Sexual Offences

If you’ve been accused of a sexual offence, DPP Law’s experienced sexual offence solicitors will help you clear your name and prevent your information from being spread.

DPP Law’s specialist sexual offences solicitors have over 30 years of experience. We challenge witness statements, re-examine the evidence and work closely with you to provide a true version of the events in question. We aim to disprove all untrue claims and fight for any damages you may be due.

DPP Law can support you through any type of sexual offence allegation

Sexual offences constitute a broad field covering everything from the unsolicited creation and distribution of images to physical sexual contact or assault.

Depending on the nature and severity of the crime in question, sexual offences sentencing guidelines state that an individual found guilty can be punishable by anything from a Criminal Behaviour Order to life in prison.

Many of the sexual offence cases DPP Law have successfully handled have seen individuals face allegations of:

• Rape or attempted rape
• Stalking or harassment
• Creating or distributing indecent images
• Indecent assault or indecent exposure

I’ve been wrongly accused of a sexual offence. What do I do now?

If you are being falsely accused of a sexual offence you should seek assistance from reputable sex crime solicitors immediately. Regardless of if you’re facing historic sexual abuse accusations or allegations of recent sexual offences.

We highly recommend safely gathering as much evidence as you can – from CCTV footage to texts, emails and audio or video recordings. DPP Law’s expert team can then use this material to help build your defence.

Will I have to appear in court?

You will only be required to appear in court if you have been formally charged. For offences that are considered more minor, your case is likely to be heard at the Magistrates Court and will be over in a matter of months at most, depending on your plea.

For more serious offences, it will be the Crown Court. Cases of this kind can take up to a year to be heard, so be sure to make contact with experienced sexual assault solicitors to make the process as easy as possible.

Can I protect my identity if accused of a sexual offence?

If you have not yet been charged, you can request that the police do not release your identity.

However, in circumstances where the alleged offence was particularly severe, or the police deem it within the public interest to release your information, you may not be able to remain anonymous. Once you are charged, you have no right to anonymity in a sexual offence case.

Is there a time limit on historic sexual abuse investigations and charges?

No.

What are the claim time limits for damages as a result of false allegations of sexual offences?

Individuals claiming for sexual offences are usually given a limit of three years to do so, but older cases may be considered at the court’s discretion.

Those planning to claim damages for the false accusation of a sexual offence must first wait until their name has been legally cleared of wrongdoing before they may begin proceedings.

What is a sexual offences prevention order?

A sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) is now known as a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). It’s a court order that can be requested by the court themselves, or by the police when a person has been identified as a concern. The order is put into place to prevent the person from engaging in particular activities with the aim to prevent and avoid sexual harm.

When you choose DPP Law for legal assistance and representation, you will be assured:

• Guaranteed confidentiality at all times
• A comprehensive check of forensics and evidence records
• Sensitive expert advice

Sexual Offences: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sexual Offences Act 2003?

​​The Sexual Offences Act 2003 replaced the original sex offences act 1956. The new act covers an updated and extended range of sexual offences, and the focus is on increasing protection for vulnerable adults and children.
Some examples of sexual offences within the 2003 act are:

• Sexual assault
• Assault by penetration
• Rape
• Sexual offences against children
• Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity

However, it is important to note, any historic sexual allegations made before this act came into effect, would be charged under the 1956 act.

What is sexual consent?

In the UK, sexual consent is the agreement by a person to engage in sexual activity. For consent to be valid, it must be given freely, voluntarily, and enthusiastically by someone who has the capacity to make that decision. It is important to note that if someone is under the age of 16, they are legally unable to give consent. If a person is pressured, coerced, or incapacitated (e.g. by alcohol or drugs) at the time of sexual activity, this can also invalidate their consent. It is the responsibility of each individual involved in a sexual encounter to ensure that they have obtained clear and unambiguous consent.

What is the age for sexual consent in the UK?

In the UK, the age of sexual consent is 16. This means that individuals aged 16 and over are legally able to engage in sexual activity with others who are also aged 16 or over and have given their valid and informed consent. Sexual activity with someone who is under the age of 16 is considered to be a criminal offence, regardless of whether the activity was consensual or not. It is important for individuals to be aware of the age of consent and to obtain clear and unambiguous consent before engaging in any sexual activity.

Is bail available in sexual offence cases?

Bail is typically available in sexual offence cases in the UK, but it is up to the judge to decide whether or not to grant it. The judge will consider a variety of factors when making their decision, including the seriousness of the alleged offence, the defendant’s criminal history, and the likelihood of them reoffending or absconding. If bail is granted, there may be conditions attached to it, such as a requirement to surrender one’s passport or report to a police station regularly. It is important to seek the advice of a solicitor to understand the bail process and your legal rights.

Can the defendant question the victim regarding a sexual offence?

In some cases, the defendant in a sexual offense case may be able to question the victim regarding the alleged offense. However, this will typically only occur during a trial or other formal legal proceedings, and the questioning must be conducted in a manner that is respectful and sensitive to the victim’s needs and rights. The judge will usually oversee the questioning to ensure that it is conducted in a fair and appropriate manner. It is important to consult with a solicitor to understand the legal options and requirements in your particular case.

Speak to the experts today

Being accused of a sexual crime is an exceptionally serious matter and you should seek assistance from reputable sex crime solicitors immediately. To protect your reputation and clear your name, get in touch with DPP Law today for expert legal advice and assistance.