require urgent analysis of personal financial information and often require the input of expert forensic accountants.  We have the experience and expertise to deal with these complex cases, and where appropriate make use of sophisticated software programmes designed to assimilate data and events that can run to thousands of events and transactions.

FRAUD

We are a member of the Legal Aid Agency’s Very High Cost Case panel, and have extensive experience of representing clients accused of the most complex offences involving fraud.  The new Fraud Act 2006 has introduced into the scope of the criminal law a range of behaviour including seemingly inadvertent mistakes.  Such cases often require analysis of vast volumes of paperwork, handwriting analysis and the input of expert forensic accountants.  Others involve an understanding of complex chains of events concerning numerous individuals and/or companies. 

We have the experience and expertise to deal with these complex cases, and where appropriate make use of sophisticated software programmes designed to assimilate data and events that can run to thousands of events and transactions. 

GENERAL CRIME

The partners have, collectively, nearly 80 years’ experience in criminal defence work so there is little that is new to us. At the same time, we approach each case with a renewed sense of energy and optimism and a total commitment to ensuring the best possible outcome for our clients.

Should you be investigated or prosecuted for any offence not covered in the list to the left, then please contact us.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive typically require a detailed forensic response from qualified experts in the relevant field.  Our experience in defending allegations from gross negligence manslaughter through to breach of regulations concerning the disposal of asbestos has involved securing the best available advice and expertise.

INQUESTS

Inquests are held where there is a suspicion that a person died from anything other than natural causes.  We are frequently retained by concerned members of families who wish to be represented when the cause of death is investigated by the coroner.  We handle such cases with professional skill and sensitivity.

INTERNET & CYBER CRIME

In this constantly developing field of criminal activity the potential for mistaken accusation is real. Allegations can include the misuse of the internet in relation to fraud, harassment and indecent images. We adopt a pro-active approach to such investigations drawing on the best available experts in the field.

MURDER

We have extensive and in-depth experience of defending the widest range of allegations of murder and manslaughter.  We have dealt with this gravest of allegations in various cases including representing clients allegedly linked to the IRA, Al Qaeda and ‘Gangland Britain’.  The firm has handled cases dealing with personal tragedies, crimes of passion and those involving psychiatric illness.  We have also dealt with cases of gross negligence manslaughter.

Such cases demand a detailed understanding of the range of forensic evidence now typically relied on by the prosecuting authorities.  In defending murder allegations we draw on the best available advice from forensic experts, and will often form a team dedicated to the task.  This is an area where our depth of experience and tactical astuteness is renowned for its effectiveness.

DISCIPLINARY AND REGULATORY OFFENCES

You may be required to appear before your professional organisation for allegations of misconduct or fraud, or allegations involving ethical or professional breaches as well as improper, dishonest or indecent behaviour. We can represent you early in the investigation stage and if necessary at any tribunal, where we will instruct specialist counsel with experience of your particular tribunal. This is particularly important given that evidence heard during a tribunal may be admitted in a concurrent or subsequent criminal investigation or prosecution. We have the understanding, experience and expertise to advise you in such matters.

ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES

These are frequently technical in nature and it is imperative that you are advised at the earliest possible stage of investigation.  We have built up a skills and knowledge base in this complex area and are able to advise throughout and ensure the best possible representation should the matter proceed to court, whether representing you at trial seeking to secure your acquittal, mitigating on your behalf to achieve the lowest possible sentence, or at hearings to include ‘special reasons’ not to disqualify.

Please note that, where Legal Aid is not available, we are able to offer competitive private fees. Our hourly rates vary from £150 to £350 (+VAT) depending upon the person conducting your case, and in some cases we may be able to offer you a fixed fee.  By way of example, cases dealt as a guilty plea at a single hearing at a London magistrates’ court start from £500 + VAT and trials start from £1,200 + VAT. The fixed fee will depend upon the complexity of the issues and the work required to properly prepare the case.  Disbursements such as travel costs and expert fees, if required, will be additional.   Please speak to us to discuss likely costs in your case.  

SEX OFFENCES

We have defended the full range of offences that are included in this category.

Where appropriate, we draw on the best available advice from forensic experts and specialist counsel, and will exercise our strategic judgement and tactical awareness.  We ensure that you are dealt with sensitively and appropriately throughout.

TERRORISM & CYBER TERRORISM

We have represented people under investigation and accused of participation in various alleged acts of terrorism.  Such cases require a detailed understanding of the range of forensic evidence and sophisticated surveillance techniques now typically relied on by the prosecuting authorities.  In defending allegations of this nature we draw on the best available advice from forensic experts, and exercise our strategic judgement and tactical awareness.

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