With the introduction of the Criminal Finances Act 2017 and The Magistrates’ Courts (Freezing and Forfeiture of Money in Bank and Building Society Accounts) Rules 2017, the powers of the authorities to interfere with the assets of an accused person have been extended further than every before.
What was once the complicated preserve of the heavyweights in the High Court has now been brought into the arena of the magistrates, with a police officer now able to simply pop down to his local magistrates' court and ask a lay bench of justices to make an order freezing the bank accounts of a defendant or suspect.
It is possible to apply for a variation or discharge of the order. Stewart Begum Solicitors are experts in making such applications. Contact us today to see how we can help you.