Defending your livelihood, business & future
We help business owners, directors, and professionals protect their assets and reputations by challenging asset freezing orders with precision and strategy, so they regain control over finances and avoid devastating business disruption and reputational harm.
Defence
Asset Freezing Order Defence Specialists
Asset freezing orders can bring your business and personal finances to an abrupt halt: leaving you overwhelmed by stress, uncertainty and immediate financial restriction. With the potential for accounts to be frozen, transactions blocked, reputational damage and further enforcement action, securing expert legal representation is critical from the very outset.
With a team of skilled asset freezing order specialists, Ashmans Solicitors are here to assist, whether:
- You’re subject to an Account Freezing Order or Asset Freezing Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
- You need urgent applications to vary or discharge an order affecting your business or personal funds
- You want a strategic and robust defence from a strong yet sensitive team of regulatory crime experts
With Ashmans, you never need to feel alone. We stand firmly in your corner at every stage, acting swiftly and decisively to protect your assets, reputation and future.
Asset Freezing Orders and the Law
Under Part 5 and Part 8 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), authorities can apply to the High Court for an asset freezing order to preserve assets suspected of representing the proceeds of crime pending civil recovery or criminal confiscation proceedings.
- Restraint orders issued under POCA or related legislation.
- Interim receiving orders pending civil recovery actions.
- Account freezing orders under s.303Z1 of POCA.
- Holds assets connected to criminal conduct or unlawful gains.
- Is under investigation or prosecution for a qualifying offence.
- May otherwise dissipate or conceal those assets without the order.
Agencies such as the National Crime Agency (NCA), Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) may all be involved. They analyse bank records, transfers, business accounts, and lifestyle expenditure to build a case.
Our defence lawyers for Proceeds of Crime Act matters challenge the validity of the evidence, scrutinise procedural errors, and ensure your rights remain fully protected under English law.
Essential actions against accusations
From the moment you are served with an Account Freezing Order or become aware of a restraint or asset freezing application, your response can directly affect the outcome of your case. Take our advice and follow these steps:
Act swiftly, instruct Ashmans, safeguard your assets and protect your future.
Do NOT attempt to move funds, transfer assets or make payments outside the terms of the order breaches can amount to a criminal offence.
Even if you believe the order is unjustified, do NOT provide statements, explanations or documents without your specialist solicitor present.
With 24/7 availability, Ashmans is ready to make urgent applications to vary, discharge or challenge the order affecting your assets.
Secure bank statements, transaction histories, contracts and correspondence that may demonstrate the legitimate source of funds.
Adhere to all reporting requirements and conditions, and allow your legal team to manage the strategy and court timetable.
Three simple steps
to your Defence
Getting the right legal defence is straightforward. Follow these three simple steps to protect your assets, reputation and future.
Step 1:
Urgent Consultation
One of our asset freezing order specialists will speak with you immediately to assess the order, review the grounds relied upon and identify urgent steps to protect your funds.
Step 2:
Strategic Defence Planning
Through detailed financial analysis and careful review of the enforcement authority’s evidence, we will prepare a robust application to vary, discharge or challenge the order.
Step 3:
Expert Representation
We will represent you at every hearing, challenge weak or speculative evidence and fight decisively to secure the release of funds and the best possible outcome.
Our Testimonials
Real stories. Real results.
See how Ashmans has successfully supported previous clients and hear what they have to say about our expert legal representation in asset freezing order cases.
Remarkable Support During a Devastating Ordeal
Reliable and Professional Legal Support
Outstanding Support and Professional Representation
Expert Legal Defence That Turned My Case Around
Relentless Defence Leading to Justice
Outstanding Legal Support in Serious Drug Case
Exceptional Expertise in Complex Criminal Fraud Cases
Relentless Commitment and Professionalism in Complex Cases
Clear and Honest Legal Guidance
Brilliant Representation Leading to Not Guilty Verdict
Above and Beyond Legal Support and Service
Exceptional Legal Support and Top-Tier Service
Top Notch Legal Support and Guidance
Brilliant Legal Assistance Throughout My Legal Battle
Outstanding Legal Assistance in Complex Case
Professional Excellence in Legal Battle
Consistent Excellence in Legal Support
Remarkable Legal Guidance and Genuine Care
Extraordinary Support and Kindness Throughout My Case
Swift and Reliable Support in False Complaint Case
Move Quickly,
Choose Wisely
When faced with an Account Freezing Order or Asset Freezing Order, failing to act swiftly and secure specialist legal advice can expose you to serious consequences:
- Restricted access to business or personal funds can disrupt operations and cash flow.
- Extended freezing orders can severely damage your commercial reputation.
- Unchallenged orders may lead to forfeiture of funds through court proceedings.
- Regulatory scrutiny can expand into wider financial or criminal investigations.
- A successful forfeiture application can have long-term financial and professional impact.
You’re not alone, Ashmans is here, day or night, ready to act.
Asset Freezing Allegations
The Ashmans Approach
Our specialist asset freezing order defence solicitors in England and Wales combine deep statutory knowledge with proactive representation.
- Prepare detailed briefing before any questioning.
- Attend with you to protect against self-incrimination.
- Challenge improper questioning or assumptions.
- Apply to vary restrictive conditions that limit trading.
- Present strong evidence of legitimate business activity.
- Ensure bail terms are proportionate and fair.
- Engage directly with investigators to clarify misunderstandings.
- Provide exculpatory evidence early to prevent escalation.
- Seek to have matters resolved without charge.
- Examine statutory basis under POCA for validity.
- Apply for partial release of funds for living and business expenses.
- Challenge the scope or necessity of the order in court.
- Build comprehensive evidence including expert financial analysis.
- Cross-examine prosecution witnesses on valuation and ownership.
- Present clear, lawful justification for asset holdings.
- Argue for proportionality and hardship mitigation.
- Present evidence of legitimate income and conduct.
- Minimise financial penalties and ancillary orders.
Why Choose Ashmans?
Proven Record
We’ve acted in major financial and regulatory investigations with outstanding outcomes.
Experts in Business and Regulatory Crime
Deep understanding of POCA, FCA and HMRC procedures.
24/7 Support
Immediate response day or night from experienced legal advice specialists.
Our Notable Cases
Complex financial restrictions, successful outcomes
Our asset freezing order solicitors have represented clients facing Account Freezing Orders, restraint orders and forfeiture proceedings, explore examples of our strategic challenges, urgent applications and successful results.
Sentence Reduced in Historic Sexual Offences
Historic Sexual Abuse Allegations – Justice Secured
Unanimous Acquittal in Festival Consent Allegation
Credibility Challenged, Charges Reduced in Complex Domestic Case
Strategic Defence Secures Justice for Wrongly Accused Businessman
Revenge Attack Charge Reduced: Successful Defence
Conspiracy to Murder: A Complex Acquittal
Acquittal in High-Stakes Conspiracy to Murder Case
Acquittal in High-Profile Leeds Murder Investigation
Charges Reduced Through Strategic Defence
Wrongly Accused: Armed Robbery Charges Dismissed
Strategic Defence Secures Discontinuation in Fatal Collision Case
Exoneration in High-Stakes Armed Robbery Allegation
Dangerous Driving Allegation Involving Police Officer Successfully Reduced
Exceptional Hardship Defence Saves Doctor’s Driving Licence
Forged Titles and Negotiated Justice
Logistics Fraud Defence: Suspended Sentence Secured
Fraud by False Representation – Local Councillor Case
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Involving Forged Cheques
Acquittal Secured in £40 Million Mortgage Fraud Case
Urgent Legal Assistance
Seek Immediate
Legal Support Today
Don’t let restricted funds jeopardise your business or personal stability. Contact our specialist business crime and regulatory defence solicitors for immediate protection and decisive legal guidance.
- Expert representation in Account Freezing Order and forfeiture proceedings.
- Responsive 24/7 legal support when urgent applications are required.
- Strategic, commercially focused solutions tailored to your circumstances.
Our trusted accreditations
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