Defending your business,
your reputation & your
future.
We help company directors, business owners, and professionals accused of insolvency offences achieve protection from prosecution and financial ruin by providing rapid, expert legal intervention, so they secure their livelihoods and avoid criminal conviction, disqualification, or imprisonment.
Defence
Insolvency Offences Defence Specialists
Insolvency offence allegations can stop you in your tracks: overwhelmed with the stress, fear and uncertainty you’re facing. With the potential of director disqualification, financial penalties, a criminal record or even a prison sentence, securing a solid defence is essential from the outset.
With a team of skilled insolvency offence specialists, Ashmans Solicitors are here to assist, whether:
- You’re under investigation or facing charges for insolvency-related offences
- You want to protect your rights and ensure a fair legal process
- You want a strategic legal defence from a strong yet sensitive team of experts
With Ashmans, you never need to feel alone. We’re in your corner at every stage, fearlessly fighting for the best possible outcomes.
Insolvency Offences and the Law
Under England and Wales law, insolvency offences arise when company directors or individuals are suspected of misconduct before, during, or after insolvency. These offences are primarily governed by the Insolvency Act 1986, the Companies Act 2006, and in some cases, the Fraud Act 2006.
- Fraudulent trading, carrying on business with intent to defraud creditors.
- Wrongful trading, continuing to trade when insolvent, worsening losses to creditors.
- Falsification, concealment, or destruction of company records or assets during insolvency.
- Engaged in conduct that breached statutory duties under insolvency legislation.
- Acted dishonestly, knowingly, or with intent to defraud creditors or other stakeholders.
- Played a material role in causing financial loss, misleading creditors, or concealing the true financial position of the company.
Company accounts, transaction histories, director communications and expert forensic accounting evidence are often relied upon by the prosecution to demonstrate dishonesty, intent, or reckless conduct in the management of the business.
Investigations may involve the Insolvency Service, the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue & Customs or other regulatory and prosecuting authorities.
Essential actions against accusations
From the moment of accusation or upon the launch of an investigation, your actions can influence the outcome of your insolvency offence case. Take our advice and follow these steps:
Act fast, engage Ashmans, protect your future.
Do NOT contact creditors, former employees, co-directors or comment publicly, it can be used against you.
Even if you believe you’ve acted properly, do NOT attend interviews with investigators or provide written explanations without your legal specialist present.
With 24/7 availability, Ashmans is always here to provide urgent legal protection.
Ensure that accounting records, correspondence and digital data are retained and secured these may be critical to your defence.
Comply fully with any imposed conditions, director restrictions or court requirements, and leave your defence strategy in your lawyer’s hands.
Three simple steps
to your Defence
Getting the right legal defence is easy. Follow these three simple steps to protect your rights and future.
Step 1:
Initial Consultation
Speak confidentially with our expert team 24/7.
Step 2:
Strategic Defence Planning
We analyse the allegations and design a robust legal strategy.
Step 3:
Expert Legal Representation
We defend you in interviews, negotiations, and court proceedings.
Our Testimonials
Real Stories. Real Results
See how Ashmans has successfully supported previous clients and listen to what they have to say about our insolvency offence legal support.
Remarkable Support During a Devastating Ordeal
During one of the most devastating experiences of my life, Ashmans Solicitors provided unwavering support when I needed it most.…
Reliable and Professional Legal Support
I found Ashmans Solicitors to be completely on-point and highly professional throughout my case. Their expertise and straightforward approach gave…
Outstanding Support and Professional Representation
I couldn’t have asked for a better legal representative. Ashmans Solicitors truly believed in my case and made a difficult…
Expert Legal Defence That Turned My Case Around
I was falsely accused after my ex-business partners staged a blackmail attempt, leading to false allegations of sexual offences and…
Relentless Defence Leading to Justice
I was wrongly charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and sent for trial at Manchester Crown Court.…
Outstanding Legal Support in Serious Drug Case
I turned to Ashmans Solicitors when my sister was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. From the very…
Exceptional Expertise in Complex Criminal Fraud Cases
As a barrister with over 20 years of experience handling complex and high-value criminal fraud matters, I have worked alongside…
Relentless Commitment and Professionalism in Complex Cases
I have worked with Ashmans Solicitors on several high-profile and complex criminal cases, and their dedication to their clients is…
Clear and Honest Legal Guidance
I really appreciated how Ashmans Solicitors handled my case with clarity and honesty. They spoke to me in a straightforward…
Brilliant Representation Leading to Not Guilty Verdict
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Ashmans Solicitors for their exceptional handling of my fraud by misrepresentation case,…
Above and Beyond Legal Support and Service
I received excellent service from Ashmans Solicitors and couldn’t be more satisfied with the support they provided. Their professionalism and…
Exceptional Legal Support and Top-Tier Service
I can confidently say that Ashmans Solicitors are the best solicitors I’ve worked with. Their professionalism, dedication, and top-quality service…
Top Notch Legal Support and Guidance
I received excellent support from Ashmans Solicitors throughout my case. Their professionalism and dedication made a real difference, and I…
Brilliant Legal Assistance Throughout My Legal Battle
I received excellent service from Ashmans Solicitors during my case. Their professionalism and dedication made a real difference, and I…
Outstanding Legal Assistance in Complex Case
I received exceptional support from Ashmans Solicitors during my case. They guided me through every step and provided the help…
Professional Excellence in Legal Battle
I’ve always received great service from Ashmans Solicitors, and this time was no different. Their professionalism and reliability continue to…
Consistent Excellence in Legal Support
I have turned to Ashmans Solicitors every time I’ve needed legal help, and I’m always amazed by how well they…
Remarkable Legal Guidance and Genuine Care
I’m truly grateful to Ashmans Solicitors for their outstanding service. Their professional advice was invaluable, and I genuinely appreciated the…
Extraordinary Support and Kindness Throughout My Case
I found Ashmans Solicitors to be absolutely brilliant. They were incredibly helpful and genuinely kind throughout the process, always making…
Swift and Reliable Support in False Complaint Case
I had an amazing experience with Ashmans Solicitors when I faced a false complaint against me. They provided immediate support…
Move Quickly,
Choose Wisely
When confronted with an insolvency offence allegation, failure to act quickly and secure expert legal defence leaves you at risk of serious consequences:
- A criminal conviction can damage your professional standing, financial stability and future prospects.
- Director disqualification can prevent you from managing or controlling a company for up to 15 years.
- Compensation orders, fines or confiscation proceedings can severely impact your personal and business finances.
- Prolonged investigations bring stress, uncertainty and reputational harm within your industry.
- A custodial sentence can result in loss of liberty and long-term restrictions on your ability to act as a director.
You’re not alone, we’re here to help.
Insolvency Offences Allegations
The Ashmans Approach
Our defence strategy is built on precision, preparation, and protection. Our Legal 500 ranked insolvency defence team ensures every client receives diligent, fearless representation. We guide you through every procedural and emotional stage with care.
- Immediate attendance and representation at interviews under caution.
- Ensuring fair questioning and full disclosure of evidence.
- Preventing self-incriminating statements.
- Challenging excessive restrictions that impact family or business.
- Seeking early variation or removal of conditions.
- Protecting your freedom while the case proceeds.
- Liaising with investigators before formal charge.
- Submitting representations to avoid prosecution.
- Negotiating outcomes such as civil settlements or undertakings.
- Advising on restraint, confiscation, or director disqualification orders.
- Ensuring compliance and challenging unlawful applications.
- Protecting business continuity and personal assets.
- Forensic analysis of financial data and expert witness cross-examination.
- Presenting alternative explanations and demonstrating lack of intent.
- Exposing procedural or evidential flaws in the prosecution case.
- Mitigating factors presented with precision and credibility.
- Advocating alternatives to custody or lengthy bans.
- Supporting rehabilitation and reputation recovery.
Why Choose Ashmans?
Proven Record
Decades of success defending business and financial crime allegations.
Experts in Business & Regulatory Crime
Detailed understanding of corporate law and investigations.
24/7 Support
Emergency legal assistance whenever and wherever you need it.
Our Notable Cases
Serious charges, successful results.
Our insolvency offence solicitors have represented clients across a range of serious business crime allegations – see some examples of our work and outcomes.
Sexual offences
Sentence Reduced
Sentence Reduced in Historic Sexual Offences
R v EW, Sheffield Crown Court
Our client had a history of committing sexual offences against children, and he pleaded guilty to further offences of a similar nature. Despite the gravity…
Read More
Sexual offences
Not Guilty Verdict
Historic Sexual Abuse Allegations – Justice Secured
R v SH, Newcastle Crown Court
Our client, a gentleman of previous good character, faced ten counts of historic sexual abuse that dated back to the early 1980’s. Due to our…
Read More
Sexual offences
Not Guilty Verdict
Unanimous Acquittal in Festival Consent Allegation
R v RG, Derby Crown Court
Our client, a university student with no prior convictions, was accused of raping a woman he had just met, at a festival. The key issue…
Read More
Sexual offences
Charges Reduced
Credibility Challenged, Charges Reduced in Complex Domestic Case
R v WB, Leeds Crown Court
Our client faced serious allegations, including multiple counts of anal and vaginal rape, as well as assault, all within a domestic context and in breach…
Read More
Sexual offences
Charges Dropped
Strategic Defence Secures Justice for Wrongly Accused Businessman
R v IR, Birmingham Crown Court
Our client, a successful businessman, faced serious allegations including rape by penetration and indecent assault on two separate complainants (also known as: ‘accusers’ or ‘plaintiffs’).…
Read More
Serious and complex crime
Sentence Reduced
Revenge Attack Charge Reduced: Successful Defence
R v MD & Others, Old Bailey
We successfully defended our client on a murder charge, which resulted in a reduced verdict of manslaughter and a significantly lower sentence of eight years.…
Read More
Serious and complex crime
Not Guilty Verdict
Conspiracy to Murder: A Complex Acquittal
R v CT, Teesside Crown Court
Our client was among seven defendants who were charged with conspiracy to commit murder, and faced the possibility of a mandatory life sentence. After a…
Read More
Serious and complex crime
Not Guilty Verdict
Acquittal in High-Stakes Conspiracy to Murder Case
R v AJ, Old Bailey
Our client faced a conspiracy to murder charge following a fatal stabbing. Despite significant complexities, the jury unanimously acquitted our client. This particularly complex case…
Read More
Serious and complex crime
Not Guilty Verdict
Acquittal in High-Profile Leeds Murder Investigation
R v AB, Leeds Crown Court
Our client was one of five defendants charged with assisting an offender, in a highly publicised murder investigation. She faced allegations of aiding her son,…
Read More
Serious and complex crime
Charges Reduced
Charges Reduced Through Strategic Defence
R v SG, Leeds Crown Court
This case involved a middle-aged lady of previous good character and a professional background, who was accused of the attempted murder of her partner, by stabbing.…
Read More
Serious and complex crime
Charges Dropped
Wrongly Accused: Armed Robbery Charges Dismissed
R v YN, Derby Crown Court
Our client faced serious allegations of involvement in Multiple Armed robberies across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, allegedly using firearms to steal high-value vehicles. Despite being…
Read More
Serious and complex crime
Charges Dropped
Strategic Defence Secures Discontinuation in Fatal Collision Case
R v TA, Leeds Crown Court
Our client [the defendant] faced serious allegations of conspiring to pervert the course of justice in connection with a fatal road traffic collision. Following strategic…
Read More
Serious and complex crime
Charges Dropped
Exoneration in High-Stakes Armed Robbery Allegation
R v LA & Others, Leeds Crown Court
Our client faced two charges of assisting an offender contrary to Section 4(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1967. These charges stemmed from allegations of…
Read More
Motoring offences
Charges Reduced
Dangerous Driving Allegation Involving Police Officer Successfully Reduced
R v ZM, Bradford Crown Court
Our client, who was previously of good character, faced allegations of Dangerous Driving, amongst other offences. The alleged victim was a fully uniformed police officer,…
Read More
Motoring offences
Ban Avoided
Exceptional Hardship Defence Saves Doctor’s Driving Licence
R v NG, Bradford Magistrates
Our client, a doctor, faced multiple charges for speeding and failing to comply with statutory notices to provide driver details. We successfully negotiated with the…
Read More
Fraud and financial crime
Sentence Suspended
Forged Titles and Negotiated Justice
R v SA & Others, Peterborough Crown Court
Our client, along with a co-defendant, faced serious allegations involving large-scale fraud, money laundering, and related offences. The Prosecution claimed that our client had devised…
Read More
Fraud and financial crime
Sentence Suspended
Logistics Fraud Defence: Suspended Sentence Secured
R v CV, Leeds Crown Court
We successfully defended our client, a company owner, who faced charges of fraud by false representation and theft, achieving a suspended sentence. This case underscored…
Read More
Fraud and financial crime
Sentence Reduced
Fraud by False Representation – Local Councillor Case
R v SA, Snaresbrook Crown Court
This was a highly publicised case involving allegations of fraud by false representation against our client, a sitting local councillor from the London Borough of…
Read More
Fraud and financial crime
Sentence Reduced
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Involving Forged Cheques
R v ASY, Leeds Crown Court
Our client faced charges of conspiracy to commit fraud involving forged cheques. This was a classic ‘long firm fraud’ (also known as a consumer credit fraud). The…
Read More
Fraud and financial crime
Not Guilty Verdict
Acquittal Secured in £40 Million Mortgage Fraud Case
R v TC & Others, Operation Aquamarine, Southwark Crown Court
We achieved a unanimous ‘not-guilty’ verdict for our client who was accused of participating in a £40 million mortgage fraud conspiracy against Barclays Private Client…
Read More
Urgent Legal Assistance
Seek Immediate
Legal Support Today
Don’t waste time worrying. Contact our specialist business crime and regulatory offence lawyers, for immediate protection and legal guidance today.
- Expert defence against insolvency & director misconduct allegations.
- Responsive 24/7 legal support when it matters most.
- Strategic solutions tailored to your case.
Our trusted accreditations
Latest insights and updates
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Selling Knives to Minors: Offence and Sentencing in England and Wales
The sale of knives to people under the age of 18 is a criminal offence in England and Wales. Retailers…
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Environmental Offences That Can Lead to a Prison Sentence in the UK
Environmental offences are treated increasingly seriously by courts in England and Wales. Individuals and companies who breach environmental laws can…
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Corporate Manslaughter UK Law: What Businesses Need to Know
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How Autism Can Affect Criminal Sentencing in the UK
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Can a Getaway Driver Be Charged With Burglary in the UK?
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Can Psychological Harm to a Victim Increase a Criminal Sentence?
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CPS Complex Casework Unit: How Serious Criminal Cases Are Prosecuted
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Encouraging or Assisting Crime in the UK
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GPS Tagging Offenders in the UK After Prison Release
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Harbouring an Offender or Escapee in UK Law
Harbouring an offender is a criminal offence under UK law. The offence involves helping someone who has committed a crime…
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Modern Slavery Defence in Criminal Cases
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Serious and complex crime
Modern Slavery Defence in Criminal Cases (Section 45 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015)
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Prison Visit Rules UK: How to Visit Someone in Prison
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The Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme: When a Sentence Can Be Increased by the Court of Appeal
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Unduly Lenient Sentences in the UK: What the Law Says
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What Are Your Rights If Arrested in the UK?
Being arrested by the police can be an extremely stressful experience. Many people are unsure what their legal rights are…
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Aggravated Trespass During Protest in the UK
Public protest is a fundamental democratic right in the United Kingdom. However, certain forms of protest activity can cross the…
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Flawed Identification Evidence in Criminal Cases
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