If you have been asked to attend an interview under caution by Trading Standards, then we may be able to help. We have an expert team who are experienced in a wide range of criminal law matters, including allegations of breaching Trading Standards Regulations.  Our team are able to offer friendly and professional advice, and can answer any queries that you may have.

Free Initial Telephone Options Appointment

We provide a free initial telephone options appointment to see how we can assist in your circumstances. Please call 0330 333 2613 for a no obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call you back.

Who are ‘Trading Standards’?

Trading Standards enforce legislation in regard to the protection of consumers.  When a complaint has been made, Trading Standards Officers have the authority to investigate businesses, to ensure they are adhering to the relevant legislation. Trading Standards cover a broad range of areas, such as:

• Counterfeit goods.
• Unfair commercial practices.
• Supply of age restricted products to minors.
• Licensing.
• Product safety/food safety.
• Labelling/descriptions of products.
• Weights and measurements of products.
• Fraudulent activity.

Why might you have been asked to attend an Interview Under Caution?

One of the reasons that you might have been asked to attend an interview under caution is because concerns may have been raised to Trading Standards, regarding the way your business is operating.

It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that you are guilty, but based on reports that they have had they may have some questions for you.  

What to do next

If you receive a request to attend an interview under caution, do not ignore it. It is vitally important that you contact a Criminal Defence Solicitor as soon as possible to get appropriate legal representation. Getting a solicitor is not a sign that you are guilty of anything, it is a sensible thing to do.

An experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor will be able to advise you on your rights in the interview, this is important as it forms the start of your defence.  

Receiving Legal Aid

Many individuals who face criminal allegations are entitled to free legal advice at an Interview Under Caution. Speak to us today to find out more and we can quickly assess your eligibility.

Attending a Trading Standards Interview Under Caution

Even if you believe that you have done nothing wrong, it is always good practice to seek legal advice.  When you have the benefit of legal advice at your interview, the investigators will provide our representative with ‘disclosure’ outlining the reasons they wish to interview you.

Your Rights in the interview will be explained by the solicitor dealing, however it is important to note that you cannot be compelled to answer questions.

In many cases it might be possible to address Trading Standards concerns, or to negotiate a formal agreement regarding future business conduct.

What happens after attending an Interview Under Caution

Once the interview has been conducted, a decision maker will review the evidence and decide whether the case should be prosecuted. We can make representations to the Trading Standards Office on this issue and, where you admit the matter, try to push for a disposal that does not involve you going to court.

If you are prosecuted and are required to attend Court, you must contact us straight away to arrange an appointment before the Court hearing. We will thoroughly prepare your defence and attend all the hearings with you.

How we can help

At Elliot Mather, our dedicated Criminal Defence team offer friendly and professional advice with continuity of representation throughout your case.

The level of help you would like from us is entirely up to you. Our team members are all experienced in advising individuals on their specific circumstances.

Location

Our Solicitors are able to provide expert advice across the country with a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield, and Derby.

How to get in contact

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please call us for a no-obligation, initial discussion on 0330 333 2613 or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call or email you back.

How to make contact out of hours

We operate a call out system, meaning that representation from our expert criminal law team can be requested at any time of the day or night.  The police will contact a call centre who will then telephone us immediately.
If you require assistance from one of our criminal defence solicitors when out of our normal office hours, it is vital that you call us on:

• Chesterfield: 07717802850
  
• Derby: 07776240152
  
• Mansfield: 07741592301
  
• Nottinghamshire: 07741592301