Trading Standards

In providing goods and services it is important that traders do not contravene this legislation.

We have extensive experience of representing the interests of clients accused of selling goods not accurately described, counterfeit goods, unsafe or incorrectly labelled products and age restricted products.

However it is not only businesses that can be affected by this legislation. Increasingly selling products on the internet, or at car boot sales, or even the re-sale of tickets for events can be the subject of a criminal enquiry and expert legal advice will be needed as soon as possible.

Most investigations or enquiries will be pursued through the Trading Standards Departments of individual local authorities, who also have the power to prosecute in the criminal courts.

In many cases, it is possible to resolve a client’s difficulties by negotiation with the investigating authority, without the need for prosecution, for example by introducing new business practices.

However, if you are prosecuted our experience will come to bear in ensuring you have the most robust defence possible, involving timely legal advice and representation combined with the use of expert witnesses drawn from specific fields of business and commerce who can offer insight into the field of work that the authority are investigating. Our team is contactable, and can assist you, 24 hours a day. Contact us on 0800 32 888 46 or via an online enquiry.

This year our trading standards team was instrumental in securing the acquittal of a defendant in one of the country’s largest eBay frauds involving counterfeit goods, without the client even having to go through the trauma of giving evidence.

Cunninghams are regularly asked by clients to take over their case from Solicitors that they have previously instructed. This can happen at any stage of an investigation or prosecution.

There can be many reasons for this. Their existing solicitor may feel that for professional reasons they can no longer continue to represent their client, they may no longer feel that they have the necessary expertise or they may no longer be allowed to represent their client in respect of a particularly serious case because they are not members of the VHCC panel. In some cases, a client’s relationship with their solicitor has simply broken down, or they have lost complete confidence in their solicitor’s ability to represent them properly. Some clients feel that transferring representation will be an awkward, embarrassing or difficult process, and for cases which are publicly funded there are strict criteria which must be present before a case is transferred to another solicitor.

At Cunninghams we are used to dealing with such enquiries and can reassure clients that any transfer of their case will be smooth, free of embarrassment and always in their best interests.

Operating nationwide from our bases in the City of London and central Manchester Cunninghams are leaders in defending those accused of serious fraud and complex crime and are consistently ranked as a leading practice in these fields in all guides to the UK legal profession. Specialising in this work for over 30 years has resulted in an enviable network of experts, forensic accountants, QC’s and senior barristers to draw upon as we tailor our clients bespoke defence team

All our serious casework is led by a director with who you will have direct contact. If you are being investigated by Trading Standards it is important not to delay. Contact us and you will receive immediate expert advice from an experienced fraud defence lawyer.

Our initial advice is always free of charge, Contact Us on 0800 32 888 46 or make an on-line enquiry.