Immigration Fraud
Immigration fraud offences are often extremely complex, with many different alleged acts often contributing to an individual case. When facing an accusation of immigration fraud, the intervention of our expert solicitors is essential.
At JD Spicer Zeb, our specialist solicitors are available to advise on a range of issues that fall under the wider bracket of immigration fraud. Various criminal acts can contribute to an immigration fraud case, with charges which means that being subject to an investigation can be particularly distressing to navigate alone.
Law enforcement agencies including (but not limited to) the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Financial Conduct Agency (FCA), Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and UK Border Agency will have the authority to launch detailed investigations into offences that are considered to be examples of immigration fraud.
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Why choose JD Spicer Zeb?
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There is limited recourse for you if you are falsely accused. Click a selection of the cases we have covered. The best thing you can do is to instruct an excellent solicitor from the outset.
Our experience and specialist expertise in handling offences of this nature means that we are well positioned to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Our priority is always to help you avoid conviction in the first instance, but where this is not possible, we will take every measure to make sure that any penalties are mitigated.
When facing allegations of immigration fraud, you will typically have the option of instructing a duty solicitor. However, we would always strongly recommend that you choose to work with our team, who have specialist expertise and many years of experience in handling these types of cases.
In every instance, it is vital that you do not answer any police questions without a solicitor being present.
Our immigration fraud solicitors provide:
- 24/7 legal support in person and over the phone, 365 days a year
- Representation anywhere in England or Wales
- Accredited Police Station Representatives to support you during a police interview
- Clear, effective legal advice in any language (see our languages spoken)
How can we help?
Common questions
We always work with the most experienced and best leading UK barristers, KCs (Kings Counsel). We cover all criminal cases 24/7 at the police station and court. Offices in London, Birmingham, and Manchester cover cases across England and Wales. We can offer Legal Aid and affordable Private fee agreements. We can see you the same day, including virtually. Our Senior Partners supervise all of our cases.
How quickly do you respond?
We respond quickly even during out of hours. We do not get our work by paying for online adverts but based on the fact that few criminal law firms can match our 45 years of experience. Most of our cases are still from word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients. We are called daily by dissatisfied clients from firms with less experience than us. We respond very quickly to new enquiries. We know what clients seek and so we update clients rapidly.
Can you get cases dropped?
Yes, read about the recent cases we've helped our clients with here.
We always keep you updated and give straightforward advice. We will get cases dropped early where the case is weak or should not be prosecuted. We will be upfront with you about where you can benefit from a good result with an early guilty plea, such as a discount on your sentence. As we work on cases across all levels with clients from all walks of life, we are excellent at giving clear, spot-on advice. As an established firm, we can allocate a whole team to your case often at short notice to secure evidence to minimise the damage to you.
Have you won any awards?
OUR PROFESSIONAL BODY THE LAW SOCIETY AWARDED US IN OCTOBER 2020 WITH THE EXCELLENCE IN CLIENT SERVICE AWARD AND STATED -
"JD Spicer Zeb demonstrated a clear commitment to client service through their work with vulnerable and diverse individuals in what can be severely traumatic circumstances".
Do you offer free consultations?
Where it is possible, we aim to provide an initial consultation to you. If we can speak to you, we can if required inform you about –
- Whether we can take the case on and our relevant experience.
- Public and private funding benefits.
- Assistance in applying for legal aid where we are likely to accept instructions.
- An outline of options in police interview only. We will not advise you on which option to adopt.
- Providing our free written guide explaining the police station process.
- The gravity of routine and day-to-day offences you face.
- Consequences of not attending the court or police station.
- Consequences of interfering with any witnesses.
- Retaining any evidence in support of your case.
- If possible an outline of the elements of the offence that the police or CPS must prove.
- This consultation will normally be by telephone or email and will only be for as long as we deem necessary to establish if we can act for you. If we cannot usefully give you any advice in this manner then we will not continue with the consultation. We will not discuss the case in depth for you to be able to decide on your plea or any significant aspect of the case, as this cannot be undertaken informally.
- Referring you, if possible, to other firms for matters out of our specialism or if we cannot help.
Consultations do not apply to the following cases –
- If we do not intend to take the case on.
- Road Traffic cases, drink driving, drug driving, driving bans, speeding, no insurance, mobile phone use, points etc.
- In all cases where we do not have the capacity to take your case or the availability of suitably qualified staff to provide an initial free consultation. This is applicable in all cases but especially where a more senior lawyer is required because of your personal needs or the complexity of the case.
- Harassment/stalking/ coercive behaviour/malicious communications or road traffic cases and most sensitive cases. These cases are often too complicated to assess in short consultations.
- The locations concerned may be too distant to represent you adequately or it may not be cost-effective for you or us.
- The case is too complicated to assess or raises various charges or facts, complexity, or history to be considered informally or in a short consultation.
- In most Legal aid transfers where legal aid is granted to another firm except in very grave cases, we may assess the case and merits for a transfer.
- If your relationship has broken down with your existing solicitor or several solicitors.
- If you have been released under investigation and have already had a police station attendance.
- If you hold legal aid with another firm and seek a second opinion.
- If you are calling on behalf of the client as a friend or family member unless you have full authority and full facts.
- To businesses.
- Advising whether you were given good advice by your other solicitor.
- Whether to decide to plead guilty or not guilty.
- Whether you have an arguable defence in law or factually complicated defences.
- Any advice you have had after your first court appearance.
- Any advice on appeal on conviction or sentence.
- If we feel we are unable to communicate with you.
- If we are likely to be conflicted or breach our professional rules.
Speak to our immigration 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 immigration fraud, please call our Emergency Number 07836 577 556.
Our expertise with immigration fraud
With over 45 years’ worth of experience, our team have supported countless individuals with a wide variety of fraud cases, including those related to immigration fraud. This experience, combined with our industry-leading expertise, means we will be available to provide tailored advice and robust representation where required.
Immigration fraud penalties can be severe, with prison sentences being a possibility in many instances. As such, it will always be in your best interests to instruct specialist legal support when you are subject to an immigration fraud investigation, regardless of what it may entail.
Our criminal defence team includes several accredited police station representatives who will be able to provide bespoke support on a 24/7 basis.
We have previously been able to achieve positive outcomes for our clients, which includes cases where court proceedings have been launched. During both Magistrates’’ and Crown Court proceedings, our team will build a comprehensive defence case that ensures you are sufficiently represented.
In addition to this, we have established strong relationships with some of the country’s leading specialist fraud barristers. This means that we will be able to provide you with the highest standard of legal representation, no matter what your circumstances may be.
Cases related to immigration fraud have the potential to be extremely distressing, often having a direct impact on both you and your family. Our immigration fraud solicitors recognise this and, as such, will be available to provide close personal support and keep you informed on the progress of 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 the high standards of client care our team provides, we frequently receive referrals and recommendations from clients who have been satisfied with our legal services which we have been providing for over 45 years.
Pre-Charge bail
If you are interviewed by the police in relation to allegations of immigration fraud, you may be released on pre-charge bail (also simply referred to as being released on bail). This means the police will continue their investigation before they come to a final charging decision.
During this period, you are likely to be subject to certain bail conditions. These could restrict where you are able to go, or place requirements on you 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 immigration fraud
What is immigration fraud?
Immigration fraud refers to a wide range of deceptive practices and actions related to immigration processes and procedures. This could involve dishonest or fraudulent methods used to gain entry into the UK, or to remain in the UK illegally.
Immigration fraud offences often result in charges being brought under the Immigration Act and Modern Slavery Bill. Charges have the potential to result in custodial sentences.
What are the types of immigration fraud?
There are a wide range of criminal offences which could be directly tied to immigration fraud. These include, but are not limited to:
- Student visa fraud
- Illegal employment
- Human trafficking
- Sham or forced marriages
- Identity fraud
- Modern slavery
- Document forgery
- ‘Bogus’ colleges, degrees and certificates
- Visa and passport fraud
- Sponsorship fraud
What is the average sentence for immigration fraud offences?
Given how varied the offences that fall under the bracket of immigration fraud are, the potential sentences that can be handed out also vary significantly. In many instances, custodial sentences are common, with the exact length of the sentence being determined by the guidelines issued by the Sentencing Council, as well as the presence of any mitigating or aggravating factors.
Is it possible to reduce a sentence for immigration fraud with a guilty plea?
It will often be the case that a sentence for immigration fraud will be reduced with a guilty plea. However, whether this it would be in your interests to enter into such a plea will depend on a number of factors, including the strength of your defence case.
Your solicitor will be able to advise you on whether entering a guilty plea would be suitable your case and what impact this is likely to have.
Contact our immigration fraud solicitors now
For urgent specialist advice, immediate police station representation or to speak to us confidentially about a charge of immigration 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 immigration fraud cases
Please get in touch for a free initial consultation with one of our expert immigration 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.
How can we help?
Useful Information
- How can I get the CPS to drop the charges against me?
- How can I get the police to drop charges against me?
- How can I get the police to caution me?
- Police Stop and Search UK
- Pre-charge bail - What You Need to Know
- Read our Police Station Advice Guide
- Recovering Your Property From The Police
- Released Under Investigation - What You Need to Know
- Types of Evidence used in Law
- Voluntary Police Interview - What You Need to Know
- What is a 'No further action' letter?
- What to expect in Police Custody
- Why Choose a Private Solicitor for a Magistrates' or Crown Court Case?
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- Umar Zeb
- Senior Partner - Head of Private Client Crime
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- Lisa Nicol
- Managing Partner - Head of Crime & Serious Cases
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- Kirit Khushal
- Senior Partner Personal Injury
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- James O'Donnell
- Partner Crime - Serious Cases
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- Sanjay Cholera
- Partner Crime Advocacy
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- Ramandeep Rai
- Partner Family