Allegations of rape or sexual assault are among the most serious offences in criminal law. These cases are often complex, sensitive, and highly fact specific, requiring careful and experienced legal representation from the outset.
If you have been falsely accused of Rape or sexual assault, are under investigation for a sexual offence or have been charged with a sexual offence, it is essential to obtain legal advice from expert criminal defence solicitors who specialise in defending false sexual allegations.
From the first moment that a sexual allegation is made you should seek expert legal advice on the best next steps to take in your defence.
Experienced Solicitors in defending False Allegations of Serious Sexual Offences
From an interview under caution at a police station to defending your case in the Crown Court, Wilkstone Law are experts in defending individuals facing false allegations of serious sexual offences and Rape. We provide discreet, strategic, and robust advice at every stage of the criminal process.
Our work includes advising and representing clients falsely accused of:
• Rape • Sexual assault • Assault by penetration • Historic sexual allegations
Wilkstone Law fully understand and appreciate the significant personal and professional impact false sexual allegations can have upon you, your family and your career. Our expert sexual defence solicitors are committed to providing clear, pragmatic guidance and robust legal advice and representation throughout every stage of a criminal investigation or prosecution.
Wilkstone Law recognise that being falsely accused of Rape or Sexual Assault can be extremely stressful. Our approach combines:
• Confidential and professional handling of your case from the moment that we are involved. • Direct access to experienced solicitors who are experts in defending false sexual allegations • Thorough preparation and attention to detail when defending your case
We prioritise client care alongside achieving the best possible outcome in every case where our clients are falsely accused of sexual allegations.
Legal Definitions of Relevant Offences
Rape • Non consensual penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth with a penis • The prosecution must prove there was no consent and no reasonable belief in consent having been given.
Sexual Assault • Non consensual sexual touching • Includes a wide range of unwanted sexual conduct • Applies regardless of gender
Assault by Penetration • Non consensual penetration with an object or body part (other than a penis) • Requires proof of lack of consent
Sentencing Considerations
The potential consequences of conviction for a sexual offence can be severe: • Rape and assault by penetration: up to life imprisonment • Sexual assault: up to 10 years’ imprisonment
Additional consequences may include:
• Notification requirements (Sex Offender Register) • Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) • Restrictions affecting employment, travel, and personal life • An adverse entry upon your DBS record for a sexual offence.
In some circumstances, civil or preventative orders may also be considered even where there is no conviction and prior to criminal proceedings being commenced in either the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court.
Every case turns on its own facts. That said, if you have been falsely accused of Rape or sexual assault, building a strong defence from the moment a false sexual allegation is made requires careful analysis of the police and prosecution evidence and a clear defence strategy from an early stage.
Wilkstone Law will consider whether pre charge engagement with the police is necessary whilst you are on police bail for false sexual allegations. Pre-Charge engagement can be the difference between facing court proceedings for a sexual offence or being released no further action.
Depending on the circumstances, issues in a sexual offences case may include:
• Whether the sexual activity was consensual • The reliability and consistency of witness accounts used by the police to support their case against you. • Whether any sexual offence took place and whether the police have adduced evidence to support a prosecution for a sexual offence. • The strength and admissibility of evidence used to support an allegation of Rape of sexual assault. • Procedural fairness and police conduct when investigating a sexual offence • Careful analysis of digital evidence including What’s App messages, Snap Chat and text messages on your mobile telephone and/or the complainant’s mobile telephone. • Adopting a proactive approach to disclosing additional material or evidence that may have become relevant after you have been interviewed by the police and whilst you are on police bail for a sexual offence.
The expert sexual offence defence Solicitors at Wilkstone Law will adopt a detailed and methodical approach to ensure that your defence is fully advanced to either the police or the Court to defend you against false sexual allegations.
Investigations for sexual offences can often involve consideration of complex evidence, including digital material, downloads of mobile telephone messages, forensic evidence and witness statements. Decisions made at an early stage in a police investigation can have a lasting impact on the outcome of a case.
Seeking legal advice immediately from the expert sexual offence defence Solicitors at Wilkstone Law when falsely accused of sexual assault or rape ensures that:
• Your rights are protected • You receive guidance before any interview or court hearing • Your case is approached in a structured and informed way
You should seek legal advice from the first moment that false sexual allegations are made against you. Likewise, if you have been released on police bail for any false sexual allegation, take advice from an expert solicitor.
If you used a duty solicitor at the police station for the police interview, seeking a second opinion from an expert sexual offences defence solicitor at Wilkstone Law whilst you are on police bail for a sexual offence is highly recommended to defend your position and build your defence to false allegations.
If you are facing false allegations of a sexual offence, obtaining specialist advice from a specialist sexual offence solicitor, without delay is essential to properly defend yourself.
The first call to Wilkstone Law is free, all enquiries are handled in the strictest confidence and subject to legal privilege. Our expert sexual offence defence solicitors will asses your case and the false sexual allegations that have been made against you or a family member and advise you on the next legal steps in your defence.