Account Freezing Orders – Our Work
“Through our Serious Crime service – delivered to clients nationwide – MSB Solicitors advise clients who are the subject of Account Freezing orders, also known as AFOs.
These orders are frequently used by investigative authorities to impose an immediate freeze on monies held in bank accounts, building societies and other forms of deposit, on the basis that they believe monies held have derived from criminal activity, or will be used in criminal activity.
If you, or your business, is the subject of an account freezing order, you should immediately contact MSB’s expert criminal lawyers.
Account Freezing Orders – Criminal Investigation and Criminal Prosecution
It is often the case that those the subject of an AFO are also the subject of a criminal investigation which may lead to a criminal prosecution. Receipt of an AFO may be the first you become aware that you are the subject of a criminal investigation. Documentation accompanying the AFO, provided by the investigators, will contain a statement of information as to the basis upon which the AFO has been obtained. This documentation is very informative as to any surrounding criminal investigation. Immediate, expert advice from MSB’s skilled and experienced defence lawyers will be provided to you, as to the possible scope and form of the investigation and as to the impact this may have upon you and your business.
Account Freezing Orders – Duration and Challenge
AFOs run initially for 6 months but can be extended on application for up to 2 years. These orders can have a profound effect upon you, your business and your employees. The orders can be challenged at various stages and resisted when applications are subsequently made for confiscation of monies the subject of the AFO.
MSB’s Serious Crime, Business Crime and Regulatory solicitors will work in unison with you in making applications for discharge, variation or exclusion as to the order. This may enable certain withdrawals and payments to be made from subject accounts, for example, to meet reasonable living expenses and also to assist your business, trade or profession to continue.
MSB’s Serious Crime service has considerable experience in advising individuals and businesses throughout the country, who find themselves the subject of AFO related criminal investigations and subsequent prosecution before the courts.
AFOs are frequently referred to as draconian. The implications for you and your business as to the receipt of an AFO can be far and wide. Our experience dictates that our specialist criminal lawyers at MSB Solicitors should be involved to give our expert advice and skilful and determined representation at the very earliest opportunity.
It is therefore crucial that you contact MSB Solicitors as soon as you receive an AFO.
Arrange a consultation:
It is vital that you Contact Us today if you face a Criminal Investigation or Prosecution. MSB Solicitors advise and represent clients in the defence of Criminal Investigations and Criminal Court Proceedings, throughout the country. MSB’s expert criminal lawyers will immediately advise you and thereafter represent your interests throughout the Criminal Investigation and Court Proceedings, to obtain the best possible outcome for you.
“I am always extremely impressed by the level of commitment all staff members exert, in particular when I have needed to refer a mediation or legal aid matter concerning urgent action. MSB members promptly undertake the necessary action and provide an excellent service.”
Understanding the issue
MSB’s AFO solicitors will assist you in their advisory capacity to understand the complexities of an AFO, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the legal implications and possible consequences. It is most likely that an AFO has been obtained on the basis of preventing financial crime, money laundering or fraud. The law relating to AFO’s is complex and it will be necessary to take into account the strength of the evidence, the seriousness of the allegations and the impact upon our clients’ financial circumstances.
MSB’s expert criminal solicitors understand that being the subject of an AFO can have a devastating impact upon you and your family, as well as your business and its employees. Our specialist criminal lawyers will advise and guide you through to obtain the best possible outcome for you, no matter the difficulties you face.
To speak to a solicitor from our Serious Crime team for immediate advice about an Account Freezing Order, contact MSB – Serious Crime.
Why Choose MSB Solicitors
MSB’s Serious Crime and Business Crime service, established in 1988, has a team of specialist lawyers with vast experience in advising and representing clients throughout the country, who are the subject of Criminal Investigation and Prosecution in the Magistrates Court, the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal.
MSB’s expert criminal lawyers are recognised as Leading Individuals by the Legal 500. We are a top ranked Serious Crime and Business Crime practice, so you are assured of receiving the most skilled advice and invaluable legal assistance throughout your case.
MSB Solicitors is an all-service legal practice providing clients with the very best solutions possible. We develop long lasting relationships with our clients based on mutual trust and the provision of our quality, proactive and effective services.
Practising nationwide, MSB’s dedicated Serious Crime lawyers are instructed in the most complex, difficult and high-profile cases. MSB Solicitors has an outstanding record of success in the provision of our Serious Crime service for our clients.
The undivided focus of our work, as your criminal lawyers, will always be to achieve the best possible outcome for you, no matter the difficulties you may face.
Funding Options
MSB Solicitors is very aware of the concern clients may have as to the legal costs in defending criminal investigations and proceedings. Our expert lawyers will explain the various options available to you and ensure you are assisted as to the completion of any applications for funding.
Legal Aid in Respect of Court Proceedings
The cost of defending criminal court proceedings can be very extensive. MSB Solicitors has a proven track record in obtaining legal aid on behalf of clients facing criminal court proceedings before the Magistrate’s Court, the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal.
Advice and Representation at a Police Station
MSB’s costs can be met on a fixed fee private costs basis. Alternatively, MSB’s costs can be met under the legal aid scheme for representation at interviews under caution undertaken by an investigating officer with the power of arrest.
MSB Private Client fees
Advice and representation in defending criminal investigations and prosecutions by MSB Solicitors may be funded by way of an agreed hourly rate on a case-by-case basis. MSB Solicitors offer fixed fee costs for advice and representation in criminal investigations and proceedings which can be set for the different stages of your case.
MSB Solicitors will provide costs estimates and reach costs agreements with you as to payment of fees upon the instruction of expert witnesses and Counsel acting in your defence. You may have the benefit of an insurance product that will provide cover in defending criminal investigations and criminal proceedings. MSB Solicitors will examine any insurance policy which you have to advise as to whether this may be appropriate.
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