Facing misconduct allegations? Protect your career and reputation with expert legal help
Facing serious allegations of misconduct in public office can be life-changing, impacting your career, reputation and personal life. Work colleagues might be unsupportive and even family can be affected. You could be suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation. It is imperative you have an experienced legal team to fight your corner.
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Facing allegations of misconduct in public office
Being accused of misconduct in public office can be a deeply stressful and overwhelming experience. This serious criminal charge often involves allegations that a person in a public role such as, local government official, police officer or even a member of parliament, has abused their position.
These accusations can damage your reputation without the case even reaching court. This can create a ripple effect in your personal and professional life, even extending beyond work to your partner, children and parents.
The fear of conviction, including imprisonment and the possibility of criminal record, can be a burden and weigh heavily. Many people do not even know how to find a lawyer who specialises in misconduct of public office cases.
Why fighting misconduct in public office allegations is tough
One reason these cases are particularly difficult is because the definition of misconduct is vague. The lack of guidance can mean that public officials do not know where they stand. This makes it easier for accusations to arise, even if it is not obvious someone has committed a criminal offence.
Sometimes the investigation is even reported in local or national media. This unwanted attention can be an additional pressure, and can make people feel that they are being treated as though they are guilty, without being able to defend themselves.
Disciplinary proceedings can often run alongside the criminal investigation. This can mean that a person could be suspended or even lose their job.
Challenging the accusations and defending your future
You do not have to feel as though you are alone and without help to deal with the problem. Expert misconduct in public office solicitors are available who know how to approach these cases.
They will consider if your actions amount to misconduct, or whether this can be questioned, especially if the evidence doesn't support the claim of abuse of public trust. With a thorough investigation and strategic legal advice, you improve your chance of avoiding a conviction, protecting your reputation, and ensuring your future remains intact.
A strong defence can highlight weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, discredit unreliable witnesses, or show that your actions were misunderstood or misrepresented. Having people on your side will ensure your rights are defended at every step.
Instructing specialist lawyers and experts to guide you
At Mary Monson Solicitors, we have extensive experience in defending against misconduct in public office allegations.
We will listen to you and find out what was really going on, whether there are any politics that we need to be aware of and what guidance you took. We can challenge the interpretation of misconduct, and scrutinise the definition applied in your case, ensuring the prosecution cannot unfairly broaden the offence to cover actions that do not truly qualify.
We will forensically examine the evidence and work with expert witnesses, exposing weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
We will fight to protect your reputation and are skilled at managing the media and public perception, limiting damage to your reputation while your case is being heard.
Our solicitors have years of experience in defending public officials, and we will use this expertise to build a strong, persuasive argument in your favour.
Take immediate action to defend yourself
If you're facing allegations of misconduct in public office, acting quickly is crucial. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Seek legal advice immediately. An experienced solicitor can start building a strong defence early.
Document everything, including records of relevant events and communications.
Stay calm and professional. Your actions are under scrutiny, so remain composed in public and private.
Cooperate with your solicitor. Open communication is essential for an effective defence.
Don’t speak to investigators without legal advice.
Don’t engage with the media.
Don’t destroy or hide evidence.
Don’t delay. Ignoring the situation may make things worse.
No-tricks fixed-fee pricing
We can usually offer a fixed fee instalment plan so you can plan for the expense, and so you can fund your case in stages while it is continuing.
Private representation
Once we have an idea of what kind of case you are facing and what work that will be necessary, we will then be able to provide you with a fixed fee quote. This means that you know before you commit how much your case will cost.
What's included?
Frequently asked questions
If I am investigated for Misconduct in Public Office and my devices are seized, will I get them back?
If you are investigated for misconduct in public office, your devices will be seized. If there is nothing of an evidential nature on your devices, they could be returned to you once they have been downloaded and considered, but more often that not, your device will not be returned until the conclusion of the case.
What are the penalties for Misconduct in Public Office?
The offence is not defined by statute and there are no sentencing guidelines. Anyone charged with misconduct in public office would have a crown court trial if they entered a not guilty plea in the first instance. The sentencing range is wide, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment in the most serious of cases.
In addition, it is likely your employer will commence misconduct proceedings and suspend you on full pay. These sometimes run alongside the criminal investigation, and on other occasions begin at the conclusion of the trial.
How long will a Misconduct in Public Office case take to resolve?
Misconduct in public office is a serious allegation, and the investigation could take a long time. Once a charging decision has been reached, it could be another year before commencement of the trial.
What is Misconduct in Public Office ?
Misconduct in public office is a serious criminal offence that occurs when a public official, such as a local government official abuses their position of authority. This offence is defined by three key elements:
A public official must be involved. This includes elected officials, law enforcement officers, or anyone holding a public office;
The official must willfully neglect their duties or engage in misconduct that is considered an abuse of public trust;
Their actions must have caused or risked serious harm to the public interest.
The offence covers a wide range of misconduct, from corruption and dishonesty to failing to act where duty demands. Convictions can lead to imprisonment, fines, and a permanent impact on personal and professional lives.
Send us a confidential message
We'll get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to speak to you if you have a query, and either have a free consultation on the phone or in person if necessary.