Anyone from any walk of life can find themselves accused of a sexual offence. It is one of the most traumatic and life-changing of all criminal allegations, whatever the ultimate outcome of the case.
What are sexual offences?
Sexual allegations can take many forms and can relate to a recent event or something that happened a long time ago. This can include rape, sexual assault, possession of indecent images, revenge porn, stalking, indecent exposure, outraging public decency and voyeurism, including upskirting. Sexual offences against children under the age of 13 and 16 are classified as separate offences.
Choose a solicitor who specialises in defending sexual offences
Stryders has an outstanding record in defending people, including young people, who have been accused of a sexual offence. Our solicitors are non-judgemental, supportive and sensitive experts with extensive experience in defending people against a full range of sexual offences including rape. We can also assist with appeals to vary or discharge a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) or sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
What to do next if…
An allegation has been made
Contact us as soon as you’re aware of an allegation, even if you have not been arrested or asked to attend the police station voluntarily. This puts you in the best possible position as it means we can take urgent steps to secure evidence if necessary.
You have been arrested or asked to attend a police station for a voluntary interview
Don’t be tempted to talk to the police without taking good legal advice, as statements made in the early stages can have a huge impact on the outcome of the case. We offer 24/7 police station assistance. Ask for Stryders by name at the police station. It’s free and we will represent you during your interview.
You have been asked to attend court
If you do not already have a solicitor to represent you, now is the time to contact us urgently. We will prepare your case and represent you at magistrates’ court, crown court or the Court of Appeal. Where necessary, we can instruct a barrister on your behalf and will always liaise with you throughout the process.
Key facts about sexual offence charges
- An allegation of sexual assault will impact your life and probably even your family and dependants. Getting the immediate help of a specialist legal expert like Stryders who will be active in your cause can transform the potential outcome.
- Being convicted of a serious offence is likely to result in a prison sentence and registration as a sex offender and there is often intense interest from the media. As well as having specialist knowledge and considerable experience in analysing significant amounts of circumstantial evidence, Stryders can advise and help you manage media intrusion in the interests of fairness and justice.
- Consent is a difficult issue and can be complicated by the characteristics of the person making the complaint, including their age, their capacity to be able to make a choice at the time, as well as any mental health issues. For instance, someone that has consumed alcohol or drugs may not be able to give consent, even if they would when they were sober. Stryders solicitors can help you navigate through this complex and sensitive issue and prepare a defence which presents your case to the court in the best light.
Advice for people facing a sexual allegation or charge
The first time you become aware that you have been accused of a sexual assault might be when the police first contact you to attend the police station for an interview.
We will come to the police station with you, make sure you understand the allegations and give you confidential legal advice before representing you during your official interview.
We will then continue to liaise with you and the police making sure you are kept informed of what’s happening and providing continued advice and guidance in a completely discreet and confidential way.
We will work tirelessly to ensure all relevant evidence is disclosed to us and thoroughly reviewed to bring matters to a speedy termination wherever possible. If necessary, we will take steps to secure time-sensitive evidence or commission expert witnesses to support your defence.
If the case reaches court, we will represent you in any hearings or instruct a barrister if necessary.
Specialist support for children and young people facing sexual allegations
Stryders have a lot of expertise in supporting young people, many of whom are first time offenders. We are also a member of the Youth Justice Legal Centre.
Our legal support for people facing a sexual offence charge
We understand how you feel
We understand how a charge of sexual assault can affect your life, reputation and those around you. With Stryders, you can be sure of our complete attention. You’ll be assigned a named legal expert who will have access to all the expertise in our wider expert team and will work you in a completely discreet and confidential way.
You’ll get the best legal advice for your situation
All our specialist solicitors are highly respected among both the police and the justice system. They will work proactively and closely with you on the specific elements of your case and present options to bring the case to the best possible conclusion. This includes liaising with the police, making sure you are kept informed of what’s happening and providing continued clear advice and robust guidance.
You’ll have access to representation 24/7
We work tirelessly to ensure all relevant evidence is disclosed to us and thoroughly reviewed to bring matters to a speedy termination wherever possible and are available to support you at a police interview 24/7. If necessary, we will take steps to secure evidence or commission expert witnesses to support your defence. If the case reaches court, we will represent you in any hearings. Our higher court lawyers have experience in representing people all the way up to the Court of Appeal and we can instruct a barrister where necessary.
We travel anywhere from London and the SouthEast to nationally
Our expert assistance extends to anywhere in the country. You can come to one of our offices in St Albans, Leighton Buzzard or Stevenage, or we can visit you at a neutral location or in prison or in custody if necessary.
Competitive legal fees for defending people facing sexual charges
If you are going to be interviewed under caution by a police officer, you are entitled to FREE legal representation at the police station, whatever your financial circumstances. Ask for Stryders by name. Unlike many duty solicitors, we will contact the police after your interview to see if there’s anything else you need to do as part of our service.
Then, if you face criminal proceedings, our criminal defence lawyers will guide and support you at every stage for a very competitive fee.
We may also be able to offer a fixed fee or provide a FREE assessment for legal aid if appropriate.