Dawn Raids

Dawn raids are often the beginning of legal proceedings that can lead to:

• Criminal prosecution
• Fines
• Imprisonment
• Disqualification of directors
• Damages actions.

Raids can form part of a coordinated operation that involves searching other locations. This can include your own home if it’s suspected you’re involved in criminal activity. If you’re raided, it’s important to know what your rights are. You should also know how to deal with inspectors and be aware of what you’re legally obliged to do. If you don’t fulfil your legal obligations, your company could be fined. Other issues can arise, such as preventing unlawful access to documents. If you have overseas premises, these can also be raided as part of the same investigation.

We help both individuals and companies who’ve been raided. Our lawyers are also here for you if you think you’re at risk of being raided and want to prepare.

We help by:

• Advising you of your legal obligations and rights to ensure you’re prepared for any dawn raid
• Advising companies to ensure your dawn raid procedures are updated. We help to adapt these procedures to address changes in dawn raids following COVID-19
• Drafting and implementing necessary plans and procedures
• If needed, attending dawn raids and/or establishing immediate contact with the investigators
• Deciding whether the investigation is civil or criminal. This informs which procedural rules apply to the raid and how much power the inspectors have
• Challenging the legality of the raid, if appropriate
• Managing the likes of regulatory obligations, reputation management, and securing the return of any seized property
• Minimising the impact of day-to-day business
• Ensuring inspectors act within their powers and making sure you know your rights.