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27 Apr 2022

If you have ever been accused of doing something that you haven’t done, such as assaulting someone, it can be a jarring and upsetting experience.

But there are fewer crimes that evoke such an intense emotional response as being accused of sexual assault and so, it is important to know what to do if you are ever accused of this crime.

At ABV Solicitors our sexual offence solicitor will help you to navigate any accusations of sexual assault, whether historic or recent, with confidence, giving judgement-free advice and always aiming to have any offence which you may be charged with dropped if possible.

But what should you do if you are accused of sexual assault? Our sexual offence solicitor answers that question and some other common ones that we receive below.

What steps should I take if I’m accused of sexual assault?

If you have been accused of any kind of sexual assault, you must seek legal advice from our sexual offence solicitor as soon as possible.

In cases such as this, early advice can make the difference between being acquitted of the crime and receiving a conviction. So, call us for advice!

I’ve been falsely accused of sexual assault or rape; why do I need defence?

It is a common misconception when it comes to law; if you haven’t done anything wrong, why should you seek legal representation to defend yourself?

Even if you have been falsely accused, you still need to seek the best defence against these accusations, or you could be convicted of a crime that you did not commit. So, if you are facing false sexual assault allegations, talk to us promptly so we can begin building your defence.

Is my identity protected if I’m accused of sexual assault?

When you have been arrested for sexual assault or rape, in most circumstances, the police will not release your name or any other details about you to the press.

Your name will usually only be released if you are convicted of sexual assault or rape, and it is deemed in the best interest of the public to release this information.

The police have seized my mobile phone; when will I get it back?

In most cases, if you are being investigated for sexual assault or rape, the police will confiscate both your mobile phone, your computer and any other electronic devices you use until the investigation is complete.

However, if you do not receive a charge for this crime, the goods may still be withheld by the police for some time, but our team at ABV Solicitors will work hard to speed up the process so you can get your property back as soon as possible.

I’ve been accused of a historic sexual offence; what evidence can they use?

In light of recent cases in the media, there has been an upsurge in the number of historic sexual assault cases being investigated as, under UK law, there is no time limit on reporting this type of crime.

The kinds of evidence used in most of these cases involve third party statements, such as psychologist reports, witness accounts and in some cases, medical records relating to physical examinations.