Criminal Law

This north London firm is a specialist criminal and family practice known for its proficiency in complex white-collar and fraud cases, offering a high level of expertise in all areas of practice, combined with an understanding of how to meet the individual needs of particular clients.

Founded in 1998 by the senior partner Trushar Punatar, Punatar and Co solicitors provided criminal advice and representation, and continue to be dedicated to this area. Since becoming an established and well-regarded criminal practice, they have successfully added further areas of practice offering advice on all aspects of family law. On 7th April 2009, Punatar and Co incorporated, to become known as ACA Law Ltd, and has continued to develop and expand in both areas of law.

Many of the Directors and solicitors speak second languages, including Gujarati, Punjabi, Hindi and Gaeilge. The Lawyers are also members of a number of legal bodies including the Specialist Fraud Panel (Supervisor Status), SAHCA (Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates), LCCSA (London Criminal Courts and Solicitors Association), LAPG (Legal Aid Practitioners Group), SAL (Society of Asian Lawyers).

Only firms with necessary experience and skill in Serious Fraud cases can be admitted to the elite panel of lawyers which make up the Specialist Fraud Panel, ensuring that Defendants receive quality representation from firms with expertise in managing such cases. As a result, Punatar and Co are one of few firms who are authorised to undertake publicly funded defence work on serious fraud cases, saving clients considerable legal fees. The firm have been admitted to the Very High Cost Cases Panel.

Senior solicitors practicing in crime have Higher Rights of Audience, and the firm have an established in-house higher court advocacy department, with daily presence in the Crown courts within London, dealing with a number of high profile cases as Higher Court Advocates.

General crime is also dealt with from road traffic offences to murder, from advice at the police station to representation at all levels of court. Fee earners are involved in local police station and court duty solicitor schemes. Solicitors have a constant presence at all the local courts, both magistrates and crown courts (including the Central Criminal Court) as in-house advocates, representing defendants in high profile cases, such as murder, terrorism and other very serious crime, both within London and across the country.

In this ever-expanding multi-cultural society, more and more cases involve international issues and the Criminal team regularly deal with extradition cases.

The firm accept instructions on serious and complex matters throughout England and Wales.