Sexual Offences

Sexual Offences

Sexual offences refer to a number of specific offences. These include sexual assault, rape and offences against children in addition to the distribution and possession of indecent images. Some are current allegations, some historic. All are serious allegations and require a robust defence representation.

False sexual offence allegations can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the accused as well as their families, reputation and even livelihood. For this reason, it is vital to seek the support of a professional solicitor as soon as an allegation is made. We have the expertise required to deal with these sensitive and serious matters.

About Sexual Offences

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 sought to combine prior legislation in order to update and reinforce laws regarding specific offences, some examples of which are:

Sexual Assault

Voyeurism, Upskirting, Downblousing

Indecent Exposure

Revenge Porn

Possession of Indecent Images

False Rape Allegations

However, older (or historic) offences are still prosecuted under older legislation.  Therefore these matters can become extremely complicated.

Do these offences lead to Sexual Harm prevention Orders? Do these offences lead to registration on the Sex Offenders register?

There are different outcomes for those who receive convictions, cautions and some depend on an accused’s age. We can advise on all of these matters.  

The Driscoll Young Process

We allocate the case to a senior member of our team who will give advice on the strength of the evidence, the process that case will take and the possible strength and weaknesses of the Prosecution case. This will begin at the point of an accused being arrested or contacted by the police for a voluntary interview or possibly an interview while under arrest.

Instructions are taken and advice given on the deficiencies in any prosecution case. Advice is given on available defences. The Law in this area is complex and there are far reaching consequences.

It is important at the outset to understand the implications of all offences and the way in which they can be concluded. We seek to provide a high level of detail in all advice.

Those who are asked to come into a police station to discuss an allegation risk being lulled into a false sense of security by their own innocence, which can lead them to believe legal support is unnecessary as they have “nothing to hide” – but it is vital to be proactive so that we can prepare a detailed and comprehensive case.

Requesting legal representation can make a major difference to whether a criminal investigation results in a court case – or whether it can be avoided completely. Our focussed and dedicated approach to such matters enables us to build a strong defence for our clients right from the start.

For further information on how we can help, contact the team at our Newport office on 01633 266999., where a member of our team will be available to advise you, 24 hours a day.

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