Dawn Raids and Seizure

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Dawn Raids and Seizure

A dawn raid by police usually takes place between 6am and 7am – and may occur in a wide range of criminal investigations where police need to collect evidence or make arrests before a suspect can disappear.

Dawn raids are authorised by a Court Order or sometimes by statute (ie the law under an Act of Parliament).

In cases where a family is involved, a dawn raid by police can be a terrifying experience – and may also involve damage to property, such as a front door.

A dawn raid can also take place in immigration cases – and again this can be an especially traumatic experience for vulnerable occupants of a property or premises.

Dawn raids can also occur in civil investigations when a Search Order is obtained.

What happens in a dawn raid?

A dawn raid in a criminal or civil investigation may involve the removal of evidence and documents or other materials, or the photocopying of materials – and in some cases, confidential files, computers or hard drives with materials and documents not relevant to an investigation may also be taken, leaving individuals or families without documents necessary for their work or education.

It is vital to contact Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors in the event that a dawn raid takes place in a criminal investigation – or a Search Order is obtained enabling a search of premises in a civil claim, as in some cases it may be possible to apply to the court to prevent the search before it begins.

Dawn raids – How Duncan Lewis Solicitors can help

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can attend any police search and/or advise on the lawfulness and extent of a police or HMRC/FCA search – and any arrests made as a result, or documents taken away or accessed, such as Legal Professional Privilege material, medical reports, or confidential client account documents stored on computers removed from premises.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can attend interviews under caution at police stations – or HMRC/FCA interviews – to advise on criminal or fraud charges.

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can also advise on civil liberties issues relating to dawn raids and Search Orders, such as breaches under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, use of excessive force during arrest (eg Tasering, police dog bites or other injuries), damage to property or unlawful removal of documents or materials.

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 criminal solicitors have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system – and a successful track record in advising individuals and companies on dawn raids and seizure in criminal and civil investigations.

Duncan Lewis represents clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal – and has highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious fraud cases.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – How to contact us

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide in England and Wales – and a criminal defence solicitor from Duncan Lewis can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes.

We aim for the best possible outcome for clients who have been arrested or had materials seized in a dawn raid, or are facing a search of premises in a civil investigation – call Duncan Lewis motoring offence solicitors 020 7923 4020 for expert legal advice on dawn raids and seizure.

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

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – When to contact us

Duncan Lewis advises clients who have experienced a dawn raid involving materials being seized or an arrest being made as soon as possible – including if a Search Order has been obtained in a civil case and a dawn raid is likely to take place.

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise even before a criminal charge is brought – as well as advising on dawn raids and seizure in civil cases and whether a Search Order can be set aside before the search begins.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors– Legal Aid & Private Client – Dawn Raids & Seizure

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services.

However, 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 cases, after the event insurance may also be a funding option.

Call Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors to discuss Dawn Raids & Seizure on 020 7923 4020.