Benefit Fraud

We are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm based in Coventry, our solicitors use best-in-class technology to provide clients with a streamlined, modern, and highly effective criminal defence. Furthermore, our solicitors have years of experience in criminal law means we have created relationships with some of the UK’s best Barristers and Queen’s Counsel.  Our clients also benefit from our ability to instruct the country’s most respected expert witnesses who can provide the Court with the facts required to support a not guilty plea or mitigate the sentence handed down by the Judge.

Benefit fraud investigations can take months to conclude.  Our Benefit Fraud Solicitors will be on your side from the initial interview under caution until your trial.  You can be confident that by instructing us, you will have access to the best Criminal Defence Solicitors in Coventry and across Warwickshire and the Midlands.

Advising and representing people accused of committing a criminal offence

We are highly recommended as an expert criminal defence law firm for people accused of committing a crime.  We provide 24/7 police station representation.  Therefore, will be at your side, protecting your interests from the start.  Because we understand the correct procedure the police must follow when making an arrest, we will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding you being detained and get the charges dropped if proper processes were not complied with.

Our criminal law team has in-depth experience in defending serious criminal charges such as benefit fraud.  We work with the country’s top expert witnesses and focus on providing you with advice and representation you can trust.  We know that your reputation, financial security, and possibly your freedom is at stake – therefore, we never give up until every appeal has been exhausted.

Below are several common questions clients ask us concerning benefit fraud.

What are the different types of benefit fraud?

If you receive any type of public funds, you must inform the correct authorities if your circumstances change.  If you don’t, you may find yourself being investigated by the Department for Work and Pensions, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Service and Personnel and Veterans Agency, or your local authority.  

• Council Tax Benefit
• Housing Benefit
• Jobseekers Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit
• Income Support
• Employment & Support Allowance

Instructing an experienced Benefit Fraud Solicitor could mean the difference between a substantial fine or prison sentence or acquittal.

Will my benefit be stopped while the authorities are investigating me?

Your benefits may be stopped whilst the investigation progresses which can cause enormous stress to you and your family.  You will receive a letter informing you if this action is going to be taken.  Our Solicitors will fight tenaciously to have your benefits payments restored.  We can also direct you to charities that can help you and your family manage during this time.

What if someone makes false reports about me committing benefit fraud?

False accusations regarding benefit fraud are unfortunately exceedingly common.  If you have genuinely done nothing wrong, the investigators will be unable to uncover any evidence to support the malicious allegations.  Our Solicitors will ensure the matter is quickly dropped and your benefits reinstated.

Can authorities access my bank account to gather evidence?

Yes, your bank account transactions will be examined if you are being investigated for benefit fraud.  Furthermore, investigating authorities have the power to look back over 12 years’ worth of records.  Investigators will also examine your social media accounts and can put your house under surveillance.

In all cases, the authorities will be looking for evidence that you have in fact committed benefit fraud.  It is our job to monitor how they collect this evidence, ensuring that they are acting within their legal powers.  If they act outside these powers, evidence collected may be inadmissible in Court.

What are the penalties for benefit fraud?

If you are convicted of benefit fraud you may be fined (between £350 and £5,000) or sent to prison for up to seven years.  The authorities can also seize your assets and stop your benefits for up to three years.  Alongside these sanctions, you will likely have to pay back all the money you fraudulently claimed plus administrative penalties.

We know how frightening being accused of benefit fraud can be.  You can trust us to fight in your corner and protect your interests at every stage of the process.  There is no situation we have not seen before; therefore, you can be confident that we have the experience and knowledge to defend you against even the most serious allegations.

Why choose us?

Regardless of the charges against you, you are entitled to a criminal defence.  We do not judge our clients; our only objective is to defend you against the Prosecution’s allegations.  You can be confident that by instructing us to defend you, your chances of acquittal or a reduced sentence are greatly improved.  The most important factor is to contact us as soon as you become aware that you are being investigated for benefit fraud.

People choose and recommend us not just in Coventry, Rugby and Leamington, but across the Midlands and the whole of the UK.

To get expert advice and representation regarding benefit fraud, please call our Coventry office on 02476 231000 or email enquiries@askewslegal.co.