Sexual Offences

Sex offence refers to an array of sexual offences. These include sexual harassment, rape and attempted rape, past abuse cases and pedophilia. Most offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. If you are accused and being investigated for a sexual offence, the offence needs to be clearly specified by the police.

The Sexual Offences Act of 2003 outlines most of the sexual offences which have been updated and strengthened in recent years and legislation. The act describes offences against both children and adults.

What is a Sex offence?

A sex offence is a broad legal category covering various non-consensual or illegal sexual activities. Under UK law, the specific charge must be clearly defined by authorities during an investigation. Because many of these charges carry significant prison sentences and long-term placement on the Sex Offenders Register, immediate legal intervention is vital.

Types of Sexual Offence

Situations for such offences are never the same. It is essential that you speak to a sex crime solicitor about your particular situation. At Royce Legal, our advisors have experience with dealing with a range of sexual offence cases, including:

• Sexual Harassment and Assault
• Rape and Attempted Rape
• Pornography (e.g. Revenge Porn)
• Historic Abuse Cases
• Child Grooming and Sexual Offences
• Indecent Images (Possession, Production or Publication)

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is defined as one person intentionally touching another in a sexual way without their consent. In addition, the person recognizes that the other person does not consent and pursues anyway.

A separate offence of sexual assault by penetration also exists where a person sexually penetrates another via anus, mouth or vagina with a part of their body or an object. The maximum offence for sexual assault is 10 years of imprisonment, while for sexual assault by penetration, the sentence is life imprisonment.

Rape and Attempted Rape

According to the Sexual Offences Act 2003, rape is defined as intentional penetration by a person of another person’s anus, mouth or vagina with their penis. The other person does not consent to this and they do not reasonably believe that consent was given. The maximum sentence for rape and attempted rape is life imprisonment.

Revenge Porn

Revenge porn is defined as the sharing of private sexual images or videos of another person without their consent with the objective of humiliation, embarrassment and distress. This applies to images shared both online and offline. For this offence, the maximum sentence is 2 years of imprisonment.

Historic Sexual Abuse Cases

Allegations for such cases come to light many years after the offence is committed. The accused are often left feeling shocked and traumatized. Royce Legal Solicitors provides a patient and expert defence for those facing historic rape or abuse allegations.

Child Grooming and Child Sex Offences

Child grooming occurs when an adult forms a relationship to manipulate or abuse a child under the age of 16. This includes communication via phone or social media, regardless of whether the content is explicitly sexual.

Child Sex offences include:

• Sexual activity with a child
• Coercing a child to participate in or watch a sexual act
• Engaging in sexual activity in the child’s presence
• Engaging in communication of a sexual nature with a child
• Organising or facilitating a sex offence with children

Indecent Images (Production, possession and publication)

It is a criminal offence to possess, produce or publish indecent images of children under the age of 18. This material includes photographs, videos, and digital data. The law divides these into three categories:

• Category A: Explicit material involving penetration and sexual activity with an animal or sadism.
• Category B: Explicit material such as non-penetrative sexual activity.
• Category C: Explicit material such as erotic imagery.

How Royce Legal Can Help?

Sexual defence offences can become extremely complex. Our criminal defence lawyers have a wealth of experience in defending these allegations with a firm and determined approach.

Our solicitors will:

• Provide representation at the police station: This is a crucial stage where legal advice can prevent charges from being pursued.
• Trial Preparation: We perform an in-depth analysis of evidence to expose weaknesses and discrepancies in the prosecution’s case.
• Defending you in court: We provide a strong defence and closely interrogate complainants to ensure the best possible representation.
• Protection of your reputation: We work to minimize the damage to your career and reputation caused by the publicity of an investigation.
• Advice on Orders: We advise on Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs), Sexual Risk Orders (SROs), and Notification Requirements.

Funds for Legal Fees and Defence

We believe that limited funds should not stand in the way of first-class legal advice. We accept both private and publicly funded (Legal Aid) clients. We can advise on your eligibility for Legal Aid and assist with your application to relieve the financial burden of your defence.

For expert assistance, contact our sexual offences defence team at 01924 664177.