Proceeds of Crime Act Proceedings

Proceeds of Crime Act Proceedings Solicitors

When you’re convicted of a criminal offence, you will be asked to declare all your earnings to prove that the crime you have committed has not helped you buy the property you own. This can be an incredibly difficult time, so it is advisable that you speak to a solicitor to ensure that you keep what is rightfully yours.

At Burton Copeland, our solicitors have helped many of those convicted of a criminal act to justify and hang on to their assets. If you are facing prosecution, or are in the process of declaring your earnings, contact us today by calling 0161 827 9500, or by filling in our online form and letting us know a time to get back to you.

The proceedings involved

According to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), a court must decide whether any assets, expenditure or property accumulated over the last six years has been possessed through criminal behaviours. There are three categories that determine whether criminal activity has funded your lifestyle, including:

• The type of crime committed, for example, drug trafficking, money laundering, terrorism, counterfeiting and copyright, prostitution and blackmail
• Whether any other crimes committed over the past six years have allowed you to benefit from a sum of £5,000 or more
• Whether an offence was committed for longer than six months, provided evidence is delivered

If the court determines that your property has been acquired through criminal means, your task is to prove otherwise, which is where assistance from an expert POCA solicitor becomes a necessity. Failure to prove where your assets are acquired can result in the confiscation of genuine earnings.

Read more about how we can help on the subjects of money laundering or confiscation and asset recovery.

Expert POCA lawyers that deliver a first class representation

Our team of knowledgeable lawyers has handled many POCA cases, assisting those prosecuted to challenge the evidence made against them regarding their assets. We approach each case differently as no two cases are the same, providing a tailor-made defence that will help you get the best possible outcome.

We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so should you need legal advice from one of our solicitors at any time, you can. We are also able to take on cases where legal aid is used as funding.

Get in touch with Burton Copeland today

To speak to a lawyer about your POCA case, please get in touch with our Manchester office today by calling 0161 827 9500 during office hours, or 0161 832 7834 at any other time. Alternatively, submit your details in our online form and we will get back to you shortly.