Attending SFO section 2 interviews (CJA 1987): lawyers’ checklist on permissions, undertakings, disclosure, conflicts/privilege, interventions, and steps before, during and after

Published by a LexisNexis Corporate Crime expert

Checklists

Key reading for lawyers attending s 2 interviews

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is empowered to compel interviews with persons thought to hold information pertinent to an investigation, by issuing a notice under section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987 (section 2 interviews). For comprehensive guidance on this power and the practical issues it creates, refer to:

Interviews under the Criminal Justice Act 1987, s 2

For additional resources relevant to attending interviews under caution and those conducted at the police station, see:

Attendance at the police station—checklist
Attendance at a corporate crime interview under caution—checklist

As the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE 1984) does not apply to s 2 interviews, there is therefore no statutory right for an interviewee to have legal representation. It is consequently vital that criminal practitioners are familiar with the SFO guidance for lawyers: section 2 interviews...

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Web page updated on 20/05/2026

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