Trading Standards Investigations

Our regulatory lawyers have years of experience in defending businesses who are under investigation by Trading Standards, including a number of very serious matters which have been contested in the Crown Court.

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Trading Standards investigations can cover a wide range of potential offences that include copyright, trademarks, trade descriptions, consumer credit, weights and measures and food safety, among others.

If you are subject to a Trading Standards investigation we can be on hand, at short notice, to offer guidance from the initial interview under caution. We are also qualified to represent you in the event of the case being prosecuted through the Criminal Justice system.

In the event of a successful prosecution you could receive a caution, a fine, conditions imposed upon licenses or even a revocation of your licence to trade. The last punishment could have particularly significant financial repercussions on you and your business. In some situations a custodial sentence is possible.

An investigation will begin with an initial complaint against you or your business or as a result of a test purchase made by a Trading Standards official. In taking action to investigate a complaint you will be invited to attend an interview under caution. It is very important that you get legal advice at this stage as any replies you give in the interview may be significant in any subsequent prosecution. It may also be possible in some circumstances to negotiate alternative options to prosecution, such as a written warning or a formal caution.

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Prosecution and the legal process

In the event that you become the subject of a prosecution you’ll be issued with a summons detailing the alleged offences and providing a date for a first appearance at the relevant Magistrates’ Court. If you receive a summons it is important that you obtain legal advice and representation from our trading standards lawyers as soon as possible.

We are in a position to advise you about the law and Court process. We’ll also assess the evidence and advise you on the appropriate plea, taking all the necessary proactive steps to defend the case. We can also advise on other matters relevant to the case, for example confiscation proceedings following a guilty plea or finding of guilt and also in relation to any applications that may be made by Trading Standards for the forfeiture and destruction of any goods seized.

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What we do

If you are subject to a Trading Standards Investigation we can be on hand, at short notice, to offer guidance from the initial interview to defending your business in court. Potential offences include:
– Copyright infringement
– Trademark infringement
– Trade descriptions
– Consumer credit
– Weights and measures
– Food safety

Specialist Solicitors

Our multidisciplinary team is made up of specialists in a wide range of services, which means you'll always be represented by an expert in your area.

No-strings initial call

Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation, fully confidential call to discuss your case and work out if you want to continue.

Nationwide support

Speak to solicitors in one of our offices throughout England and Wales, or arrange calls and remote meetings.

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Are you interested in Trading Standards Investigations?

Use the form on the right to get in touch with our team and arrange an initial call to discuss your situation. We will use this no-obligation, fully confidential initial call to learn more about your case and help you understand your options going forward.

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