Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Solicitor

Human trafficking and modern slavery have become global issues, with recent estimates suggesting that at the present time well over a million people have been transported across borders into developed countries and then sold for exploitation. We are seeing a steep increase in the number of investigations and prosecutions for modern slavery and exploitation offences.

As experts in the field, we are regularly instructed in high profile complex modern slavery and human trafficking cases and have an excellent track record in securing favourable outcomes for our clients, particularly during the investigation at the “pre-charge” stage through pro-active representation. This involves early analysis and action, the collection of potentially helpful defence evidence and the drafting and submission of compelling written representations to the Crown Prosecutions at the end of the investigation. We aim to persuade the CPS not to charge, rather than waiting to see if they do.

If you have already been charged, we will work with top counsel, including the UK’s leading Kings Counsel, to secure the best outcome.

As well as imposing significant prison sentences of up to 14 years, the court has wide ranging powers to impose ancillary orders which can have a significant financial impact. Often, restraint orders will be made at the investigation stage, which may freeze access to bank accounts and assets. Prosecuting authorities have a duty to present their applications fairly, as they are made without a suspect’s knowledge. These orders are often prepared poorly and unfairly, and therefore careful and detailed submissions to the court can result in their variation or revocation.

Reeds can help you defend a charge of human trafficking or modern slavery

Human trafficking and modern slavery cases are notoriously complex. They will typically involve long, detailed investigations, often with cross-border elements. Defending them requires meticulous preparation and patient concentration. Triggering disclosure and sifting through the raft of data and documents requires experience and skill. As a Legal 500 Top Tier firm run by recognised “Leading Individuals”, our lawyers stop at nothing to get the right result.

Our Solicitors are regularly mentioned in the Legal 500 and in 2023 and 2024, we were named one of the UK’s top law firms by The Times, specially commended for criminal law.

‘Stuart Mathews has a razor-sharp intellect and superb client care skills. He is a ferociously hard worker and takes time to unpick a case. Julian Richards brings his huge experience of criminal law to each case and thereby creates a very calm, forensic approach to his work. Clients love him.’ – Legal 500

Our Criminal Defence Solicitors have the expertise and experience required to advise and represent you. Please contact us through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at info@reeds.co.uk.

Why choose Reeds Solicitors?

By instructing Reeds Solicitors, you can trust that our team will:

Find out the suspicions the police have regarding your involvement in a human trafficking or modern slavery offence and any evidence they have concerning those suspicions.
If you have been arrested, analyse the custody record, and talk with the Custody Officer to ensure proper police procedure was followed.
Attend a police interview under caution to provide you with legal advice and ensure the interviewer does not exceed their powers and follows the Code of Practice that sets out how an interview under caution should be conducted.
If the police are considering releasing you on pre-charge bail, we will challenge them to produce evidence to show this is necessary and proportionate.
If you are charged in connection with human trafficking or modern slavery, we will investigate the police evidence, prepare for and attend a bail hearing, instruct expert Criminal Defence Barristers/King’s Counsel and attend Court, as well as provide you with advice and support when required, including whether to plead guilty or not guilty.
If you are found guilty, we will prepare submissions to the Court to mitigate the severity of the sentence handed down. We will also advise you on whether there are grounds to appeal the Judge or jury’s decision as well as defend you in any subsequent Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 proceedings.

What is modern slavery?

Anti-Slavery International defines modern slavery as “where an individual is exploited by others, for personal or commercial gain. Whether tricked, coerced, or forced, they lose their freedom. This includes but is not limited to human trafficking, forced labour and debt bondage.”

The same body describes human trafficking as “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud, coercion or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit.”

Human trafficking is often confused with people smuggling; however, they are different crimes, with the latter referring to the facilitation and/or transport of people from one country to another for payment.

What is the sentence for human trafficking?

The maximum sentence for human trafficking is 14 years’ imprisonment. The Court may also hand down a large fine.

The Court can also make Ancillary Orders if you are found guilty. These can be added to the sentence and can affect your finances and ability to deal with your business, property, and other assets. Examples of Ancillary Orders include:

An order to compensate victims (Reparation Orders)
Restraint orders
Financial reporting order
Disqualification from directing a company
Confiscation (of property and assets) orders

The Court can also order your bank accounts and assets to be frozen and your cash and assets may be seized by the authorities.

What is the Modern Slavery Act 2015?

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 consolidated the existing legislation on modern slavery and requires certain companies to make annual modern slavery statements. It also places an onus on large organisations to ensure their supply chains do not use slave labour at any point.

The Act also created the office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner to encourage good practice in the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of slavery and human trafficking offences, as well as in the identification of victims.

How Reeds Solicitors can help you defend a charge of human trafficking or modern slavery

Human trafficking and modern slavery cases are notoriously difficult. They tend to be complex, ‘paper-heavy’, and the range of criminal charges can be wide-ranging. Typically, they will involve long, detailed investigations, often with cross-border elements. Triggering disclosure and sifting through the raft of data and documents is a challenge and not one for the inexperienced. In addition, human trafficking and modern slavery cases can be highly emotive, often involving serious allegations of violence or sexual offences. On the witness stand, complainants must be cross-examined sensitively, but at the same time robustly, again a skill that comes from experience. Defending such cases therefore requires not just excellent preparation skills and real expertise in the court room, but also first-hand experience of the issues that arise in this specialised area. At Reeds Solicitors, we have developed a robust record for defending cases of this type and will never give up whilst the chance of achieving a positive result exists.