Sexual Assault Solicitors.

When facing a sexual assault charge, it’s best to have a solicitor by your side.

An introduction to our legal services for sexual assault charges

Sexual assault is one of the most severe offences under criminal law. Therefore, it’s important to instruct an expert criminal defence solicitor so you understand precisely what sexual assault is and the potential punishments for these types of crimes.

  • Police station and emergency representation
  • Experience with Crown Court matters
  • Knowledge on reducing or limiting sentences
Rojin Tasman
Associate

FAQs

Commonly asked questions on Sexual Assault.

1. What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault is where one person touches another person in a sexual manner without the consent of that person and the perpetrator does not reasonably believe that consent was given. Sexual assault can occur without violence and can happen through clothes.

If you have been asked to attend a police interview regarding a sexual assault, call us now on 020 3007 5500, we can help you today.

2. What are the punishments for sexual assault?

There are 3 categories that determine the severity of the sexual assault offence. These are:

Category 1
Severe psychological or physical harm
Abduction
Violence or threats of violence
Forced entry into the victims home

Category 2
Touching of naked genitalia or breasts
Prolonged/sustained incident
Additional degradation/humiliation
Vulnerability of the victim

Category 3
None of the above factors present

After having determined the category of the sexual assault crime, the court will also determine the level of culpability, in two sections:

Culpability A

  • Significant degree of planning
  • Offence was committed acting together with other offenders
  • Use of alcohol/drugs on victim
  • Abuse of trust
  • Previous violence against victim
  • Offence committed in course of burglary
  • Recording of offence
  • Commercial exploitation and/or motivation
  • Offence motivated by, or demonstrating, hostility to the victim based on his or her sexual orientation, race/religion or disability

Culpability B

  • None of the above factors present
Severity of the chargeAB
Category 1

Starting point
4 years’ custody    

Category range
3 – 7 years’ custody

Starting point
2 years 6 months’ custody   

Category range
2 – 4 years’ custody

Category 2

Starting point
2 years’ custody   

Category range
1 – 4 years’ custody

Starting point
1 year’s custody 

Category range
High level community order – 2 years’ custody

Category 3

Starting point
26 weeks’ custody   

Category range
High level community order – 1 year’s custody

Starting point
High level community order   

Category range
Medium level community order – 26 weeks’ custody

 

3. What will the court consider when sentencing?

The information that the courts are given with regards to sentencing is only loose guidelines. Every case will be looked at on an individual basis. However, the court will consider mitigating and aggravating factors to the offence.

Typically, the following factors are used by the court when determining punishments: 

  • Your previous conviction(s)
  • Your level of remorse
  • Whether you have any severe medical conditions that require long-term, urgent or intensive treatment
  • Whether you have a learning disability or a mental disorder
  • The age of the person involved and whether they are a vulnerable person

4. Why should you use a solicitor for sexual assault?

 By instructing a criminal solicitor who specialises in sexual assault defence, it will ensure you have:

  • Police station representation
  • The best possible defence for your case.
  • A professional with experience in dealing with criminal defence cases.
  • An understanding of your standpoint and available options.
  • The knowledge to reduce potentially damaging impacts on your future.

5. Do you offer legal aid for sexual assault matters?

We cannot offer legal aid in any capacity as we lack the necessary legal aid certificate. We also don’t provide pro bono work at present.

Meet our expert criminal defence team.

Need legal advice now from a solicitor in London or Brighton?

Call, email or provide us with a few details of your matter, and we’ll help you arrange an initial consultation. You’ll get:

  • Unlimited time to discuss your matter with a solicitor.
  • An outline of your legal position and available options.
  • A clear time and fee estimate for your case.

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With fortnightly updates on your case, you’ll never be left in the dark. Our solicitors in London and Brighton ensure you know exactly how your case is progressing and are with you every step of the way.

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