The law places many responsibilities on individuals - and individuals need the protection that the law can offer. Rahman Ravelli works discreetly and dynamically to ensure that all of our clients benefit from that protection.
We represent individuals, including high-profile figures in business, politics, sports, entertainment and the media, who are at risk of reputational harm as a result of criminal investigation. We tailor a legal team specifically for each client and draw on our expertise in reputation and crisis management to navigate matters with skill and sensitivity. By doing this, we ensure that the consequences are minimised and individual reputation and professional standing are protected.
At Rahman Ravelli, we prioritise combining first-class client service with robust and highly strategic defence. Our specialist lawyers have in-depth knowledge and experience of investigative techniques and procedures. We also have an impressive track record in persuading investigative and prosecuting agencies to discontinue cases, and in securing not guilty verdicts at trial.
We provide specialist advice and assistance across the whole spectrum of criminal matters, including;
We regularly handle investigations and proceedings by the following law enforcement bodies:
We frequently act in transnational cases involving law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions. See related services: Extradition (hyperlink to existing page), INTERPOL Red Notices (hyperlink to existing page) and Mutual Legal Assistance (hyperlink to new page under ‘Investigations’).
If you are arrested or invited to attend the police station for a voluntary interview, it is crucial that you seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Obtaining legal advice at the police station will help you understand why you have been arrested, the extent and weight of the evidence against you, your legal rights within the process and the implications of your decision whether or not to answer questions in an interview.
Rahman Ravelli’s specialist team of lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to assist you in the event of an arrest and/or interview by law enforcement agencies.
If you have already been interviewed - with or without a lawyer present - and have been released while the investigation continues, we strongly advise you to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Serious crime encompasses criminal offences of the greatest gravity — those that cause significant harm to individuals, communities, or society. Under the Serious Crime Act 2007, serious crime includes offences listed in Schedule 1 to that Act, which includes drug trafficking, people trafficking, firearms offences, money laundering, fraud, bribery, cybercrime, sexual exploitation, and violent offences. Serious crime investigations are typically led by the National Crime Agency, the Serious Fraud Office, specialist police units, or relevant regulatory authorities.
Serious crime refers primarily to the gravity and societal impact of the offending. Complex crime refers to the investigative and legal difficulty of the case — typically involving large amounts of evidence, multiple defendants, intricate financial or organisational structures, cross-border elements, or novel legal issues. Many serious crimes are also complex, particularly in the financial and organised crime arena. Legal representation in serious and complex crime cases demands a depth of experience and resource beyond that required for more straightforward criminal defence.
Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) are civil orders under the Serious Crime Act 2007 that can be imposed on individuals or organisations involved in serious crime, either following conviction in the Crown Court or by the High Court where the civil standard is met. They can impose wide-ranging restrictions — including on financial activities, communications, travel, and associations — designed to prevent future offending. Breach of an SCPO is a criminal offence. SCPOs can be sought against a wide range of individuals, including those not themselves convicted of the underlying offence.
Organised crime refers to criminal activity carried out by structured groups for financial gain over a sustained period. In the UK, organised crime is primarily investigated by the National Crime Agency (NCA), working with regional law enforcement. NCA investigations can involve extensive surveillance, covert human intelligence sources, financial intelligence analysis, and international law enforcement cooperation. Offences commonly associated with organised crime include drug trafficking, people trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime, and fraud.
Disclosure refers to the prosecution's obligation to provide the defence with copies of all material gathered during the investigation that undermines the prosecution case or assists the defence — so-called 'unused material'. Proper disclosure is a fundamental right of defendants and a constitutional obligation on prosecutors. In serious and complex crime cases, the volume of material to be reviewed can be enormous, and failures in disclosure have been the basis for successful appeals and stayed prosecutions in a number of high-profile cases. Scrutinising disclosure is a key part of effective defence in serious crime cases.
Anyone arrested on suspicion of a serious criminal offence should exercise their right to free independent legal advice at the police station before answering any questions. It is almost always advisable to say as little as possible in interview until you have received comprehensive legal advice from a specialist solicitor. You have the right to know the basis of your arrest and to be told of your rights under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). You should not attempt to contact potential co-defendants or to access or delete any electronic communications before speaking to your solicitor.
Legal aid is available for most serious criminal cases under the Criminal Legal Aid scheme administered by the Legal Aid Agency. Eligibility depends on the nature of the charge and the individual's financial means. In Crown Court proceedings, representation orders are generally available for all defendants facing the most serious charges. Specialist solicitors can advise on eligibility and assist with the legal aid application process. Where legal aid is not available or appropriate, private representation is essential to ensure the quality of representation needed in high-stakes proceedings.
Serious and complex crime cases involve some of the most difficult legal, evidential, and factual issues in the criminal justice system. The stakes — including the possibility of lengthy imprisonment, substantial financial penalties, confiscation of assets, and lasting reputational damage — demand the very highest quality of legal representation. Specialist solicitors bring the case management skills, forensic analytical capability, established relationships with leading counsel, and the breadth of legal knowledge required to mount the most effective defence at every stage from investigation through to appeal.
