Sexual Assault Solicitors
Accusations of sexual offences like sexual misconduct or assault can be distressing for all involved. At JMW, our team of specialist sexual offence solicitors understands the sensitive nature of all sexual offence allegations and the circumstances surrounding them. We believe in the law, which means justice for accusers - but also in fairness to anyone accused of a sexual offence.
Everyone has the right to a defence, and JMW recognises this. We handle all cases of this type with great care and tact. A criminal defence solicitor from our experienced team will stand by your side throughout the process and present your defence in the strongest possible terms. We will offer practical legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances and the specific nature of the alleged offence.
Contact us today for help and advice if you have been accused of a sexual offence by calling 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form to request a callback.
Defending Against Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Sexual offences are very serious and allegations of such misconduct can be very damaging to a person's character. Therefore, we endeavour to:
- Provide expert representation, support and advice
- Prepare thoroughly for an investigation
- Draw on our vast experience in this area of law to achieve the best possible outcome
- Be discreet yet highly proactive in our actions
It is essential you seek expert legal representation from experienced sexual offences solicitors as soon as possible. That way, we can make sure procedures are followed correctly and your rights are fully protected throughout any investigation that takes place. You must begin to mount your defence at the earliest opportunity, and we can help by reviewing evidence and monitoring how it is collected.
As well as defending sexual allegations and ensuring you receive a fair trial, we will do all we can to safeguard your reputation. As a full-service law firm, JMW can offer a comprehensive range of relevant services for those involved in sexual offence cases. Our media law team can handle any enquiries if the case is likely to take place in the public eye, and provide reputation management services throughout.
What Is a Sexual Offence?
There are several types of sexual offences, and any charges you receive will depend on the nature of the allegations. All of the following examples are offences that the JMW team has dealt with by representing defendants in court:
- Indecent images
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Grooming
- Exploitation
If you are facing sexual offence allegations, it is important to know that the prosecution must prove that consent was not given, unless the person involved is under the age of 16. If the person is under 16, you may be accused of sexual offences involving children, or child sexual abuse. These cases are often approached in a different way, as they demand the utmost sensitivity.
Naturally, cases involving any of these types of offences can be very complex. You will always need a solicitor to protect your rights and mount a suitable defence.
Anyone who holds a position of trust - including a teacher, care worker, foster parent or step-relative - and engages in sexual activity with a child is legally considered to have committed a sexual assault. Allegations of this nature can place considerable strain on those involved, so it is vital you seek legal advice to help defend against any accusations.
Why Choose JMW?
Our private client criminal law service ensures that cases relating to sexual offences are given the care and attention they require. Our bespoke service enables us to be even more dedicated and attentive in our approach.
JMW's sexual offence lawyers will stand by you at every stage of the investigation and can represent you if you need to attend court. If you are asked to give an interview at a police station, we can represent you during this process and prepare you for the questions you will be asked. This can help you to comply with the investigation without incriminating yourself.
We appreciate the difficulties faced by individuals accused of sexual misconduct and promise to offer our full support throughout the entire process. Given the seriousness of such accusations and the punishments they can bring, we provide first-class support from the very outset - something of the highest importance when a person's character has been called into question.
FAQs about Sexual Offences
- What are the penalties for sexual offences in the UK?
The penalties for a sexual offence vary significantly depending on the nature and severity of the offence you are convicted of. Custodial sentences are common for serious sexual offences, although each type of offence comes with different sentencing guidelines.
- Rape: This offence can attract a life sentence, and the starting point for sentencing ranges from 4 to 19 years. The sentence depends on factors such as the harm caused and the offender's culpability.
- Sexual assault: The maximum sentence is 10 years' imprisonment.
- Sexual activity with a child: Sentences start from 1 to 13 years and the maximum sentence is life imprisonment. The sentence will be influenced by the age of the child and the nature of the activity.
- Child sexual exploitation: Sentences for these offences vary widely, with potential maximum sentences of 14 years to life for severe cases.
For less severe offences, or where the court deems a custodial sentence unnecessary, a community sentence may be imposed. This can include a combination of the following:
- Supervision: Regular meetings with a probation officer.
- Unpaid work: Up to 300 hours of unpaid community work.
- Rehabilitation: Attendance at rehabilitation programmes designed to address offending behaviour.
- Curfew: Restrictions on movement during specified hours.
There is also the possibility of a fine. Fines are uncommon for serious sexual offences but may be used for less severe infractions or in conjunction with other penalties.
The court can impose Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPO) to protect the public from sexual harm. These orders can impose various restrictions on the offender, such as prohibiting contact with children or using the internet. Breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order is a criminal offence and can lead to imprisonment. We have experience in applying to vary the terms of SHPOs, particularly where the order has impacted the subject’s ability to secure work.
You may be required to notify the police of your personal details for a specified period, which can range from 2 years to life, depending on the severity of the offence. This is also referred to as being placed on the 'sex offenders register', and may require you to update the police if you move house or any other aspects of your lifestyle change.
Offenders will often be disqualified from working with children and vulnerable adults. This can be a temporary or permanent prohibition. Courts can also impose additional orders, such as restraining orders to prevent contact with victims or certain areas.
The court will consider various factors when determining the appropriate sentence. Factors like the use of violence, abuse of trust, premeditation, targeting vulnerable victims, and previous convictions can result in more serious sentencing. On the other hand, an early guilty plea, lack of previous convictions, show of genuine remorse, or effort to address offending behaviour can mitigate sentencing.
At JMW, our approach to defending allegations of sexual offences involves making sure that the investigation and any court proceedings are fair to the defendant. If there are mitigating circumstances in your case, we will present these during sentencing to make sure that any penalties are not excessive or otherwise unfair.
Talk to Us
For more information about sexual offences, or for further details about our private client criminal law service, contact us today. Call our sexual offence solicitors on 0345 872 6666 or fill in our online enquiry form and we will get back to you.
