Investigations by what used to be the Department of Social Security (DSS) – now the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – can be highly intrusive and extremely stressful for those involved.
It is important that families or individuals being investigated, or who fear they might be investigated, take legal advice early to make sure there is enough time to build a strong defence.
In DWP investigations, an interview with investigating officers is likely to take place and it is important to take expert legal advice from a specialist benefit fraud solicitor before attending the interview.
Benefit fraud investigations are extremely thorough and can be intimidating.
Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors have a successful track record in helping benefit claimants defend allegations of benefit fraud and can get to the bottom of wrongful allegations of benefit fraud.
Taking legal advice at an early stage including if there is a possibility that a benefit fraud investigation might be launched can help prevent errors and misjudgements which may prejudice the outcome of a benefit fraud case at a later stage.
Our solicitors can help with fraud allegations involving:
Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors can liaise with the Department for Work and Pensions over benefit fraud cases and can attend an interview with DWP fraud investigators to make sure a claimant is represented and understands the process.
Duncan Lewis' Crime department has been recognised as a Top Tier and recommended criminal defence practice by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 edition for its General Crime and Fraud work.
Our lawyers are able to represent clients at police stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and the Court of Appeal. The team also includes highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious fraud cases.
There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales, and our fraud lawyers can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to advise on fraud charges.
We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing benefit fraud charges – call us during office hours on 0333 772 0409 for expert legal advice on all benefit fraud allegations.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 0333 772 0607.
We advise clients who are facing benefit fraud charges, or who may be interviewed in relation to benefit fraud allegations, to contact us as soon as possible.
Our Benefits Fraud department can advise on benefit fraud investigations by the Department for Work and Pensions, including attending benefit fraud interviews at job centres conducted by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services. Legal Aid is means tested and may only be available in certain circumstances.
Clients in receipt of certain benefits are usually eligible for Legal Aid, but our team can advise further on Legal Aid at the initial client meeting.
In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, we offer competitively priced fee levels for private client representation – with fixed fees and advance notice of any costs whenever possible.
In some criminal cases, ‘after the event’ (ATE) insurance may be an option and our lawyers will advise on an appropriate level of insurance to cover the potential costs of defending a criminal case and to pay any costs imposed by the court.
Call Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors to discuss a benefit fraud investigation or interview on 0333 772 0409.