Rape & Sexual Assault Solicitors in London
Accused of rape or sexual assault? Facing serious allegations that could impact your life and reputation? McArthur Solicitors are here to assist. Our expert legal team offers reliable advice and representation to protect your rights. Call us today on 020 4587 4583 for immediate assistance.
What To Do If You Are Accused Of Sexual Assault?
Being accused of rape and sexual assault charges is a very serious allegation, and it’s important to seek immediate legal advice in order to protect your rights. You should also avoid making statements to the police without having expert legal representation from an assault and sexual offence lawyer.
Consulting with an experienced sexual crime solicitor at the earliest stage can help to assess the sexual assault charges that you’re facing. Our team will help to plan the next steps, offering reassurance at an extremely worrying time.
If you are facing charges for sexual misconduct, it could impact your life and reputation. Contact McArthur Solicitors immediately on 020 4587 4583 to ensure your case is handled with the utmost respect and care.
What Happens When Someone Is Arrested For Sexual Assault?
When someone is arrested for sexual assault, they will first be taken to a police station for questioning. The police will formally interview the suspect and record a statement, which may be used as evidence in court.
If the police have reasonable grounds to suspect that the person committed a sexual assault, they can charge them and bring them before a court. If the police do not have sufficient evidence to charge the suspect at that time, they may be released pending further investigation.
Once charged, the suspect will appear before a magistrate’s court. The court will decide whether or not to grant bail and how the case will proceed. In some cases, the case may be referred to the Crown Court for a trial.
During the trial, the prosecution will present evidence to show that the accused has committed the offence. The defence will also have the opportunity to present evidence to refute the allegations.
If the accused is found guilty, they will be sentenced by the court. The sentence can range from community orders to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence and the defendant’s criminal history. If the accused is found not guilty, they will be acquitted and free to leave.
Being accused of rape or assault can be incredibly distressing, so it’s vital to have an experienced sexual assault lawyer on hand to support you through the process.
At McArthur Solicitors we offer clients a private consultation where we can discuss the case, understand your legal options, and ensure your rights are safeguarded. Contact us today on 020 4587 4583 and we can take action to secure a better outcome for you.
Possible Penalties For Rape and Sexual Assault
The penalties for rape can vary depending on the severity of the offence and the defendant’s criminal history. Possible penalties and sentences include:
- Community orders or suspended sentences: This is a non-custodial sentence, where the defendant is given a community order or suspended sentence, with conditions such as unpaid work or attending rehabilitation programs.
- Imprisonment: Rape is a serious offence, and the most common penalty for rape is imprisonment. The length of the sentence can vary from several years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
- Life imprisonment: Life imprisonment is the maximum penalty for serious rape offences, such as multiple rapes against adults or children, or rape involving serious violence or causing life-long harm to the victim.
Sexual assault is classified into different categories based on the level of harm involved. With the help of an experienced sexual assault solicitor, it may be possible to avoid or reduce a prison sentence. It’s important to note that each case is unique and assessed based on the facts, but here are some examples (for individuals over 18 years old):
- Category 1: Culpability found may result in a sentence of three to eight years for sexual assault, which may involve factors like abduction, threats of violence, or psychological harm. No culpability may result in four years’ imprisonment.
- Category 2: A sentence of one to four years may apply depending on the level of culpability for sexual assault, which may include touching of the alleged victim.
- Category 3: For non-violent sexual assault, if preplanned, detainment for up to one year or high-level community order (with no culpability) may apply.
McArthur Solicitors understand the sensitive and emotionally challenging nature of rape cases, and will provide you with the support and expertise necessary to navigate the legal system.
How Can Our Rape & Sexual Assault Solicitors Help?
Do you need a solicitor for sexual abuse cases? McArthur Solicitors will work with you to assess the strength of the case, gather evidence, and develop a comprehensive defence strategy. This will help us to achieve the most favourable outcome for you.
Our expert legal team will carefully guide you through the legal proceedings, ensuring that you have the best possible outcome at every stage.
Don’t delay in contacting a UK rape law solicitor today – call 020 4587 4583 for immediate assistance.
Speak to Our Rape & Sexual Assault Solicitors Today
If you’ve been accused of rape and sexual assault charges or suspect that you may be in the future, remember that it’s extremely important to contact a criminal defence lawyer immediately to ensure the most favourable outcome. At McArthur Solicitors we understand the emotional impact of facing sexual offence charges, and as your sexual misconduct lawyer we are here to support you every step of the way.
After contacting our expert legal defence for sexual allegations team for advice on the charges you’re facing, you will be invited for a confidential consultation. During this your solicitor will review the circumstances of your case, discuss potential defences, and explain the best legal options available to you.
We will then ensure you are kept informed about the progress of your case, offering reassurance at an extremely stressful time. Call us today on 020 4587 4583 for immediate assistance.
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FAQs About Rape & Sexual Assault Offences
Under UK law, rape is defined as sexual penetration without consent.
Under UK law, sexual assault is defined as unwanted sexual touching without consent.
Potential defences to a charge of rape or sexual assault depends on the specific offence, the case facts and the defence’s legal arguments.
They can include consent, mistaken belief in consent, lack of intent, alibi, or false allegations, with evidence required to support each defence.
If you are falsely accused of rape or sexual assault, it is important to remain calm and contact an expert sexual offence solicitor immediately.
Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, consent is defined as agreeing to engage in sexual activity, given by someone who has the capacity to do so.
Consent is a crucial element in rape and sexual assault cases, and sexual activity without consent is illegal, regardless of whether there is any physical resistance. Consent must be ongoing, it must be given by a person who is incapacitated due to intoxication, being asleep, or being coerced or threatened.
Sexual offence investigations typically take several months or longer to complete, depending on the case.
In order to charge someone with rape or sexual assault, the police must gather evidence that relates to the offence in question.
This evidence includes:
- The testimony of the victim.
- Physical and forensic evidence such as DNA or injuries.
- The testimony of any witnesses, including CCTV footage.
- Medical evidence following a sexual assault examination.
- Digital evidence from phone records or social media.
- The defendant’s statement
Depending on the specific factors, a rape or sexual assault charge can potentially be reduced or dropped. These include the circumstances of the case, the strength of the evidence presented, the victim’s testimony, and the decisions that the prosecution or the court make.
The cost to represent you for rape or sexual assault cases depends on the complexity of your case. Get in touch with McArthur Solicitors for a consultation today to discuss costs.
