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03 Jun 2022

Being accused of sexual assault is one of the hardest things that can happen to a person, especially if they are innocent and they have a job that revolves around them working with children or vulnerable adults.

So if you have been accused of committing a sexual assault, what should you do?

You should contact our team at ABV Solicitors. We have the expertise to defend your case aggressively and ethically and will always work to have any sentence reduced and any charges dropped if possible.

However, you may have some questions relating to sexual assault or other allegations against you. In the following article, our sexual offence solicitor aims to answer common queries that we receive from our clients about sexual assault allegations.

What are sexual offences in the UK?

According to our sexual offence solicitor, sexual offences include a range of activities from upskirting to sexual assault to rape. It also encompasses areas such as grooming, sexual trafficking and prostitution. It is worth noting that in the UK, prostitution is legal provided that the person can give consent and is over the age of 16. If a person is forced into prostitution against their will or under the legal age limit, this is illegal.

What should I do if I am accused of sexual assault?

If you have been accused of sexual assault, you need to contact our sexual offence solicitor.

We will help you to seek justice if you have been wrongly accused. Alternatively, we will work with you to have any charges dropped or any custodial sentences relating to your accusation reduced. We offer a compassionate and judgement-free service. So, if you have been accused of anything relating to a sexual offence, the first thing you need to do is contact us for representation.

Do I need a solicitor?

Some people associate seeking legal advice with guilt, but this is not the case.

Sexual offence in the UK is deemed to be one of the most serious offences; therefore, when you are aware that you are going to be accused, the first thing you should do is seek the advice of our team. This will help us get your defence ready, should you need to attend court. We will also liaise with other legal professionals to have any charges against you dropped or reduced.

What is consent?

All sexual offence related cases revolve around consent. In the UK, it can be tough to define, but basically, the person has to agree to engage in sexual activity for it not to be sexual assault or rape. This rule does not apply to children or those who have mental impairments or learning disabilities, as they may be unable to give consent. Children are not able to give consent to engage in sexual activities, so any sexual encounter revolving around a child is criminal.

Will I go to jail?

It is difficult to say whether or not you will go to jail for committing a sexual offence or assault. However, our team will aim to have any sentences against you reduced or any charges against you removed. If you do go to jail, this will be based on the severity of the sexual assault that you are accused of and other evidence such as forensics or witnesses.