Benefit Fraud Solicitors

Speak to our benefit fraud solicitors today

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

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

You can also email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk or fill out our online enquiry form and we will get back to you quickly.

Our expertise with benefit fraud

Our team have over 45 years of experience in handling a wide range of criminal matters, including fraud charges. We therefore have the combination of knowledge and experience required to advise on even the most complex cases relating to benefit fraud allegations.

Benefit fraud is a complex issue, with the potential penalties being very serious in some cases. This highlights how important it is to receive specialist support from experts in the field.

Our criminal defence team includes several accredited police station representatives, which means that we will be able to offer advice and representation 24/7 to anyone who has been arrested for benefit fraud.

We have previously been able to secure positive outcomes for individuals accused of benefit fraud on both the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. During such proceedings, we will be able to provide the representation you need at every stage.

Our team have established strong relationships with some of the country’s leading specialist fraud barristers. We can therefore offer additional access to the skills and expertise needed to secure you the best available outcome.

If you are accused of benefit fraud, we understand how difficult a situation this is likely to be for you and your family. Our dedicated benefit fraud lawyers will therefore provide a close personal service to assist you with any issues you may be facing or are likely to affect your case.

We are accredited by the Law Society for Criminal Litigation and have also achieved Lexcel accreditation, reflecting the high standards of our legal practice.

As a testament to our expertise and high standards of client care, our benefit fraud solicitors frequently receive referrals and recommendations from clients who have been satisfied with our legal services. Our team have been well-established for over 45 years.

Pre-charge bail

If someone is released on pre-charge bail (also referred to as being released on bail), after being interviewed for benefit fraud, the police will continue their investigation before making a final charging decision.

Whilst they make this decision, bail conditions may be imposed such as restrictions on where you can go and requirements to attend the police station on a certain day.

To find out more in relation to pre -charge bail, 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?

Common questions about benefit fraud

What is benefit fraud?

Benefit fraud takes place when an individual deliberately claims any benefits they are not entitled to receive. This could be done by either:

• Providing false information
• Not accurately reporting a change in circumstances
• Falsely declaring a disability or unfitness for work

If suspected of a benefit fraud offence, the DWP, HMRC, or a local authority will likely get in touch and conduct an investigation.

Is benefit fraud a civil or criminal matter?

Benefit fraud is a criminal offence. It is important to note that genuine mistakes which lead to an over payment of benefit are not considered to be acts of benefit fraud.

Instead, there must have been a deliberate act to withhold certain information, or to provide false information that would lead to more benefits being provided.

What is the maximum sentence for benefit fraud?

If someone is prosecuted for committing benefit fraud, they will be subject to criminal sentencing.

The maximum benefit fraud sentence will depend on the circumstances of the case. That said, for a serious incidence of conspiracy to defraud, the maximum sentence is 10 years’ imprisonment.

The severity of the benefit fraud sentence that is handed out will depend on the culpability and harm caused.

Culpability measures how the benefit fraud was planned and what role the alleged offender played, while harm refers to the amount obtained, or planned to be obtained, by the fraud.

A range of aggravating and mitigating factors will also be taken into consideration when assessing the sentence that should be handed out for anyone found guilty of benefit fraud.

Can I face more than a prison sentence for benefit fraud?

In addition to receiving a prison sentence for benefit fraud, the following could also apply:

• Benefits could be reduced or stopped
• Overpaid money must be paid back
• A penalty may apply (between £350 and £5,000)

Only certain benefits (known as sanctionable benefits) can be reduced or stopped. If the benefit fraud applies to a non-sanctionable benefit, other sanctionable benefits may be reduced instead.

Contact our benefit fraud lawyers now

For urgent specialist advice, immediate police station representation or to speak to us confidentially about a charge of benefit fraud or any other criminal matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

• Brent & Camden London Office: 020 7624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office:  0121 614 3333
• City of London: 0207 624 7771 our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for benefit fraud

Please get in touch for a free initial consultation with one of our expert benefit fraud solicitors, as well as for immediate advice and representation.

For immediate representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556 and we will provide you with the urgent assistance you need.