Specialist Sexual Assault Solicitors
We represent more clients for sexual assault than for any other sexual offence. These offences can range from the relatively less serious (e.g. flirtatious behaviour allegedly going too far involving unwanted physical contact over clothing) to the very serious (e.g. penetrative sexual contact involving violence). However in all cases the potential consequences of a conviction are likely to be devastating including a criminal record for a sex offence and being required to sign on the sex offenders register.
As such in all cases it is crucial that you receive expert advice from a specialist sexual assault solicitor as early as possible.
Do I need to be represented at the police station even if I am completely innocent?
We are often instructed by clients who have been falsely accused of sexual assault after they have been interviewed by the police without a solicitor. The reason our clients did not ask for a solicitor is generally the same along the lines off “I am innocent so I just told the truth. If I had asked for a solicitor this would have made me look guilty”. Just because you are innocent does NOT mean you do not need a solicitor at the police station! The police are 100% on the side of the person making the allegation. They ask questions will the sole aim to gather evidence against you. It is very easy to make mistakes in an interview or say things that are unhelpful to your case not because you are guilty but because being interviewed is extremely stressful! You have a right to silence at the police station and our specialist sexual assault solicitors will give you advice as to whether it is in your best interests to answer questions or whether instead it would be more sensible to read out a brief prepared statement or to answer ‘no comment’ to all questions. What you say (or don’t say) to the police is incredibly important and so you MUST be properly advised by an expert!
The Court Process
All cases start of at the Magistrates Court with all but the most trivial allegations generally ending up at the Crown Court before a Judge and a Jury. Whether your trial is at the Magistrate’s Court or the Crown Court you need to be represented by a barrister extremely experienced in sexual assault cases. These cases require very skilful cross examination of the alleged victim which is only possible if your barrister is experienced and a real specialist. The only barristers we trust with these serious and complex cases are barristers we have used time and time again with incredible results. Please see a list of barristers that we regularly use and their results!
Success Stories
Recent success story and testimonial from a client found not guilty of rape and sexual assault
Recent success story in relation to client found not guilty of sexual assault
Please feel free to contact us 24 hours a day 7 days a week for free and confidential advice. You can immediately speak with the firm’s owner and principle solicitor Joe Happe who has been advising and representing clients for sexual assault for nearly 20 years.
The Law
Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003
(1) A person (A) commits an offence if–
(a) he intentionally touches another person (B),
(b) the touching is sexual,
(c) B does not consent to the touching, and
(d) A does not reasonably believe that B consents.
(2) Whether a belief is reasonable is to be determined having regard to all the circumstances, including any steps A has taken to ascertain whether B consents.
(3) Sections 75 and 76 apply to an offence under this section. (4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable–
(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both;
(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years.
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