When Your Profession Is Part Of The Risk.
For many professionals, the investigation is only one concern. The impact on career, reputation, professional registration and future opportunities may be equally significant.
Legal 500 UK 2025, Crime: General Criminal Counsel
"Craig MacKenzie is a star performer. He has a lovely manner with clients: understated, reassuring, while commanding the respect of his professional colleagues and the court. He gets results through hard work and excellent judgement. He knows his law inside and out and is excellent with clients."– Legal 500 UK, 2025
When a regulated professional faces an allegation, the legal threat is compounded by the immediate risk to their livelihood. A police investigation almost inevitably triggers a parallel inquiry by their professional regulatory body, turning a single incident into a multi-front crisis.
The Dual Threat
The strategy deployed to defend a criminal investigation must be carefully calibrated to avoid prejudicing the parallel regulatory proceedings. Admissions made to satisfy an employer or a regulator can be disastrous if handed over to the police. Conversely, exercising the right to silence in a police interview may be used adversely by a professional regulator to draw negative inferences regarding fitness to practise.
Craig provides unified, strategic oversight through Forbes Solicitors, ensuring that every action taken protects both your liberty and your professional standing.
Sectors Craig Advises
Mandatory Reporting
Regulated professionals often have a duty to self-report criminal investigations to their governing body. Failing to do so is a disciplinary offence in itself. Craig advises, through Forbes Solicitors, on the timing, content, and strategy of such reports to fulfil your obligations while minimising regulatory action.
Are You A...
Your profession shapes both the risk and the strategy. See how Craig works with regulated professionals.
Related Situations
Frequently Asked Questions
Suggested Reading
Defending Criminal Investigations: The Ultimate Guide
A comprehensive strategic guide to defending police and pre-charge criminal investigations in England and Wales: fifteen chapters from first allegation to final outcome.
Understanding Criminal Investigations: A Strategic Guide
The definitive guide to criminal defence in England and Wales for professionals. What to expect, how to protect yourself, and how strategic defence works.
Police Search Warrants: A Strategic Guide for Homes, Businesses and Professionals
A strategic guide to police search warrants in England and Wales: the powers behind a search, what can be seized, privileged and protected material, and why the period immediately after the search may be decisive.
The wider picture
What else could this affect?
An investigation rarely stays in one place. These are the areas that, depending on the facts, may also need to be considered.
Your professional registration
Where you hold a professional registration, an allegation can create a parallel issue that should be assessed alongside the criminal matter.
Your regulator or professional body
A regulator or governing body may take an interest in the same facts, and whether or when to engage should be considered with advice.
Your employer
An employer may become aware of, or need to consider, the allegation; the timing and approach can matter a great deal.
Your reputation
An allegation, even one that is never charged, can create reputational exposure that benefits from a considered, strategic approach.
Your career
An allegation can raise longer-term career questions; early advice can help identify how to protect your position.
Your DBS position
Where your role involves a DBS check, an allegation may need to be considered in that context depending on the facts.
Before you act
The decision you may be facing next
People in your position often face one of these decisions before anything else. Each one is best made with advice, not under pressure.
Should I tell my regulator or professional body?
Should I speak to my employer about this?
Should I seek pre-charge representation now?
A parallel process
If this affects your profession
For healthcare professionals, a criminal allegation can run alongside a regulator and an employer at the same time, and each should be assessed together.
Who may become involved
- GMC
- GDC
- NMC
- GPhC
- HCPC
- Your employing trust or practice
How it can unfold
- 01An allegation or complaint is made
- 02A police investigation begins
- 03Your employer or trust may start its own process
- 04Your regulator may be notified of the same facts
- 05Interim conditions or suspension may be considered
- 06A fitness-to-practise assessment may follow
expertise
Specialist in Professional & Regulatory Risk
Particular expertise in cases where criminal investigation intersects with professional regulatory proceedings.
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Defends Against the UK's Most Powerful Prosecuting Agencies
Vastly experienced in defending cases brought by the NCA, SFO, FCA, HMRC, and ICO: the UK's most powerful investigative and prosecuting agencies.
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Direct Partner Access
Your case is led personally by Craig MacKenzie. You have direct access to your solicitor, with all key decisions, strategy and advice provided at partner level. Behind the scenes, Craig is supported by an experienced legal team to ensure your case is progressed efficiently without compromising on the quality of advice.
Do You Require Advice About Your Circumstances?
This material provides general information and is not a substitute for advice about a specific investigation or case.
Craig provides legal services exclusively through Forbes Solicitors. To make an initial enquiry, contact Craig at:
craig.mackenzie@forbessolicitors.co.uk
An enquiry does not constitute an instruction. Forbes Solicitors must confirm in writing that it has accepted the matter before any solicitor–client relationship arises.