Regulatory and Criminal Defence Services
Defending your rights with experienced legal counsel.
Regulatory and Criminal Defence Services
Defending your rights with experienced legal counsel.
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An Authorised and Regulated Law Firm.
Lloyd James Law is a Trading Style of Elliott Hynes LLP Partnership Registration No: OC445969, authorised and regulated by the Bar Standards Authority. Lloyd James Law is an authorised regulated Law Firm with the Bar Stndards Board. Our team of lawyers are authorised and regulated legal professionals, Get in touch with us today
Defend Your Rights with Lloyd James Law
Professional Discipline & Criminal Defence for Regulated Professionals
Professionals working in sectors such as law, healthcare, education, and financial services are subject to regulatory oversight. The frameworks that govern their conduct—commonly referred to as professional discipline—are designed to uphold high standards, protect the public, and maintain confidence in each profession.
While each regulator may use different language and procedures, they share a common purpose: to hold professionals accountable and ensure public trust is not compromised.
Lloyd James Law: Experts in Both Criminal and Regulatory Defence
At Lloyd James Law, we bring together extensive expertise in both criminal defence and regulatory proceedings. This dual experience places us in a unique position to support professionals facing allegations that may lead to both criminal charges and disciplinary action. Since these proceedings are often closely connected, we take a holistic, joined-up approach to protect your position on all fronts.
How Criminal Allegations and Professional Discipline Overlap
Allegations of misconduct often carry a potential criminal element—such as fraud, assault, theft, or sexual offences. These cases typically involve overlapping facts, witnesses, and complainants, meaning consistency in defence is crucial. Decisions made during a criminal investigation can directly impact any related regulatory process.
We are regularly instructed by:
- Police Officers
- Doctors and nurses
- Dentists and healthcare professionals
- Teachers
- Lawyers and solicitors
When a regulated professional is under criminal investigation, it’s essential to anticipate the likelihood of regulatory proceedings. Early, informed legal advice can make all the difference.
Criminal Investigations: Interviews Under Caution
The first step in many criminal investigations is a police interview—either following arrest or on a voluntary basis. At this stage, the stakes are high. What is said, or not said, during the interview can significantly influence the outcome of any future regulatory process.
Take doctors as an example: they may treat hundreds or thousands of patients annually. When questioned about a historic complaint involving a single patient, it can be difficult—if not impossible—to recall specific details without access to clinical records. Giving an inaccurate or speculative answer may harm both their criminal defence and their professional standing.
Police officers may not fully understand the complexities of professional practice or the wider implications of a criminal investigation on a person’s career. That’s why representation from a firm experienced in both disciplines is vital.
The Risk of Misguided Legal Advice
In cases involving relatively minor allegations, such as common assault or harassment without violence, a professional may be advised to accept a simple police caution to avoid a court appearance. However, accepting a caution—without a proper understanding of its regulatory consequences—could jeopardise your career.
At Lloyd James Law, we consider both the legal and professional implications before advising on any course of action.
Our Services in Criminal and Regulatory Cases
We provide comprehensive support throughout both criminal and disciplinary processes, including:
Criminal defence
- Advice and support following arrest
- Representation at PACE interviews
- Pre-charge guidance during investigation
- Court representation at the Magistrates’ or Crown Court
- Advice on appeal
Professional Discipline
- Drafting initial responses to regulators
- Representing clients during investigations and interviews
- Advocacy at interim order hearings and final fitness-to-practise hearings.
Understanding the Impact of a Criminal Investigation on Your Career
Even before a criminal case is resolved, professionals may face interim sanctions such as suspension or restrictions on practice. This can have devastating effects—not only professionally, but also personally and financially.
Unlike criminal courts, professional tribunals operate to a lower standard of proof—the balance of probabilities rather than beyond reasonable doubt. Regulators also have wider powers to admit evidence, including hearsay or pre-caution admissions, which would typically be excluded from criminal trials.
This underscores the need for a consistent and strategic defence from the outset, across both proceedings.
Why Choose Lloyd James Law
Lloyd James Law is one of the few UK firms specialising in both criminal defence and professional discipline. Our team has the experience and insight to anticipate risks, manage proceedings across jurisdictions, and achieve the best possible outcomes for the professionals we represent.
Whether you're facing a police investigation, regulatory referral, or disciplinary hearing, we are here to help.
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Lloyd James Law is a Trading Style of Elliott Hynes LLP Partnership Registration No: OC445969, authorised and regulated by the Bar Standards Authority.
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