Quentin achieves over £300,000 reduction in Proceeds of Crime Act order

Quentin was instructed to act on a Direct Public Access basis by Mr AS who had been convicted of drug dealing offences. Mr LA faced the prospect of an order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to relieve him of the benefits of his offending.

Mr LA was in a difficult position; he had substantial assets that had been awarded to him as a result of a County Court pay-out in a clinical negligence claim. Although these assets were gained legitimately, they could be forfeited as an ‘available amount’ under the Proceeds of Crime Act legislation.

The prosecution in Mr LA’s case claimed a sum of £371,625.56 under the Act; if this had been granted Mr LA would have been left virtually penniless. Quentin set about attacking the basis of the prosecution’s calculations under the Act. By varying degrees, the CPS agreed that they would reduce the order because of Quentin’s continual representations. Eventually, there could be no further agreement and the matter was set down for a contested hearing. Shortly prior to the hearing, Quentin received news that the CPS had reviewed their case in the light of his submissions to the Court and that they would reduce the order to the amount sought by the defence. This was a benefit figure of £64,771.54, the maximum amount that the prosecution would be able to claim. The reduction of £306,854.02 came as excellent news for Mr LA as it meant that he was able to retain the majority of his legitimately held assets.

Quentin Hunt is a Criminal Defence Barrister who specialises in Proceeds of Crime Act defence work. He has a reputation for driving a hard bargain on behalf of his clients and securing dramatic reductions in the amounts sought by the prosecution. Quentin accepts instructions both through solicitors and directly from members of the public. He does not accept legal aid instructions. If you have a financial crime case for which you need assistance you may contact Quentin for a no obligation discussion about your case.