When facing a sexual assault charge, it’s best to have a solicitor by your side.
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.
FAQs
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.
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 homeCategory 2
Touching of naked genitalia or breasts
Prolonged/sustained incident
Additional degradation/humiliation
Vulnerability of the victimCategory 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
Culpability B
| Severity of the charge | A | B |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Starting point Category range | Starting point Category range |
| Category 2 | Starting point Category range | Starting point Category range |
| Category 3 | Starting point Category range
| Starting point Category range |
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:
By instructing a criminal solicitor who specialises in sexual assault defence, it will ensure you have:
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