Private Crime
We understand how distressing it can be to face a potential criminal charge or investigation. You may feel isolated, anxious and unsure of the future. The potential impacts of a criminal conviction can be devastating to your private life, business and reputation.
At Harold & McCormack Law, we understand these challenges and are here to help manage them by providing effective and robust defence to the circumstances that are presented.
We can support with…
Corporate and Director’s Liability
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At Harold & McCormack Law, we provide expert legal advice and defence for company directors, executives and corporate entities facing regulatory or criminal action. Whether you are under investigation, have been charged or are looking to mitigate future risk, our specialist solicitors will guide you through the complexities of corporate accountability.
Understanding corporate and director liability
Modern regulatory environments place increasing scrutiny on directors and businesses. You may be held personally liable for actions taken on behalf of the company, or for failures in oversight or compliance.
We advise on a wide range of issues, including:
- Directors’ Duties and Breaches (Companies Act 2006)
- Corporate Manslaughter and Gross Negligence
- Health and Safety Prosecutions
- Fraud & Financial Misconduct
- Environmental Offences
- Regulatory Compliance
- Disqualification Proceedings
- Internal Investigations and Whistleblowing
Why choose Harold & McCormack Law
- Specialist Corporate Defence Team – Lawyers experienced in high-stakes criminal litigation and regulatory defence
- Commercially Minded – We understand the pressures of leadership and work discreetly to protect your business and reputation
- Proactive Compliance Advice – Prevention is key. We help you stay ahead of regulation and avoid enforcement action
- Discreet, Strategic Representation – We act quickly and confidentially to protect directors, shareholders and brand reputation
Facing director liability or regulatory investigation?
Do not face it alone. Allegations against a director or company can have far-reaching consequences. The right legal team can mean the difference between resolution and reputational ruin.
Police Station
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Anyone arrested or invited for a voluntary interview under caution is entitled to legal advice. Securing specialist legal representation at this early stage is crucial. It can have a significant impact on the outcome of a case, potentially preventing a prosecution altogether.
At Harold and McCormack Law, we offer prompt, strategic advice and robust representation to clients involved in criminal investigations across the full spectrum of offences. We are available 24/7 to attend police stations, ensuring legal protection from the outset.
Why early legal advice matters
Police interviews under caution (commonly referred to as “PACE interviews”) are a pivotal part of any criminal investigation. What is said, or not said, during these interviews can shape the direction of the case.
Our solicitors will:
- Explain the allegations and an individual’s legal rights in plain terms
- Liaise with investigators to obtain disclosure before interview
- Advise whether to answer questions, submit a written statement, or provide no comment
- Provide protection from unlawful or unfair questioning
- Protect an individual’s rights during searches, identification procedures, or bail decisions
We are skilled in managing both voluntary interviews and interviews following arrest, including high-profile and complex investigations.
Voluntary interviews: Don’t go alone
Even if you are not under arrest, a voluntary interview under caution (sometimes called a “Caution Plus 3” interview) is still part of a criminal investigation and should be treated with the same seriousness.
You are entitled to free legal representation, and attending without a lawyer can be a serious mistake. Our early involvement can often clarify misunderstandings or help avoid unnecessary escalation.
Why choose Harold and McCormack Law
We understand that a police interview can be a daunting experience. Our lawyers are calm under pressure and highly experienced in criminal defence. We are trusted by clients to provide:
- Immediate, confidential legal support
- Strategic advice before, during, and after the interview
- Ongoing representation throughout any investigation or prosecution
Reputation & Crisis Management
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Protecting Reputations in a rapidly changing media landscape
In today’s digital age, where news spreads instantly and reputational damage can be long-lasting, effective legal intervention is crucial. At Harold and McCormack Law, we advise individuals and organisations who face reputational threats, whether due to media coverage, online allegations, criminal or regulatory investigations, or other forms of public scrutiny. Read more >
Safeguarding Investigation
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Specialist legal support to education institutions, care providers and professionals involved in safeguarding investigations. Whether you are facing a local authority referral, a regulatory investigation, or a safeguarding concern raised within your organisation, our team will help you navigate the process with confidence and protect your professional standing.
Specialist Advice in Sensitive Safeguarding and High-Stakes Cases
Safeguarding investigations often arise without warning and can have immediate consequences, including suspension, reputational harm, criminal investigation or regulatory enforcement. Allegations relating to the welfare of children or adults at risk of harm are taken seriously by Ofsted, the CQC, local authorities, and employers. Legal advice at an early stage is essential to ensure a fair and lawful process.
- Failure to follow safeguarding procedures
- Neglect, abuse, or harm in care or education settings
- Inadequate recruitment or supervision practices
- Poor reporting, record-keeping, or risk assessment
- Breaches of statutory guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education or Working Together to Safeguard Children)
- Non-compliance with safeguarding standards in inspections
We work discreetly and sensitively to manage legal risk while prioritising the interests of children, service users, and professionals.
How We Help
Early Advice and Investigation Support
We assist from the outset of an investigation, helping clients respond appropriately to allegations, manage internal procedures and external engagement with organisations such as:
- Police
- Professional bodies and employers
- Regulatory inspectors
- Barring Service (DBS)
Our role is to ensure that the process is fair, proportionate and grounded in the evidence, not assumptions or reputational pressure.
Representation in Regulatory Investigations
If a safeguarding concern triggers a regulatory investigation, we provide full legal representation. We support clients during:
- Regulatory Inspections
- Interviews under caution (PACE)
- Responses to regulatory notices, compliance action, or suspension of registration
- Legal proceedings
Our lawyers are experienced in dealing with sensitive safeguarding issues and the crossover between regulatory, criminal, and employment law.
Discreet, Strategic Legal Advice, When It Matters Most
Safeguarding investigations require specialist support tailored to the unique sensitivities of each case. At Harold & McCormack Law, we combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of regulated sectors to support clients through complex, sensitive, and high-profile matters.
If you have been notified of a safeguarding concern, are under investigation, or need advice on managing risk within your organisation, speak to our team today.
Contact our team
Our commitment to excellence means we are dedicated to providing high-level support and advice to our clients, regardless of the matter at hand. We offer an initial free consultation to discuss your case, outline the process and determine the next steps. Our firm is available 365 days a year, providing continuous support during challenging times.
Contact us today to secure the best criminal defence team for your case.