Closure Orders

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Closure Orders

Prosecutions which involve closure orders are now brought under Part 4 Chapter 3 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The Act was introduced in October 2014 – and replaced Part A of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, under which closure orders used to be issued.

Being issued with a closure order not only wrecks a business – but also livelihood, income and even home life.

A closure order is likely to be issued by the court in cases where a premises is closed for persistent disorder or nuisance – which may involve noise, public order offences among clientele, drugs offences, sexual offences, violent crime or other serious offences, including using a business as a front to conceal organised crime, immigration offences, modern slavery offences or people trafficking offences.

Closure orders may also be issued in cases where a premises is found to be in breach of health and safety laws – including food hygiene – or if there is a breach of the Weights and Measures Act 1963.

A closure order may also be issued if a tenant is in rent arrears.

It is a criminal offence to re-enter or take possession of premises subjected to a closure order – and a heavy fine or even imprisonment of up to 51 weeks is possible if convicted of breaching a closure notice.

Because of the complexities involved in defending cases where a closure order might be issued, it is vital to seek legal advice from Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors as soon as possible.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers have acknowledged expertise in defending complex cases where a closure order might be involved – and can advise even before charges or brought, or if there is a possibility of police interview under caution.

Duncan Lewis also has successful departments with in-house experts able to advise on Public Order offences, Property law, Debt Management, Immigration law, Organised Crime, Nuisance and Fraud to help build a robust defence or appeal against a closure order.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Our reputation for excellence

The Duncan Lewis Crime Department is ranked in Legal 500 2014 for its General Crime and White Collar Fraud Work.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system – and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in cases involving closure orders.

Duncan Lewis represents clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – When to contact us

Clients do not have to wait until they have been arrested to contact Duncan Lewis about any criminal charges – our team can advise from the initial stages of a police inquiry, or if it is likely a client’s business may be faced with a closure order.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can also advise on appeals against closure orders and Judicial Review.

All Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors are highly trained and highly experienced – and are dedicated to offering the best criminal defence services to our clients at police stations, courts and prisons.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – How to contact us

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast and in all major cities across England and Wales.

A member of the Duncan Lewis criminal defence team can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to offer expert legal advice on all criminal charges and for police interview under caution.

We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing closure orders – call Duncan Lewis any time on 020 7923 4020 for expert legal advice.

For 24/7 help at a police station in England and Wales, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Legal Aid & Private Client – Closure Orders

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.

Duncan Lewis can advise further on Legal Aid at the initial client meeting.

In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors 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 insurance may be an option and Duncan Lewis 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 Criminal Solicitors to discuss closure orders on 020 7923 4020.