Are you aware of the recent legislation regarding Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) which were introduced by the Criminal Finances Act 2017 and came into force on the 31st of January 2018?

Following a trial at Southwark Crown Court a client of Janes Solicitors was acquitted of involvement in a multi–million pound conspiracy to launder the proceeds of drug trafficking. 

Janes Solicitors have successfully challenged on appeal by way of case stated a Confiscation Order which the High Court agreed should be reduced from £692,000 to £92,000. The appeal arose as a direct consequence of recent decisions of the Court of Appeal which substantially revised the legal basis upon which the ‘benefit’ attributable to criminal conduct is calculated. 

In a rarely precedented case, Janes Solicitors working closely with Geoffrey Cox QC, bucked modern precedent by securing an order for costs against the Metropolitan Police in relation to cash forfeiture proceedings both in the Magistrates Court and Crown Court. This was a significant victory finalised after lengthy and contested legal submissions 

Janes have secured the release of a client charged with serious drug offences and money laundering in the South of England after contesting a Prosecution application to extend custody time limits. Having secured victory in the Crown Court we successfully opposed the Prosecution’s attempt to have the decision judicially reviewed the next day.