Sexual Offence Solicitors

Specialists in defence of Sexual Assualt & Sexual Abuse Claims

Our Sexual Offence Solicitors are here to help if you have been accused of a sexual offence.

We understand that the impact may be devastating with far-reaching consequences for both you and your loved ones. We are aware that a criminal conviction of this type may have life-changing consequences.

Your relationships, reputation and livelihood may all suffer, so it is vital that you obtain immediate, legal advice from specially trained Sexual Offence Solicitors who possess the expertise and experience necessary to firmly defend you against these harmful allegations.

Allegations of a sexual nature are often complex and therefore you will need a legal team that has a thorough and comprehensive understanding of this area of law and the ability to unravel the numerous complexities and difficulties surrounding issues such as consent.

At Clifford Johnston & Co. we are committed to achieving the right result in every case.  We have substantial experience and an excellent reputation in defending sexual allegations and we have the knowledge and skills to help you.

We understand just how distressing these accusations are but we are on your side. You will be treated with sensitivity and understanding and we will tirelessly work to protect your rights, your interests and your liberty.

Our Sexual Offence Solicitors offer you the optimum chance of securing a positive outcome if you have been accused of a sexual offence. Our credentials speak for themselves, having seen us shortlisted as finalists for Crime Team of the year at the Manchester Legal Awards in both 2019 and 2020.

What is a Sexual Offence?

The term sexual offence covers a variety of specific offences and you should always be informed of what you are being accused of.

The main types of sexual offences, as defined in the Sexual Offences Act 2003, include:

Sexual Assault.

Sexual assault is defined as one person intentionally touching another sexually, where the other does not consent, and he does not reasonably believe they consent to be touched.

The maximum sentence available if convicted of sexual assault is 10 years imprisonment.

A separate offence of assault by penetration exists where a person sexually penetrates another person’s vagina, anus or mouth with a part of their body or anything else.  The maximum sentence is life imprisonment.

Rape & Attempted Rape.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 defines rape as one person’s intentional penetration of another person’s vagina, anus or mouth with their penis, where the other person does not consent and they do not reasonably believe that consent was given.

This offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Allegations of Rape / Sexual Abuse by a Professional.

There are many offences which focus solely on persons in a position of trust such as professionals including teachers, nurses, care workers.

Sections 38-44 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 creates separate offences which relate to care workers alleged to have engaged in sexual activity with persons with a mental disorder.

Revenge Porn.

Revenge Porn is the sharing of private, sexual materials, either photos or videos, of another person without their consent and with the purpose of causing embarrassment or distress.

The images are sometimes accompanied by personal information about the subject, including their full name, address and links to their social media profiles. The offence applies both online and offline and to images which are shared electronically or in a more traditional way so includes the uploading of images on the internet, sharing by text and email, or showing someone a physical or electronic image.

The maximum sentence for this office is 2 years imprisonment.

Historic Sexual Abuse Cases.

These types of cases have become more prevalent over recent years.  Many allegations are often made many years after the offence is alleged to have been committed.  They often leave the accused feeling shocked, upset and devastated.

The accused may not know what to do. Clifford Johnston & Co. is here to help.  We have significant experience of successfully defending allegations of historic rape and sexual abuse.

Possession, Production or Publication of Indecent Images.

It is a criminal offence to possess, distribute or produce indecent images of children under the age of 18 including photographs, videos and computer data that can be converted in a photograph or video file. The law also extends to images of animals.

There are three categories imposed in relation to indecent images:

• Category A: Explicit material involving penetration, sexual activity with an animal or sadism.
• Category B: Explicit material that is non-penetrative sexual activity.
• Category C: Explicit material involving erotic posing.

The sentence will depend on the category of the images possessed, distributed and/or produced.

There are many statutory and common law defences to allegations of this nature and therefore, if accused of this offence, it is very important that you seek immediate legal advice.

Child Grooming.

Child grooming involves cases where an adult forms a relationship or gains the trust of a child under the age of 16 to manipulate, abuse or exploit them.

If an adult meets or communicates with someone under the age of 16 online or by phone, via calls or text messages, then they can be accused of child grooming even if the content is not sexual.

Child Sex Offences.

There are many child sexual offences including:

• sexual activity with a child
• causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
• engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
• causing or inciting a child to watch a sexual act
• engaging in sexual communication with a child
• child sex offences committed by children
• arranging or facilitating a child sex offence
• meeting a child following grooming.

How can we help?

When it comes to defending allegations of a sexual offence, our criminal defence solicitors have a wealth of experience and a reputation for being dedicated, tenacious and tireless in their approach to every case. You will be given clear and honest advice so that you have a full understanding of your situation and we will ensure that you are kept fully informed at all stages.

We will:

Provide police station representation

Receiving professional, legal representation at this stage may be crucial in the outcome of your case and can often result in charges not being pursued.

Prepare your case for trial

Thorough and comprehensive planning is essential.  We will take the time to undertake a detailed analysis of the evidence, exposing weaknesses and inconsistencies in the case against you.

Defend you in court

As well as providing you with a robust and vigorous defence, cross-examination of the complainant(s) is essential to the overall outcome of a trial.  We will ensure that you receive first-class representation throughout your case, even in the event of a trial in the Crown Court.

Protect your reputation

There can often be significant publicity surrounding sexual offence investigations, which can be extremely damaging to an individual’s reputation and career. We have the experience to manage situations such as this effectively and sensitively and will be there to support and advise you every step of the way.

Advise you on the appeals process where required

We can also advise you on Sexual Offence Prevention Orders (SOPOs), Sexual Risk Orders (SROs), Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) and Sexual Offences Notification Requirements.

Funding your Defence & Legal Fees

We firmly believe that limited finances should not be a barrier to high-quality legal advice.  We display the same level of commitment to both our publicly and privately funded criminal defence clients.

You may qualify for legal aid, to relieve the financial burden of legal costs, and we can advise on your eligibility and help with your application.

Contact our Specialist Sexual Offence Solicitors.

We are offer expert legal advice and advocacy services nationally which are affordable and cost-effective.

By choosing to work with us you will have an exceptional team fighting your corner.

Our Sexual Offences Lawyers have an exceptional level of expertise and are an integral department within our team of Criminal Solicitors in Manchester

Talk to Clifford Johnston & Co. today.