Bribery and Corruption Solicitors

Our highly experienced bribery and corruption lawyers provide:

• 24/7 legal support in person and over the phone, 365 days a year
• Representation anywhere in England and Wales
• Accredited Police Station Representatives to support you during a police interview
• Clear, effective legal advice in any language (see our languages spoken)

Speak to our bribery and corruption solicitors today

For a free initial consultation on your legal position and the available options when defending a bribery and corruption charge, contact our local offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester.

For urgent advice at any time of day or night regarding bribery and corruption, please call our Emergency Number 07836 577 556.

Why choose our bribery and corruption solicitors?

For over 45 years, our expert criminal defence solicitors at JD Spicer Zeb have provided specialist legal representation in complex cases, including bribery and corruption offences.

The outcome of bribery and corruption allegations can range from fines and reputational damage to lengthy terms of imprisonment.

Our team has extensive experience managing these cases to reach a fair outcome. We will review the prosecution’s evidence and build a strong defence to protect your rights.

If you are arrested or under investigation, our police station representatives are available 24/7 to provide immediate legal advice on corruption charges.

Should your case proceed to trial, we have strong working relationships with leading criminal defence barristers who specialise in financial crime. With our expertise and strategic approach, you can be confident that you will receive the highest standard of legal representation at every stage.

We are accredited by the Law Society for Criminal Litigation and Lexcel for excellence in legal practice. If you are facing bribery or corruption allegations, contact our team today for expert legal support.

Our expertise with bribery and corruption

Representation at police stations

If you are questioned by the police on suspicion of bribery or corruption, anything you say or choose not to say can impact your case. It is essential to seek expert legal advice before answering any police questions.

At JD Spicer Zeb, our specialist criminal defence solicitors have extensive experience handling bribery and corruption investigations. We provide immediate legal representation at the police station to protect your rights and ensure you do not inadvertently harm your defence.

No matter the complexity of your case, our dedicated team is available 24/7 to provide the highest level of legal support and representation.

Pre-charge bail and released under investigation

If you have been released on pre-charge bail or are under investigation for bribery or corruption, seeking expert legal advice is essential. Being released from custody does not mean your case is over. An investigation may still be ongoing, and the authorities could bring charges against you at any time.

Pre-charge bail often comes with strict conditions, such as travel restrictions or mandatory police station visits and failing to comply could have legal consequences.

At JD Spicer Zeb, our specialist bribery and corruption defence solicitors can assess your situation, advise you on your legal position, and develop a proactive strategy to protect your rights.

Whether you are on pre-charge bail or released under investigation, we will guide you through every stage of the process, ensuring the best possible outcome.

To find out more in relation to pre-charge bail and release under investigation, please use the links provided below:

• Pre-charge bail and Released Under Investigation (RUI)
• On Bail But Not Charged - What Does It Mean?
• How long can you be on bail without charge UK?

Having charges dropped

If you are facing allegations of bribery or corruption, our expert defence team will carefully assess your case, identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Our priority is to determine whether the charges can be dropped before reaching court, helping you avoid unnecessary stress and reputational damage.

At JD Spicer Zeb, we offer strategic and pragmatic legal advice tailored to your situation. We will guide you through the process, answering any questions you may have and ensuring you understand your options. With a proven track record of securing early case dismissals, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Legal representation and defence

If you are facing trial for bribery or corruption, our specialist criminal defence solicitors will ensure you have the strongest possible defence. We will guide you through each stage of the legal process, advising you on your rights, available options, and the best strategy to protect your interests.

Whether your case is heard in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, we will provide expert legal representation. Our team will thoroughly examine the prosecution’s case, gather supporting evidence, and consult with leading experts where necessary to build a strong defence against bribery allegations.

With decades of experience, we have developed strong professional relationships with some of the UK’s top criminal barristers. If your case proceeds to trial, you can be confident that you will receive high-quality legal advice and representation at every stage.

Where appropriate, we will also provide clear guidance on whether an early guilty plea could result in a more favourable outcome, such as a reduced sentence.

Fees and funding

When dealing with fees and funding, our bribery and corruption lawyers will always be clear and upfront about your options.

Legal Aid may be available in some cases, but this depends on the seriousness of the case and whether it will justify the grant of public funding.

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both Legal Aid and private fees), please use the links provided below:

• Our Fees – Crime Cases
• Do I Qualify for Criminal Legal Aid?
• Bespoke Crime Private Fee Service
• Will Your Private Legal Costs Increase?
• Do We Offer Free Consultations?

Related offences

We also provide support and guidance on various other matters that are related to bribery and corruption, including:

• Benefit Fraud
• Cash and asset forfeiture/cash seizure
• Conspiracy to Defraud
• Credit Card Fraud
• FCA Investigations
• False Accounting
• Fraud by Abuse of Position
• Fraudulent Trading Defence
• Immigration Fraud
• Investment Fraud
• Money Laundering
• Mortgage Fraud
• SFO Investigations
• Tax Investigation and Tax Fraud
• VAT Fraud
• Identity Fraud Solicitors
• Covid Bounce Back Loan Fraud
• Furlough Fraud

Related cases

• Multi Million Pound Fraud Southwark Crown Court not proceeded with 2024
• Money Laundering dropped Police station 2023

Common questions about bribery and corruption

What constitutes bribery and corruption under UK law?

Corruption includes any illegitimate use of office and can cover a range of crimes, including bribery.

The offence of bribery is governed by the Bribery Act 2010. It involves the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of an advantage (financial or otherwise) to improperly influence decisions.

The Act defines bribery in the following four ways:

• The offering, promising, or giving of a bribe to another person
• Requesting, agreeing to receive, or accepting a bribe
• Bribery of a foreign (non-UK) public official
• Failure by commercial organisations to prevent bribery committed by their associated persons to obtain or retain business or an advantage in the conduct of business

What are the penalties for bribery and corruption offences?

Under the UK Bribery Act 2010, individuals found guilty of bribery can face:

• Up to 10 years’ imprisonment, with the length of the sentence determined by the severity of the offence
• An unlimited fine, which will vary depending on the seriousness of the offence

If an organisation fails to prevent bribery due to inadequate procedures, it may face:

• An unlimited fine, generally higher than that imposed on individuals due to the organisation's size
• Serious Crime Prevention Orders which may involve strict financial controls to prevent future bribery
• A requirement to return any financial gain obtained from the bribery under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
• Disqualification of directors for up to 15 years as a result of their failure to ensure adequate procedures were in place

How can a solicitor assist in a bribery or corruption case?

Our expert solicitors can provide expert legal advice from the start of your case, ensuring you understand your rights and options. We will review the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses in their case, and build a strong defence. Where necessary, we work with financial experts to challenge the allegations against you.

If early resolution is possible, we will negotiate to have charges dropped or reduced. Should your case go to trial, we ensure you receive top-tier representation, protecting your interests at every stage to achieve the best possible outcome.

What should I do if I am accused of bribery or corruption?

If you have been accused of bribery or corruption or called into an interview by the police, you should instruct a specialist solicitor at the earliest opportunity to give you the best chance of a fair outcome.

We can offer advice on what information to give the police and put together a strong defence if your case proceeds to court.

Which UK organisations are responsible for investigating bribery and enforcing the law?

The Serious Fraud Office is the lead agency in England and Wales that investigates and prosecutes cases of overseas corruption alongside the police.

The Crown Prosecution Service also prosecutes bribery offences investigated by the police, committed either overseas or in England and Wales.