An allegation of sexual assault is one of the most damaging accusations a person can face, and the harm to reputation, relationships, and employment often begins long before any court has considered the evidence.
The involvement of a sexual assault solicitor from the moment of arrest or an invitation to interview is essential, because the account given in the police station, the handling of digital material, and the early identification of witnesses can determine whether a case is ever charged at all.
Johnson Astills has defended people accused of sexual offences for many years, and our solicitors represent clients from the police station through to the Crown Court with discretion and without judgement.
Please call us free now on 0800 059 0600 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and a member of the team will get back to you soon.
”I am perfectly satisfied with the way the case was handled. My solicitor was very efficient, easy to communicate with and was very clear on what the outcome would or could be and who worked well.”
What Is Sexual Assault?
Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, sexual assault is committed where a person intentionally touches another person in a sexual way, the other person does not consent, and the person doing the touching does not reasonably believe that they consent. It is up to the prosecution to prove each of those elements.
Sexual assault can be tried in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court and carries a maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, with the sentence in any particular case depending on the harm caused and the circumstances of the offence. The related offences of rape and assault by penetration are tried only in the Crown Court and carry a maximum of life imprisonment.
What Are The Consequences Of A Sexual Assault Conviction Beyond The Sentence?
A conviction for sexual assault will in many cases bring with it the notification requirements commonly described as the sex offenders register, and whether those requirements apply, and for how long, depends on the sentence passed.
The notification period can be as short as two years following a caution and as long as an indefinite period following a prison sentence of thirty months or more. The court may also make a Sexual Harm Prevention Order restricting what the person can do and where they can go. A sexual offence conviction will continue to appear on enhanced criminal record checks for the rest of the person’s working life, which has serious implications for anyone working or hoping to work with children or vulnerable adults.
What Happens During The Investigation And At Trial?
Sexual offence cases are subject to particular rules which a sexual assault solicitor must understand from the outset. The person making the complaint is entitled to lifelong anonymity from the moment the allegation is made, whether or not any charge follows, which means that the suspect’s name is often the only one which enters the public domain. At trial, the defence cannot ask questions about the complainant’s sexual history without the court’s permission, which is granted only in limited circumstances, and complainants will usually give their evidence from behind a screen, by video link, or by way of a pre-recorded interview.
Investigations frequently involve the examination of mobile phones, social media accounts, and messaging history belonging to both parties, together with forensic medical evidence. Many investigations last a year or more, during which the suspect may be released on bail with conditions or released under investigation. The defence has an important role during that period in gathering material which supports the client’s account, identifying witnesses, and making representations to the police and the Crown Prosecution Service before any charging decision is taken.
Why Instruct Johnson Astills?
The firm holds the Law Society’s Criminal Litigation Accreditation and the Lexcel practice management standard, demonstrating the quality of our criminal defence work and our commitment to client care and sound practice management. Our crime team represents clients accused of sexual offences at every stage, from the first police interview to trial in the Crown Court and any subsequent appeal, and our sexual assault solicitors include accredited police station representatives, duty solicitors and higher court advocates. Our team is professional, supportive, and treats every case with the utmost discretion.
Legal aid is available for many sexual offence cases subject to means, and we also act on a privately funded basis with fixed fee options where appropriate. We provide a 24-hour service for police station attendance, and our sexual assault solicitors will travel to attend an interview at short notice and outside normal office hours.
To speak to a member of our sexual assault defence team in confidence, please call us free now on 0800 059 0600 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and a member of the team will get back to you soon.
“I cannot fault my experience with Johnson Astills Solicitors. Throughout this difficult time I was made to feel secure, supported and validated – money can’t actually buy these things.”
