We have a unique position in the defence of trading standards prosecutions. We were the first solicitors in the country to represent individuals and businesses prosecuted by Trading Standards across the UK for telephone premium-rate offences. In that case we took over from an inexperienced firm that had wasted over £100,000 in legal fees due to their lack of understanding of criminal procedure and evidence. Our intervention rescued the company directors from a prison sentence and saved them from insolvency. Read more here.
We are currently representing the first defendants to be prosecuted by the Office of Fair Trading (read more here: OFT) under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. It is clear that the OFT intend to use this legislation to prosecute far more frequently than has been the case previously. There is also a clear intention from the Government that criminal prosecutions are to be used in preference to regulatory fines. This will allow applications under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to recover the alleged profit from unlawful enterprises.
We recently defended a jewellery business and company director accused of misleading customers under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. After detailed submissions the local trading standards officer withdrew all allegations and we secured an order that our client's costs be met from central funds.
The announcement in October 2010 that the OFT will merge with the Competition Commission means that in future consumer protection prosecutions will be brought by local authority Trading Standards Departments.
Our efficiency and corporate structure means that we are able to tailor our services to suit our client. Typically we are able to charge fees far lower that larger commercial solicitors whilst providing a specialist service able to challenge the prosecution with greater precision.
Call now 08444 936 057 (24 hr) for a free consultation with a specialist solicitor
We have a unique position in the defence of trading standards prosecutions. We were the first solicitors in the country to represent individuals and businesses prosecuted by Trading Standards across the UK for telephone premium-rate offences. In that case we took over from an inexperienced firm that had wasted over £100,000 in legal fees due to their lack of understanding of criminal procedure and evidence. Our intervention rescued the company directors from a prison sentence and saved them from insolvency.