How Our Sexual Assault Defence Lawyers Can Help You

If you are expecting to be arrested for a sexual offence, you should seek immediate legal advice. At Tyler Hoffman, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and formulate a strategic defence plan.

We can assist you in the following ways:

• Assistance with police interviews: we can arrange voluntary police interviews, helping you avoid the embarrassment and stress of an arrest. During these consultations, we will explain precisely how to handle police interviews and ensure you are fully prepared.
• Locking down the evidence: we will work to secure any evidence that may support your defence, including social media accounts, text messages, pictures, videos or witness statements.
• Securing representation: if you are charged, we will promptly secure the most suitable barrister, ensuring you have a highly experienced legal team ready to fight for you.
• Analysing digital evidence: if your mobile phone has been seized and the police intend to use material from the device, such as text messages, images or videos, we will instruct our defence telephone expert. This expert will analyse your device to put the material in context, to ensure a fair and comprehensive representation of your case.
• Advice on convictions: in the event of a conviction, we will advise you on the safety of the conviction and explore any grounds for appeal, whether regarding the conviction itself or the sentence imposed.

At Tyler Hoffman, we are committed to providing you with the best possible defence, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial. Our compassionate approach to defending sexual allegations and proven legal expertise will allow us to support you through this challenging time, offering clarity and reassurance every step of the way

What Types of Sexual Offences Can We Help With?

Our team of sexual assault defence solicitors at Tyler Hoffman has extensive experience dealing with a wide range of sexual offence cases. Here are some of the types of sexual offences we specialise in:

• Indecent images: cases involving the possession, distribution, or creation of indecent images. Our solicitors understand the nuances of these cases and work diligently to protect your rights.
• Rape/attempted rape: accusations of rape or attempted rape are serious and require a detailed and strategic defence approach. Our experienced lawyers focus on thorough evidence analysis and gathering witness testimonies to build a robust defence, aiming to secure the best possible outcome for you.
• Sexual activity with a child: allegations of sexual offences involving children are highly sensitive and complex. Our team offers a compassionate and meticulous approach, ensuring that every aspect of the case is examined.
• Sexual communication with a child: our expertise in digital evidence and legal precedents allows us to assess your case and make a strong defence.

At Tyler Hoffman, our sexual offence defence lawyers are dedicated to providing expert legal representation for all types of sexual offence allegations. We understand the gravity of these charges and are committed to defending your rights and ensuring you receive a fair trial.

Our solicitors have extensive experience dealing with the following sexual offences,
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FAQs About Sexual Offences

What constitutes a sexual offence?

A sexual offence encompasses a broad range of unlawful activities that involve non-consensual or inappropriate sexual behaviour. Key categories of sexual offences include:

• Rape: non-consensual penetration of another person, regardless of gender.
• Sexual assault: any form of non-consensual sexual touching or contact.
• Indecent exposure: deliberately exposing one's genitals in a public place to cause alarm or distress.
• Possession of indecent images: holding or distributing explicit images of minors or other unlawful content.
• Sexual communication with a minor: engaging in inappropriate conversations or sharing explicit material with individuals under 18.
• Child sexual abuse: any sexual activity with a person under the age of consent, typically 16 in the UK.

These offences can occur in various contexts, including physical interactions, online activities, and situations involving coercion or manipulation. The legal definitions and severity of penalties can vary based on the specific circumstances and the nature of the sexual act.

What is the Sexual Offences Act 2003?

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 is a comprehensive piece of legislation in the UK that significantly reformed the law on sexual offences. Its primary aim is to protect individuals from sexual exploitation and abuse while ensuring that perpetrators are appropriately penalised.

Key aspects of the Act include:

• Definitions and offences: It clearly defines various sexual offences such as rape, assault by penetration, and sexual activity with children. This ensures that all acts of sexual misconduct are properly categorised and addressed under the law.
• Consent and age of consent: The Act provides detailed guidance on what constitutes consent, emphasising that it must be given freely and can be withdrawn at any time. It also specifies the age of consent, generally set at 16, to protect minors from sexual exploitation.
• Sentencing and penalties: The Act outlines the penalties for each type of offence, ranging from fines to life imprisonment. This helps ensure that sentences are proportionate to the severity of the crime.
• Protection orders: The Act introduces measures such as Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) and Sexual Risk Orders (SROs), which impose restrictions on individuals deemed to pose a risk of sexual harm, even if they have not been convicted of a sexual offence.
• Registration and monitoring: Convicted sex offenders are required to register on the Sex Offenders Register, which aids in monitoring and managing the risk they may pose to the community.

By clearly defining offences, penalties, and protective measures, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 plays a crucial role in safeguarding individuals and ensuring that justice is served in cases of sexual misconduct.

What should I do if I am accused of a sexual offence?

If you are subject to sexual allegations, taking immediate and decisive action will help to protect your rights and prepare you for your defence. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Seek immediate legal advice: contact a solicitor who specialises in sexual offences. It is essential to get professional legal guidance to understand your rights and the legal process ahead.
• Do not discuss the allegations: refrain from discussing the details of the accusations with anyone other than your solicitor. Any statements made to friends, family, or on social media can potentially be used against you in court.
• Avoid contact with the alleged victim: do not attempt to contact the alleged victim or any witnesses involved in the case. Such actions can complicate your defence and may be seen as an attempt to influence or intimidate witnesses.
• Prepare for police interviews: your solicitor will guide you on how to handle police interviews, ensuring you understand your rights and the implications of any statements you make. It is essential to have legal representation during any police questioning.
• Gather evidence: start collecting any evidence that may support your defence. This can include social media messages, emails, text messages, photos, videos and witness statements. Your solicitor will assist in determining what evidence is relevant and how to secure it.
• Stay composed: while it is a stressful situation, it is important to remain calm and composed. Trust your legal team to handle the complexities of the case and follow their advice carefully.
• Comply with legal procedures: adhere to all legal procedures and court requirements. This includes attending all court dates and complying with any bail conditions if granted.

By following these steps and working closely with experienced sexual offence defence lawyers, you can build the strongest possible defence based on the available evidence.

Will I be granted bail in cases of sexual offences?

The decision to grant bail in cases of sexual offences depends on various factors and is ultimately determined by the court. Here are some key considerations:

• Severity of the offence: serious charges like rape may result in stricter bail conditions or denial.
• Risk of reoffending: courts assess the likelihood of the accused committing further offences. A history of previous offences, or the circumstances of the current allegations, may impact this decision.
• Likelihood of attending future court dates: the court will need to consider whether the accused can be relied upon to appear for future court proceedings. Factors such as the accused's ties to the community, employment status, and previous compliance with legal obligations will be taken into account.
• Risk to the public or alleged victim: the court evaluates any potential risk the accused might pose to the public or the alleged victim. Measures such as restraining orders may be imposed to mitigate this.

If bail is granted, it often comes with specific conditions, such as regular check-ins with the police, surrendering passports, or residing at a particular address. These conditions aim to ensure compliance and protect all parties involved.

What if the accused is not fit to plead or stand trial?

If an accused person is deemed unfit to plead or stand trial, the court will conduct a fitness to plead hearing. This process involves:

• Medical assessments: to evaluate the mental and physical health of the accused to determine their ability to understand the proceedings and participate in their defence.
• Special hearings: if found unfit, a special hearing will be held to ascertain the facts of the case without assigning guilt or innocence.
• Alternative outcomes: depending on the findings, the court may impose alternative measures, such as treatment or supervision orders, to ensure the accused's welfare and public safety.

If these considerations might apply to your case - for example, in cases of historic sexual offences, where the accused is now in their later years - contact Tyler Hoffman today for tailored advice.