Criminal Law

In matters affecting business, the decisive stage is usually the earliest one — the period before charges are brought, when the scope of the authorities’ interest is still being established. Steps taken during an inspection or a first interview frequently determine how the case develops.

Digests Global Law Firm defends witnesses, suspects, accused persons and defendants at every stage of criminal proceedings, with particular experience in offences against property, offences in the sphere of economic activity, and offences against the interests of service in commercial and other organisations.

We also advise international companies and their officers on reducing criminal-law exposure and on responding to the attention of law enforcement and regulatory bodies.

Before proceedings are commenced

• Assessment of the situation, of the actions of law enforcement officers, and of the substance of the allegations
• Establishing the basis of the authorities’ interest and the material available to them
• Preliminary assessment of the prospects of a case and of the steps available to prevent one
• Attendance at short-notice visits by law enforcement, and representation during searches, seizures, interviews and other investigative measures

During the preliminary investigation

• Representation of witnesses at interview and during other investigative actions
• Representation of a suspect from the moment of detention, including during urgent investigative measures
• Representation on the bringing of charges and at subsequent interviews, including in places of detention
• Challenge to unlawful acts of the investigating authorities, and complaints against them
• Development of the defence position and representation throughout the investigation

Assessment and prevention of criminal-law risk

• Review of financial and business operations, and of specific transactions, for elements attracting criminal liability
• Measures to reduce that exposure while preserving the commercial objective

We do not predict outcomes in criminal matters. We set out the position as it stands, the steps available, and the risks attaching to each.