Have you been accused of committing a sexual offence? Justyna Blazewicz, Solicitor and Head of IMD’s Criminal Law team sets out some important advice.
The definition of sexual offences in law is very broad, and may include all types of sexual activity, physical or verbal, which is non-consensual. Some examples may be: rape, domestic violence, harassment, human trafficking, child abuse, sexual exploitation of children, exposure, voyeurism but also touching and stalking of another person without their consent.
Facing an allegation of sexual assault may have a great impact on you, considering that your family life and your reputation may be put at risk. If the allegation is proven, then you might also risk loss of your current employment, and potentially your freedom.
We understand this will be a very difficult stage in your life, and we are here to help you get through it.
It is very important that you contact us as soon as you find out allegations have been made against you, so we can arrange for suitable police station representation. In some cases, charges may be dropped following the first police interview, as it merely comes down to one person’s word against the other’s. Having appropriate representation during the police interview, will prevent you from mistakenly saying something that may incriminate you, or failing to say something that may prove your innocence.
If, following the police investigation, you are formally charged with one or more sexual offence, and you do not know what is happening and why, contact us immediately. Our team of specialists will make sure that we will listen to your side of the story, go through the evidence together provided by the Crown including witness statements and police reports, and challenge the allegations made by the complainant before and during trial.
Choosing the right solicitors to guide you through this distressful process is a crucial aspect of your defence. Our criminal law team are known for their empathetic and professional approach in these types of cases, and has brought successful outcomes for many of our clients.
Contact us today to discuss your individual circumstances with one of our experts on 0330 107 0107 or email us at: info@imd.co.uk for a fast response.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.