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Our Services

Sexual Offences

Specialist defence against allegations of sexual offences, including rape, sexual assault, online sexual offences (such as possession of indecent images) and historic sex offences.

There is a lot of stigma concerning allegations of a sexual nature which could impact your close relationships, job and reputation. We know this can be frightening, but having the right lawyer beside you can make a world of difference.

Our expert solicitors have substantial experience handling sexual offence allegations, from accusations of harassment and sexual assault to the most serious offence of rape.

We provide robust support from start to finish and can represent you at the police station, during criminal investigations and at court, ensuring that your legal rights are respected and safeguarded.

Contact us today for advice and representation or to find out more about our sexual offence defence services by giving us a call at your local branch in Leicester or Loughborough, or by filling in our online enquiry form.

How our sexual offences solicitors in Leicester & Loughborough can help you

We deal with all types of sexual offences, including:

  • Rape
  • Assault by penetration
  • Sexual assault
  • Causing sexual activity without consent
  • Sexual harassment
  • Historic sexual offences
  • Grooming
  • Sexual offences against children and possession of indecent images
  • Voyeurism
  • Upskirting
  • ‘Preparatory offences’ such as administering a substance with intent
  • Causing or inciting prostitution for gain
  • Sex trafficking
  • ‘Revenge porn’
  • Sexual Offenders Prevention Orders (SOPO’s), Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPO’s) and other matters relating to the Sex Offenders Register

Police station representation

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a sexual offence, no matter how minor or false it is, get in touch with our criminal defence lawyers straight away.

Being arrested or invited for a voluntary interview under caution is where the police will ask you questions about an offence and gather evidence.

Our experienced team will  represent and support you while you are in police custody. You are entitled to legal advice when you are at the police station and our police station representatives can provide this advice free of charge.

What happens at the police station is often the most important part of a criminal case because what you say can be used in a decision to charge you. With the right representation, it is often possible to avoid criminal charges altogether.

We will explain exactly what is happening and can speak to the police on your behalf, giving you the best possible chance of achieving a positive outcome.

Criminal investigations

If you are released under investigation, we can provide clear advice about the process, support you every step of the way, and talk to the authorities on your behalf.

You may be granted bail in order for investigations to continue. At this stage you may have conditions preventing you from having contact with children or from residing at your home address. Where appropriate we work alongside our expert family lawyers to look at the impact on you and your family. Having a solicitor to guide you through this may be the difference between the investigation being dropped and charges being brought.

The investigation could involve analysing your behaviour (before and after the alleged offence), obtaining CCTV, speaking to witnesses and analysing your devices or digital communications (such as mobile phone and texts). We will make sure your legal rights are respected at all times and take all possible steps to challenge the supposed evidence.

Unfortunately, Legal Aid is not typically available for the criminal investigation stage of the process (unless you are asked back to the police station for another interview). We offer a range of flexible fee options to suit your needs, including proportionate fixed fees where possible.

Court defence

Our specialist court advocates can represent you at all court levels, including the Youth, Magistrates’ and Crown Courts.

The thought of going to court is understandably frightening for many people, but our dedicated team will be by your side throughout the process. We will make sure that you are always fully aware of what is going on and   build a robust defence strategy.

Legal Aid may be available if you need to go to court, but if not we offer a range of flexible fee options to suit your needs, including proportionate fixed fees where possible.

Why choose Johnson Astills’ sexual offence lawyers in Leicester & Loughborough

When you choose us, you can be rest assured that we will work tirelessly to provide the strongest possible defence on your behalf.

Our criminal law experts have years of practical experience representing clients in sexual offence cases.

Our team has received the Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation in recognition of our expertise. We have also received the Lexcel legal practice quality mark for our high quality client care.

Our Head of Crime, Michelle Harding, has nearly 15 years’ experience providing police station representation services and supporting people at court, including the Youth , Magistrates’  and Crown Courts.

Our Managing Partner and Senior Crown Court Advocate, Helen Johnson, has over 25 years’ experience. She handles a wide range of serious criminal defence work and has won a number of awards for her skills, including the Solicitor Advocate of the Year in the National Law Society Excellence awards (2015-16).

Michelle and Helen are supported by a highly experienced team all dedicated to achieving the best possible results for their clients.

Get in touch with our sexual offence solicitors in Leicester & Loughborough today

Contact us today for advice and representation or to find out more about our sexual offence defence services by giving us a call at your local branch in Leicester or Loughborough, or by filling in our online enquiry form.

If you or someone you know has been arrested or invited to the police station for a voluntary interview under caution, we recommend that you do not answer police questions about an alleged offence without speaking to us first. You are entitled to free legal advice while at the police station.

We offer a 24 hour police station representation and out of hours court hearings service, so we can help you when you need us the most. Get in touch as soon as possible to discuss your case with a friendly member of our team.

We offer fixed fee standalone advice if you are under investigation and require advice on potential outcomes. Please contact us for more information.