Section 2 notice

Janes Solicitors have a long standing and leading reputation for representing clients answering notices under Section 2 of the CJA 1987

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The Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has the power under section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987 to compel any individual or entity to provide the SFO with information or documentation which is believed to be relevant to a matter under investigation.

Section 2 is a serious power and any individual or corporate body in receipt of a section 2 notice requesting that they attend for interview or provide information should seek expert legal advice from Janes Solicitors immediately.

Individuals are invited to a section 2 interview where they will be compelled to answer the questions asked.  The power conferred by Section 2 notices is a very effective tool in the SFO’s arsenal and is often used as the starting point of an investigation, prior to any arrests or interviews under caution and the information gathered may form the basis of how the case develops from that point.

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Answers given under section 2 compulsion are not admissible in criminal proceedings except in exceptional circumstances.  However, your answers will certainly provide valuable information to the SFO for their investigation.

Section 2 also provides the SFO the power to compel individuals and corporate entities to deliver up relevant documents and even to submit to a search of premises.

The section 2 powers include failure to comply being a criminal offence punishable by up to six months imprisonment. Furthermore, knowing or reckless provision of false or misleading information to the investigators is punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment.

Janes Solicitors will advise you on your options and support you every step of the way.  We have extensive experience of preparing clients for full and frank interviews, which may see a client’s position move away from being a suspect.

Contact an expert serious fraud office solicitor

Janes Solicitors is a high-quality practice providing specialist advice on all areas of serious fraud. Each serious fraud office solicitors has extensive experience in all aspects of serious fraud, out team has a well-earned reputation as leaders in our field and proven track record of success. We take a proactive and pragmatic approach to legal advice and build a solid case-tailored defence team of leading professional to suit the needs of each and every one of our clients. We are highly committed to our clients and take pride in our fearless commitment in each and every case.

If you need advice, are under suspicion or investigation or if you are being prosecuted for a serious fraud offence, telephone our offices today on 020 7930 5100, or alternatively you can contact us via our online contact form, and one of our team will be in touch shortly. We are there when you need us. We understand sometimes you may need urgent advice outside normal office hours. We are available seven days a week, you can call us on our out-of-hours service number on 07789 622 430.

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David Janes | Partner

Head of Serious and Complex Fraud and Taxation
020 7930 5100 | Out of hours: 07789 622 430

Fiona Gavriel | Partner

MA
020 7930 5100 | Out of hours: 07789 622 430

James Mullion | Partner

BA
020 7930 5100 | Out of hours: 07789 622 430

Need advice? Call us now.
020 7930 5100
Out of hours: 07789 622 430

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