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27 May 2020

Having legal advice is essential when facing charges, as not having representation from a sexual offence solicitor, while being interviewed by the police, can open up the possibility of the person’s rights being infringed upon. Solicitors practising in all fields including a sexual offence solicitor will, in addition to protecting the rights of their clients, make certain that the investigative process implemented by the police will be followed according to the law and is a fair one.

Top concerns clients have when considering hiring a sexual offence solicitor

Is there a real need for a sex offence solicitor?

One of the commonly asked questions we face from individuals at ABV Solicitors is – how will a solicitor help? We like to draw our clients’ attention to the fact that any answers they may give the police can be used by the prosecution, should the case make it to the courts.

Individuals under investigation need to remember that sex offences carry serious consequences. If an individual is innocent of the allegations, a sex offence solicitor will make use of their expert knowledge to prove their client’s innocence. For clients that may be guilty of an offence, sexual offence solicitors will do their best to try and minimise the consequences of the client being found guilty. There is also the benefit of minimising irregularities that can occur when police are questioning an individual in a police interview.

Won’t hiring a solicitor imply guilt?

Engaging the services of a solicitor is every person’s right when being questioned by the police and we, at ABV Solicitors, encourage everyone to do so. A person who decides to protect their rights by hiring a solicitor does not infer guilt in any way, as they are only exercising a fundamental right given to them by law.

The police have said that there is no need for me to have a solicitor present when being questioned

It is in the interest of the police to question individuals without legal representation, as they may pose any questions that they may like. Without being able to distinguish between a proper question from an unsuitable one, an individual may inadvertently make statements that can be used against them by the prosecution.

We have found that clients are often not aware of what the allegations against them are. It is not uncommon for the police to withhold specific details of the allegations against an individual or what evidence they may have. Under these conditions it is incredibly challenging to put forward a proper defence. It is a professional legal practitioner’s role to gain all relevant details pertaining to the case, and to explain the confusing legal jargon and the processes that need to be followed in the ensuing investigation.

When should you start looking for a sex offence solicitor? We would advise you to do so as soon as you are aware that you are under investigation. This is critical, as the sooner you can begin building a solid defence case, the greater the chances of a positive outcome. Get in touch with us at ABV Solicitors if you need help from solicitors to defend against sex offence allegations.