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13 Hanover Square
Mayfair · London W1S 1HN
Private Practice

Private Criminal Defence · Mayfair, London

When everything
depends on the right call

Ewing Law is a Mayfair-based practice dedicated exclusively to private criminal defence. Senior partner-led representation in the most serious, complex and sensitive matters.

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GlobalInternational Reach

News & Insights

Result — AFOAFO Application Withdrawn at Exeter Magistrates' Court Result — Drug OffencesClass A Possession with Intent to Supply Charge Dropped Before Trial Result — SentencingNewton Hearing Success Reduces Sentence by Approximately Eight Years Result — AFOSix-Figure Sum Released in Full Following Account Freezing Order Result — AFO£1.1m Frozen by HMRC Released in Full In the MediaTony Kent (Wyatt) Appears on the Jeremy Vine Show Asset RecoveryAccount Forfeiture Explained: A Practical Guide Asset RecoveryAccount Freezing Orders (AFOs): What They Are and What Happens Next Criminal DefenceWhat to Expect if You're Contacted by the Police ExtraditionHow Does UK to UAE Extradition Work? ExtraditionFacing Extradition to an EU Member State? Result — GBHClient Acquitted of GBH at Basildon Crown Court Result — Drug OffencesClient Acquitted of Production of Cannabis and Possession with Intent to Supply at Croydon Crown Court Result — Asset RecoveryRelease of Funds in Six-Figure Account Forfeiture Order Appeal Result — FirearmsClient Acquitted of Firearm Offences at Chelmsford Crown Court Result — RapeClient Acquitted of Rape in the Youth Court Result — POCASuccessful Negotiations to Reduce Available Assets in Confiscation Proceedings Result — RapePolice Investigation for Rape Discontinued Following Pre-Charge Engagement Result — POCASuccessful Proceeds of Crime Negotiations at Isleworth Crown Court

The Firm

A different standard of criminal defence

A criminal investigation can happen to anyone. When it does, it is life-changing. Ewing Law exists to reduce that burden — with a team selected for their expertise, their dedication, and their ability to deliver results when the stakes are highest.

We accept instructions exclusively from private clients. This means every case receives the preparation, the barrister selection, and the senior-level attention it demands. We do not compromise on this.

"The right call."

Practice Areas

Areas of Expertise

All Practice Areas

01 — Serious Crime

Murder Armed Robbery Drug Conspiracies Kidnap

Serious & Complex Crime

Nationally reported trials at the highest level — from murder to large-scale organised crime conspiracies.

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02 — White Collar

SFO Fraud Money Laundering Insider Trading

White Collar Crime

SFO investigations, bribery, corruption and the City's most complex financial criminal matters.

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03 — Proceeds of Crime

Confiscation Restraint Orders POCA

Proceeds of Crime

A track record of extraordinary results reducing confiscation orders and protecting assets.

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04 — Regulatory

GMC FCA Sporting Bodies

Regulatory & Disciplinary

Discreet expert representation for professionals facing regulatory or disciplinary proceedings.

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05 — Motoring

Drink Driving Exceptional Hardship Totting Up

Motoring Offences

Honest advice, leading barristers and no false promises — protecting licences that matter.

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06 — Advisory

Pre-Charge Advice Corporate Executives

Advisory

Pre-emptive criminal and regulatory counsel for institutions, executives and entrepreneurs.

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"If any client were to come to me and say that they were facing an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office or the National Crime Agency or anyone else, the first and only number I would give them would be the number for Ewing Law. There is no one better; as far as I'm concerned, they are the fourth emergency service."

— Keith Bishop, Keith Bishop Associates PR

Why Ewing Law

Senior partner-led

Scott Ewing has been at the forefront of serious and complex criminal defence for decades. Your case is led by him — not passed to a junior on the day of your hearing.

Absolute discretion

Trusted by prominent names in business, sport and entertainment. Discretion is not a feature — it is the foundation of everything we do.

International reach

With experience in cases across the UAE, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Spain, Qatar, Cyprus, China and beyond, Ewing Law advises clients wherever their challenges arise.

What Our Clients Say

All Testimonials

"If any client were to come to me and say that they were facing an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office or the National Crime Agency or anyone else, the first and only number I would give them would be the number for Ewing Law. There is no one better; as far as I'm concerned, they are the fourth emergency service."

Keith Bishop

Keith Bishop Associates PR

"I have represented high-profile sportsmen and women for my entire professional career. Unfortunately that high-profile can sometimes attract trouble, and when it does I always recommend Scott Ewing and his team at Ewing Law. Over the years they have represented some of the biggest names in Sport, and I have never known any lawyer than consistently performs at such a level."

Richard Maynard

Maynard Communications

"In the security industry legal complications are inevitable, whether for our employees or for our clients. When they arise we turn to Ewing Law. There is no one better when it comes to solving a problem quickly and with the least amount of fuss."

Noble Security

Security Industry

13 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London W1S 1HN

0207 183 8838 — Available 24 hours

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Our Practice

Areas of Expertise

Ewing Law acts for the defence in all high-profile, serious and complex criminal cases on a privately funded basis.

Serious & Complex Crime

Frequently instructed to defend in major, nationally reported criminal trials, Ewing Law is a recognised leader when it comes to serious and complex crime. With the experience and expertise to deliver in even the most serious, complex and high-profile of criminal cases, our practice ranges from murder to large scale drug conspiracies, and from kidnap, blackmail and armed robberies to allegations of a sexual nature.

Our team members have been instructed to defend in cases brought by all of the major UK prosecuting bodies including the Crown Prosecution Service, National Crime Agency, Serious Fraud Office, HMRC and the Financial Conduct Authority.

Murder & manslaughter
Drug importation conspiracies
Kidnap & blackmail
Armed robbery
Sexual offences
Bribery & corruption
Money laundering
Joint enterprise

White Collar Crime

Ewing Law is recognised as one of the leading defence firms in the field of white collar crime. With practically every member of the core team having specialised in defending the most complex allegations, together they possess unrivalled experience in every variation of white collar crime.

Led by Principal Solicitor Scott Ewing — long regarded as the go-to lawyer throughout the City of London in respect of fraud allegations and regulatory advice — our lawyers have been instructed in many of the largest, most complicated fraud trials of the past 20 years.

Boiler-room fraud
Carousel & ponzi fraud
Insider trading
Money laundering
SFO investigations
FCA enforcement
HMRC criminal investigations
Corporate fraud

Proceeds of Crime & POCA

Our team have been involved in some of the biggest confiscation proceedings brought since the introduction of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, where their various successes have left Ewing Law in such demand that we are now often approached to privately undertake POCA proceedings, even when not instructed in the original case.

In one landmark case, Ewing Law secured the first and only instance in which an application under the Proceeds of Crime Act was stayed on the ground that it would be unfair to try — a decision subsequently upheld by the Administrative Court.

Confiscation proceedings
Restraint orders
Asset forfeiture
Cash seizure challenges
POCA benefit calculation disputes
Third party interests

Regulatory & Disciplinary

The Ewing Law team boasts considerable experience in advising and defending in a wide variety of regulatory matters. These have ranged from Health and Safety prosecutions to allegations of Food Standard Agency violations, and to matters brought before the General Medical Council, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the General Dental Council and the Financial Conduct Authority.

In addition to regulatory prosecutions we have for many years represented professional sportsmen and sportswomen before the governing bodies of their chosen sport, including the Amateur Boxing Association, the British Boxing Board of Control and the Rugby Football Union.

General Medical Council (GMC)
Financial Conduct Authority
Health & Safety Executive
Food Standards Agency
Anti-doping panels (UKAD)
Boxing Board of Control
Rugby Football Union
Football Association

Motoring Offences

Ewing Law accepts private instruction to act on behalf of the defence in respect of any and all alleged motoring offences. Whilst some build a brand around the concept of loophole defences, at Ewing Law we simply instruct the best, most experienced road-traffic barristers to study every case in detail and identify any technical or procedural defences which may be available.

Those who bring allegations of road traffic violation to our team can be assured of honest, up-to-date and wholly realistic advice. If there is a factual defence with a reasonable prospect of success, we will tell you. If there is not, we will advise of this also.

Drink & drug driving
Speeding offences
GATSO calibration challenges
Exceptional hardship
Special reasons
Dangerous driving
Totting up disqualification
Careless driving

Advisory Services

As a result of our many years at the very forefront of white collar criminal defence and regulatory law, the Ewing Law team are well versed in the more technical aspects of what can and cannot constitute a fraud, in both the criminal and civil sense. We are also very aware of what seemingly innocuous actions would amount to a breach of regulatory rules in, for example, the financial sector.

Believing strongly that crime prevention is preferable to criminal defence, our founder and Principal Solicitor takes the lead with the criminal and regulatory aspect of this advisory service. Our advisory services are offered internationally.

Pre-transaction advice
Regulatory compliance
Financial sector conduct
International advisory
Corporate criminal liability
Director exposure advice

Extradition

Extradition proceedings are among the most time-critical legal matters a person can face. Once a request is made or a warrant issued, events move rapidly and the window in which effective challenges can be mounted can close quickly. Ewing Law accepts instruction in extradition cases at every stage — from the moment of arrest on an extradition warrant through to appeal in the High Court and beyond.

The firm has direct experience of extradition cases spanning multiple jurisdictions, including the United Arab Emirates, EU member states, the United States and other treaty partners. Our approach is to act immediately, assess every available ground of challenge, and present the strongest possible case for the client at each stage of the process.

Arrest on extradition warrant — immediate representation
Bail applications in extradition proceedings
UK–EU extradition (Trade and Cooperation Agreement)
UK–UAE extradition (bilateral treaty)
US extradition requests
Dual criminality challenges
Forum bar arguments
Human rights challenges (Arts 3, 6 & 8 ECHR)
Passage of time and health-based bars
High Court and Supreme Court appeals
Pre-request advisory — international clients

The People

A carefully selected team

Every member of the Ewing Law team has been chosen for their expertise, their dedication, and their ability to deliver when it matters most.

Scott Ewing

Managing Director

After almost 30 years defending Serious Crime, White Collar Fraud and all manner of Regulatory Offences, Scott is amongst the most experienced and certainly the most sought-after criminal solicitors working today. His reputation is second to none, with all of his work coming via recommendation or referral — a testament to his consistent high performance across some of the largest, most widely reported and complicated criminal cases of the last two decades.

Tony Wyatt

Senior Associate Counsel

Tony practises as an independent self-employed barrister from his own Chambers within Ewing Law, having opted to move away from the traditional barrister's model after over a decade at London's leading criminal chambers, 2 Bedford Row. His practice encompasses all aspects of serious criminal defence, from general crime and fraud through to confiscation, restraint and regulatory offences. He also specialises in Sports Law and Judicial Review, and is a bestselling thriller author.

Dillon May

Director

Dillon is a Director and Solicitor with extensive experience representing clients from the police station through to proceedings in the Magistrates' and Crown Courts. He regularly acts on matters ranging from murder to theft, and is recognised for his calm, strategic approach in complex cases. Meticulous in preparation, Dillon holds an LLM with Distinction and an LLB with First Class Honours.

George Steel

Associate Solicitor

George joined the firm in February 2026 and advises clients across the spectrum of criminal proceedings, with particular expertise in fraud and money laundering. His LLM focused on deferred prosecution agreements gives him a strong grounding in corporate and financial crime. He has handled matters involving the CPS, NCA, local authorities and HMRC, including cases attracting national media attention.

Rebecca Ireland

Senior Crown Court Caseworker

Rebecca has been preparing Crown Court cases for trial for over eighteen years. She is known for providing an exceptional standard of client care whilst remaining focused on thoroughly exploring the issues and evidence in each case. She is appreciated for her genuine, empathetic approach and her ability to develop a trusting relationship with every client she works with.

Nicola Mitchell

PA to Scott Ewing

Nicola provides dedicated personal assistant support to Scott Ewing, ensuring the smooth operation of the Managing Director's caseload and diary. Her organisational expertise and commitment to confidentiality are integral to the high standard of service Ewing Law provides to its private client base.

Verity Smith

Trainee Solicitor

Verity's passion for criminal law began during her Criminology degree and was reinforced through her LPC. She works alongside fee earners on cases preparing for trial, undertaking detailed case preparation, legal research, evidence organisation and supporting solicitors and counsel. She is known for her diligence and strong commitment to professional development.

Francesca Macleod-Matthews

Paralegal

Francesca joined Ewing Law in February 2026, assisting senior members of the firm on a wide range of criminal matters. She read Law at the University of Exeter, graduating in 2024, and subsequently completed the Barrister Training Course at BPP Law School with Distinction. She is working towards pupillage with the long-term objective of achieving success at the Bar.

Rob Bryan

Investigator

Rob brings specialist investigative expertise to the Ewing Law team, supporting casework across serious and complex criminal matters. His role encompasses evidence gathering, witness enquiries and background investigation work that underpins the firm's thorough approach to case preparation.

Jacqui Perera

Accounts Manager

Jacqui oversees the financial administration of the firm, ensuring the efficient management of client accounts and billing. Her meticulous approach and attention to detail support the smooth running of the practice and the transparent financial service Ewing Law provides to its clients.

Client Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it

The words of those who have trusted Ewing Law in their most difficult moments.

Keith Bishop

Keith Bishop Associates PR

Richard Maynard

Maynard Communications

Noble Security

Security Industry

"Over the years they have represented some of the biggest names in sport, and I have never known any lawyer who consistently performs at such a level."

— Richard Maynard, Maynard Communications

Case Results Latest Results

Scott Ewing & Dillon May · Proceeds of Crime · Asset Recovery

Scott Ewing and Dillon May represented a company facing Account Freezing Order (AFO) proceedings brought by Devon and Cornwall Police. The police had intended to apply, and duly appeared, at Exeter Magistrates' Court to seek an Account Freezing Order over the entire balance of our client's bank account, which had already been subject to an interim freeze imposed by the bank. Following detailed and meticulous preparation ahead of the listed hearing, the police were persuaded to withdraw their application at court, allowing the release of our client's funds. This result reflects the value of early, thorough preparation in restraint and account freezing proceedings — engaging robustly with the police well before a hearing can make all the difference to the outcome for our clients. Scott and Dillon instructed Andrew Bird K.C. of Five St Andrew's Hill.

August 2026 · Dillon May & Verity Smith · Drug Offences

Dillon May and Verity Smith secured the discontinuance of a charge of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug (MDMA) — in excess of 500 MDMA pills — brought against our client following the execution of a search warrant at their home address. We instructed two independent experts to review the prosecution's drug evidence and served detailed representations inviting the CPS to review the case. The CPS concluded there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction and offered no evidence on the charge. A result achieved through independent expert evidence and detailed written representations — long before trial. Mrs Dawn Burrows was instructed as advocate in this matter.

July 2026 · Rebecca Ireland & Tony Wyatt (Counsel) · Sentencing

Our client faced sentence as a lead commercial supplier of 1kg blocks of cocaine — a basis carrying many additional years in custody. At a Newton hearing we contested that basis and demonstrated that supply of only 30g had been proved, reducing the sentence by approximately 8 years. Counsel Tony Wyatt was instructed by Rebecca Ireland, Ewing Law.

July 2026 · Dillon May · Asset Recovery · POCA

Dillon May successfully secured the release of a six-figure sum for a client whose personal bank account had been frozen under an Account Freezing Order (s.303Z1 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002). The Order, obtained by the Metropolitan Police, restrained the full contents of our client's account. Following the preparation and service of detailed, comprehensive evidence demonstrating the legitimate provenance of the funds, Mr May secured the full release of the frozen sum. Another strong result for our team — showing the difference thorough preparation and robust representation can make when facing asset freezing action.

June 2026 · Scott Ewing · White Collar · HMRC

A series of construction companies had £1.1m frozen on suspicion of being the proceeds of a carousel fraud, under Account Freezing Orders obtained by HMRC. Managing Director Scott Ewing prepared thousands of pages of evidence demonstrating legitimate trade, with detailed representations on why the orders were flawed. After 7 months, the orders were revoked by consent. With thanks to Neil Rollason, CN Tax Dispute Resolution Ltd.

April 2026 · Dillon May · Serious Crime

Dillon May represented a company director charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm contrary to section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. The complainant sustained significant injuries including a bleed on the brain. Thorough disclosure requests identified that the complainant had an extensive history demonstrating a propensity to violence. Persuasive legal arguments ensured this history was placed before the jury. Our client maintained he acted purely in self-defence and was unanimously acquitted after trial. Dillon instructed Mrs Dawn Burrows as Trial Advocate.

April 2026 · Dillon May & Tony Wyatt · Drug Offences

Dillon May and Tony Wyatt (Counsel) represented an individual charged with producing cannabis and possession with intent to supply. When police raided our client's home, they discovered a cannabis factory containing 57 plants and just under 2kg in sealed vacuum bags. At trial, our client was unanimously acquitted without having to give evidence.

April 2026 · Dillon May · Asset Recovery

Dillon May represented a broker appealing an Account Forfeiture Order over his trading capital amounting to a six-figure sum. Through negotiations and targeted legal submissions, Dillon secured increasingly favourable offers of compromise. The authority ultimately agreed to release 90% of the funds to avoid a contested hearing — achieved without the broker attending court or giving evidence. Dillon instructed Chris Sykes at 33 Chancery Lane.

April 2025 · Tony Wyatt & Rebecca Ireland · Serious Crime

Tony Wyatt and Rebecca Ireland represented a storekeeper charged with Possession of a Firearm under Section 5(1) of the Firearms Act and acquiring criminal property. Our 60-year-old client was arrested following a non-fatal shooting. During a police search of his business premises, a holdall containing a .410 pump action shotgun and cartridges was seized from a garage within his yard. A large sum of cash was also seized from his home. The defence advanced was that our client had no knowledge that the shotgun and cartridges had been hidden within his premises, and that the cash represented his lifesavings accrued over many years. Our client faced a mandatory minimum sentence of five years upon conviction. Following representations to the Crown, the case was discontinued prior to trial and the money returned.

Scott Ewing & Rebecca Ireland · Sexual Offences

Scott Ewing and Rebecca Ireland represented a 16-year-old charged with rape allegations dating back to when he was 14. The complainant was just short of 16 at the time of the alleged offence and the central issue was consent. Our client maintained that all sexual activity was adventurous and consensual. During preparation for trial, crucial discrepancies were identified in the accounts provided by the complainant to different agencies. Vital third-party material was also secured which demonstrated the complainant's propensity to lie and fabricate allegations. The trial was heard by a District Judge in the Youth Court, and our client was acquitted on both counts. Rebecca instructed Mrs Dawn Burrows as Advocate.

Scott Ewing, Rebecca Ireland & Tony Wyatt · Proceeds of Crime

Scott Ewing, Rebecca Ireland and Tony Wyatt (Counsel) represented a client convicted for his role in a large-scale conspiracy to import drugs into the UK. Confiscation proceedings followed in which the Crown estimated the benefit from criminal conduct at over £2 million, with assets available for confiscation totalling £150,000. Following in-depth forensic analysis of the prosecution evidence, we were able to demonstrate the legitimate source of credits to our client's accounts, reducing the benefit figure to the drug valuation alone of £1.7 million. Of ultimate importance to the client and his family, we succeeded in not only reducing the benefit figure but also in lowering his percentage of equity in the family home. The final order was made for a sum under £95,000 — more than a third lower than the figure pursued by the prosecution.

Scott Ewing & Rebecca Ireland · Sexual Offences

Scott Ewing and Rebecca Ireland represented an American undergraduate studying in the UK who was arrested on allegations of rape made by a fellow student. Our client was released on bail with a condition requiring him to vacate the university campus immediately. He was permitted to return to his family in the United States and remained on police bail for 16 months. Rebecca entered into pre-charge engagement with the officer in the case, including the submission of a witness statement from another student describing prior sexual dealings with the complainant — clearly demonstrating the inaccuracy of the complainant's account, in which she had claimed to have been a virgin prior to the alleged incident. Following ongoing representations to the police, the allegations were dropped and our client was able to return to his studies.

Rebecca Ireland & Tony Wyatt · Proceeds of Crime

Rebecca Ireland and Tony Wyatt (Counsel) represented a property developer and landlord prosecuted by a London Borough Council for failing to comply with an enforcement notice contrary to section 179(2) TCPA — relating to building regulations required for rented properties. Following a guilty plea, confiscation proceedings were commenced. The prosecution asserted a benefit figure of just under £2,300,000 with available assets of almost £1,800,000. After lengthy negotiations, we were able to settle the confiscation order at £260,000.

In the Media Press & Commentary

May 2026 · Tony Kent (Wyatt) · Criminal Barrister & Author

Our very own Tony Kent (Wyatt) appeared on the Jeremy Vine show, bringing his experience as a criminal barrister to the panel. Tony practises in serious crime alongside his work as a novelist, and is a familiar voice on legal issues in the national media.

Expert Guides Blogs & Articles

BlogAsset Recovery · POCA

Account Forfeiture Explained: A Practical Guide

26 March 2026

Account forfeiture is the legal process by which funds in a frozen bank account can be permanently taken if they are said to be the proceeds of unlawful conduct. The critical distinction is this: an Account Freezing Order is temporary. Forfeiture is permanent. Understanding that distinction, and acting at the right stage, is essential.

How does forfeiture arise?

Forfeiture typically follows an AFO, but the two are legally distinct. Once an account is frozen, the investigating authority has time to examine the funds. If it concludes the funds are recoverable property, it may take steps to forfeit them — either through a formal notice procedure or a court application. Both routes carry strict timelines, and missing them can have serious and irreversible consequences.

Can forfeiture be challenged?

Yes — and it frequently is. A specialist solicitor will assess the authority's case, identify weaknesses in the evidential basis, and work to demonstrate that the funds derive from a legitimate source. The earlier specialist representation is instructed, the greater the range of options available.

If your account has been frozen and you are concerned about forfeiture, contact Ewing Law immediately.

Speak to a Specialist

BlogAsset Recovery · POCA

Account Freezing Orders (AFOs): What They Are and What Happens Next

19 March 2026

An Account Freezing Order (AFO) is a court order made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 that prevents money in a bank account from being withdrawn or used while an investigation is ongoing. It does not require a criminal conviction, and does not mean guilt has been established. The legal threshold is reasonable suspicion — which is a low bar. Accounts can be frozen at a very early stage of an investigation.

AFO and forfeiture — a critical distinction

An AFO freezes money temporarily. Forfeiture is the separate process used to permanently deprive a person of those funds. How the period between freezing and forfeiture is managed — and whether the right legal steps are taken during it — can be decisive.

Can an AFO be challenged?

Yes. There are legal routes available to challenge an AFO, seek its variation, or apply for the release of funds for specific legitimate purposes. A specialist solicitor will assess the grounds available and advise on the most effective strategy. This is not a situation in which waiting is advisable.

If your account has been frozen under an AFO, contact Ewing Law immediately.

Speak to a Specialist

BlogCriminal Defence · General

What to Expect if You’re Contacted by the Police

7 July 2025

Police contact is not always what it appears. You may be contacted as a witness, because you own a vehicle of interest, or because you are under investigation for an alleged offence. The reason matters enormously — because it determines the nature of your rights, your exposure, and the appropriate response.

Your right to legal representation

You have the right to consult a solicitor at any stage of any contact with the police — before answering questions, before attending an interview, before making any decision about what to say. Exercising this right is not an admission of anything. It is the single most important step anyone facing police contact can take.

Why urgency matters

Police investigations develop quickly. Evidence is gathered, decisions are made, and opportunities to influence outcomes narrow as time passes. If you have been contacted by the police in any form, the right moment to take legal advice is now — not after you have already spoken to officers.

If you have been contacted by the police, call Ewing Law now for immediate confidential advice.

Speak to a Specialist

BlogExtradition · International

How Does UK to UAE Extradition Work?

2026

Extradition from the UAE to the UK is governed by the bilateral UK–UAE Extradition Treaty, in force since April 2008. It is a formal state-to-state process — either to enable a person to be tried in the UK or to enforce a sentence already handed down. The UAE examines each request through its own legal process, and there is scope for challenge at multiple stages.

Grounds for refusal

The treaty contains both mandatory and discretionary grounds on which the UAE may refuse to extradite, including protections relating to human rights, double jeopardy, and the passage of time. Whether any of these grounds are available in a particular case requires careful legal analysis.

Why specialist advice matters from the outset

Extradition proceedings move quickly. Delays in obtaining specialist representation can limit options and affect the prospects of challenging a request. Ewing Law has direct experience of cases with UAE dimensions and advises clients internationally from the outset of any request.

If you are facing extradition involving the UAE, contact Ewing Law immediately.

Speak to a Specialist

BlogExtradition · European

Facing Extradition to an EU Member State?

2026

Since 1 January 2021, extradition between the UK and EU member states proceeds under the surrender arrangements in the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The change in framework has significant practical implications for anyone facing a European extradition request.

Bars to extradition and human rights

There are a number of statutory bars that can prevent extradition — including those based on double jeopardy, the passage of time, forum, and proportionality. Human rights arguments are considered in every case and can be decisive, particularly where there are concerns about conditions in the requesting state or the impact on family life in the UK.

Appeals and strict time limits

A right of appeal exists to the High Court following an extradition decision, and in appropriate cases, further appeal is possible. All appeal routes are subject to strict time limits. Missing those deadlines can extinguish rights that cannot otherwise be recovered.

If you are facing extradition to an EU member state, contact Ewing Law immediately. Time is critical.

Speak to a Specialist

Practice Areas

Serious & Complex Crime → White Collar Crime → Proceeds of Crime → Regulatory Defence →

Urgent Advice

If you are facing an investigation, have been arrested, or have been contacted by the police or a prosecuting authority, we are available now.

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0207 183 8838

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All enquiries are treated with absolute confidentiality. We are available 24 hours a day for urgent matters.

Contact

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Email usenquiries@ewinglaw.co.uk

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13 Hanover Square · Mayfair · London W1S 1HN

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answered

Clear answers to the questions our clients ask most often. If your question is not here, please call us directly.

No. Ewing Law operates exclusively on a private-funded basis. We do not accept legal aid instructions in any area of our practice. This is not a commercial decision — it is a quality decision. Legal aid funding levels make it extremely difficult to prepare a serious case to the standard our clients demand, and to instruct the calibre of barrister that such cases require. By operating exclusively privately, we ensure that every client receives the preparation, attention and representation they deserve.

Yes, absolutely. You have the right to change your legal representation at any stage of a case — before charge, during an investigation, or even during proceedings. The process is straightforward and we handle all of the necessary notifications on your behalf. If you have concerns about your current representation, or simply feel that a different approach is needed, we are happy to discuss your situation in complete confidence with no obligation.

We provide a 24-hour emergency service for arrests, dawn raids and other urgent matters. Our number — 0207 183 8838 — is monitored at all times. If you have been arrested, if investigators have arrived at your home or business, or if you need urgent advice at any hour, call us immediately. We will respond without delay.

We are regularly instructed to defend nationwide. While our offices are based in Mayfair, London, our reputation in serious crime and white collar defence takes us from London to Newcastle and everywhere in between. We have appeared in Crown Courts across England and Wales and have experience in cases with significant international dimensions, having worked in jurisdictions including Spain, Malaysia, the UAE, Qatar, Hong Kong, China, Cyprus, Ireland and others.

A first consultation with Ewing Law is a confidential discussion in which we listen carefully to your situation, explain the legal landscape you are facing, and give you an honest assessment of the position. We do not offer generic reassurance — we give clear, direct advice. All consultations can take place at our Mayfair offices, by telephone, or by video call, depending on your preference and the urgency of the matter.

Yes. All communications between a client and their solicitor are protected by legal professional privilege, which is one of the most fundamental protections in English law. It means that what you tell us cannot be disclosed to anyone — including the police, the SFO, or any other prosecuting authority — without your consent. You can speak to us with complete candour and confidence.

Yes. We regularly act for international clients — individuals, executives and businesses based overseas who are subject to UK criminal proceedings or investigations. UK criminal law has significant extraterritorial reach, particularly in fraud, bribery and money laundering matters. We have extensive experience in cases with international dimensions and can advise clients remotely from the outset if required.

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) gives the courts wide powers to confiscate assets following a conviction. The Crown calculates a 'benefit figure' — which can be dramatically larger than what a defendant actually received — and a confiscation order is then made. The good news is that this figure can be challenged, and Ewing Law has an exceptional track record of reducing POCA orders by extraordinary margins through careful legal argument. Early specialist advice in POCA proceedings is essential.

"If you have a question that isn't answered here, the fastest route to clarity is a direct conversation. We are available now."

Contact Ewing Law

When everythingdepends on the right call

A different standard of criminal defence

Areas of Expertise

Serious & Complex Crime

White Collar Crime

Proceeds of Crime

Regulatory & Disciplinary

Motoring Offences

Advisory

Why Ewing Law

Senior partner-led

Absolute discretion

International reach

What Our Clients Say

Areas of Expertise

Serious & Complex Crime

White Collar Crime

Proceeds of Crime & POCA

Regulatory & Disciplinary

Motoring Offences

Advisory Services

Extradition

A carefully selected team

Don't just take our word for it

How does forfeiture arise?

Can forfeiture be challenged?

AFO and forfeiture — a critical distinction

Can an AFO be challenged?

Your right to legal representation

Why urgency matters

Grounds for refusal

Why specialist advice matters from the outset

Bars to extradition and human rights

Appeals and strict time limits

The right callstarts here

Enquiry Received

Your questions answered

When everything
depends on the right call

The right call
starts here