What is considered organised crime?
The National Crime Agency (NCA) defines organised crime as “serious crime planned, coordinated and conducted by people working together on a continuing basis”.
This covers a very wide range of offences and, as mentioned above, you do not necessarily need to have directly taken part in criminal activity in order to be charged with participating in organised crime.
The offence of participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group covers those who head criminal organisations, who may be involved planning criminal behaviour that others carry out, as well as lower level participants, who might be providing materials, services or information that contributes to organised crime activity.
Penalties for organised crime offences
If convicted of participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group, you can be sentenced to up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine.
There are also a range of other legal consequences you may incur, depending on the circumstances, including:
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 – This allows for the confiscation of money and assets considered to have been received as the result of criminal activity.
Serious Crime Prevention Orders – Can be issued against individuals aged 18 or over, businesses and other organisations. Limits their ability to travel, their financial dealings and other behaviour that could contribute to future organised crime.
Gang injunctions – Can be issued against individuals aged 14 and over. Places limits on their behaviour, e.g. prohibiting them from being in certain places or associating with certain people, or requires them to take part on rehabilitation activities.
How to fund your defence against organised crime charges
Police station representation for organised crime charges
If you are arrested or interviewed under caution by the police or the National Crime Agency (NCA) in relation to an organised crime offence, you are entitled to free legal advice from a lawyer.
Our criminal defence team includes several accredited Police Station Representatives, so we can advise and support you from the outset in organised crime investigations. This means we can start building an effective defence for you right from the outset, giving you the best chance of a positive outcome.
Legal aid for defence against organised crime charges
Because organised crime charges are only related to serious offences, they are considered ‘triable on indictment only’, meaning they will always be dealt with in Crown Court.
As a result, legal aid will normally only be able to cover part of the cost of your defence. What funding you can receive will be means tested and you will need to cover the balance of your legal fees yourself.
If you are found not guilty, your contribution towards the cost of your defence will be repaid with interest.
Why choose our organised crime defence lawyers for your case?
Conspiracy Solicitor is a trading style of Bird and Co Solicitors LLP, a highly regarded East Midlands law firm with over 30 years’ experience representing clients facing charges and/or prosecution for organised crime offences across England and Wales.
With more than 200 years of combined experience across our criminal defence team, we can offer the clear, pragmatic legal guidance and skilled advocacy needed to secure the best available result no matter how complex or challenging your situation.
How to secure representation by our specialist organised crime lawyers
If you have not yet been granted a Representation Order for the cost of your defence and wish to have our organised crime solicitors represent you, simply get in touch and we will be happy to discuss your case.
If you have already been given legal aid with respect to a different solicitor or law firm, please take a look at our guide to transferring your case to Conspiracy Solicitors to find out whether you may be able to transfer your Legal Aid funding to our team.
Contact our organised crime solicitors now
To get in touch with our team of expert criminal defence solicitors and dedicated organised crime defence lawyers, use our simple contact form to request a call back or contact us on one of the following numbers:
- Call 0333 009 5968 – for standard enquiries during office hours
- WhatsApp 07535 215140 – for 24/7 emergency support including police station representation
