Are you being accused of child sexual abuse? Do you need help with defending yourself from alleged sexual offences involving children?
Our specialist sexual offence lawyers offer a pragmatic and compassionate approach to those accused child sexual offences throughout England and Wales.
Allegations of child sexual offences are among the most serious and complex criminal charges an individual can face. With the increased focus on these cases following high-profile investigations, prosecutions for child sex offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 have risen significantly.
Being accused of rape of a child, sexual assault, grooming, indecent image offences, or any sexual offence involving a child can be life-altering, affecting your reputation, family life and future. A conviction may result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and placement on the Sex Offenders Register. Sexual offence allegations carry a stigma which can remain with the accused for life, but our team at Eventum Legal are here to offer you strong legal support, advice and representation, with the aim to avoid these consequences.
Our child sexual offence defence lawyers have extensive experience handling these sensitive and challenging cases. We have dealt with cases which involve child complainants of all ages, and we have expertise in diligently challenging their evidence, in a way not to frustrate a jury. We take a strategic and pragmatic approach, ensuring you receive expert legal representation and support throughout the process.
Facing allegations of child sexual offences can be an overwhelming and distressing experience, often leading to panic and uncertainty about what to do next. It is natural to want to cooperate with the police and believe that being open and honest will resolve the situation quickly.
However, without proper legal representation, individuals accused of serious offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, such as inciting sexual activity, attempted rape, or indecent assault, may unknowingly say or do something that could harm their defence.
At Eventum Legal, we specialise in defending those accused of offences involving family members, historical allegations, and cases where mental illness may be a contributing factor. Our expert defence team ensures that your rights are protected from the outset, providing strategic legal guidance at every stage. Additionally, we help clients challenge restrictive measures such as Sexual Risk Orders, which can impose severe restrictions even without a conviction.
If you have been accused or contacted by the police regarding a child sexual offence, obtaining immediate legal representation is crucial.
While the police may offer a duty solicitor, you can choose your own expert defence lawyer. At Eventum Legal, we will fight to safeguard your rights, build a strong defence, and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.
What Are Sexual Offences Against Children?
Sexual allegations involving children are defined under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which outlines a wide range of child abuse offences. These offences vary depending on the child's age to ensure appropriate legal protection for minors, including those over the age of consent. Historic offences, which are alleged to have taken place prior to 2003, would fall under the older laws of the Sexual Offences Act 1956. Our lawyers understand the impact being prosecuted under old laws can have on a case and its outcome.
In England and Wales, the legal age of consent is 16 years old. Any sexual activity involving a person under this age is unlawful, regardless of whether they consented. However, the Sexual Offences Act also recognises offences involving young people aged 16 to 18, particularly where the accused holds a position of trust, such as a teacher or caregiver. Additionally, sexual relationships between a child, family member and an adult fall under specific provisions within the Act, notably sections 25 and 26.
Certain sexual offences may overlap, leading to multiple charges arising from the same set of circumstances. In some cases, these offences intersect with provisions outlined in the Serious Crime Act, which strengthens legal measures against child exploitation and abuse.
Offence Against Children Under 13 Years Old:
Offences Against Children Under 16 Years Old:
Offences Against Children Under 18 Years Old:
What Our Child Sexual Offence Defence Team Can Help With?
Our Child Sexual Offence Defence Team provides expert legal representation for individuals facing serious allegations, including child sexual assault and related offences.
We understand the complexities of cases involving sexual communication with a minor, where messages or online interactions are misinterpreted or taken out of context. It may be that you were talking to an undercover police officer, or hunter group. These conversations can raise important legal issues which may benefit your defence, such as whether the powers of the police have been abused, or if the evidence collecting by unqualified hunter groups is reliable.
Allegations of obtaining sexual gratification through unlawful means can carry severe legal consequences, with some offences leading to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Our experienced lawyers offer a strategic defence, guiding you through every stage of the legal process to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Sentencing for child sexual offences is highly complex, with courts considering a wide range of penalties. Convictions can result in non-custodial sentences, lengthy prison terms, or even life imprisonment for the most serious offences. The sexual offences act has been put in place to protect the person who alleges to have been sexually assaulted, sentencing guidelines provide a number of outcomes for the court to consider.
The Sentencing Council’s guidelines provide judges with a framework for determining sentences, considering aggravating and mitigating factors that can significantly impact a case's outcome.
At Eventum Legal, our experienced defence team understands the gravity of convictions for child sexual offences and their severe consequences on the accused. We provide expert legal representation for individuals accused of child sexual abuse, ensuring that every aspect of the case is carefully examined to build the most vigorous possible defence.
Beyond imprisonment, those convicted may also face Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs), which can impose strict restrictions on an individual’s life. Additionally, under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, a conviction for a sexual offence against a child requires registration on the Sex Offenders Register, with registration periods ranging from several years to a lifetime, depending on the severity of the offence.
The impact of a conviction extends far beyond sentencing, affecting personal and professional life. Seeking legal advice as early as possible is crucial. Our defence team at Eventum Legal will work tirelessly to protect your rights, explore all possible defence strategies, and provide the best legal representation to achieve the most favourable outcome in your case. We often assist professionals with their employment obligations of disclosure and work with regulatory bodies to safeguard our client.
How Can Our Child Sexual Offence Lawyers Help You?
At Eventum Legal, our Child Sexual Offence Lawyers are leading UK defence specialists dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for those accused of child sexual assault and other offences of a sexual nature.
We have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against serious allegations, including historic sexual offences, where evidence is often limited and based on decades-old claims. Our expert legal team meticulously examines the prosecution’s case, challenges unreliable evidence, and ensures your rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.
Our strategic defence approach has helped numerous clients achieve acquittals, dismissals, and reduced charges, ensuring justice is served. If you are facing allegations and seeking expert legal representation at the earliest stage is critical, Eventum Legal is here to fight for you.
Yes, a conviction for child sexual abuse can be overturned, but only through a formal appeal process. Under UK law, a person convicted of a child sexual offence has the right to appeal their conviction or sentence if there are grounds to challenge the verdict. Our team can work with you to appeal your conviction or sentence.
Appeals from the Crown court are typically based on procedural errors, new evidence unavailable at trial, misdirection by the judge, or issues with how the trial was conducted. The appeal must usually be filed with the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) within 28 days of conviction or sentence (whichever you are appealing) though exceptions may apply in certain circumstances.
An appeal from the Magistrates Court is an automatic right to the accused, but a time limit of 21 days applies.
If an appeal is successful, the conviction may be quashed, or a retrial may be ordered. Given the complexity of these cases, it is crucial to seek expert legal advice from experienced defence lawyers specialising in sexual offences appeals.
At Eventum Legal, we have a strong track record of successfully challenging wrongful convictions, ensuring that justice is served for our clients.
Are You Ready for Our Help As Your Child Sexual Offence Lawyers?
If you are facing allegations of child sexual offences, securing expert legal representation as early as possible is critical.
At Eventum Legal, our specialist child sexual offence lawyers have extensive experience in defending clients against serious charges, including child sexual assault, inciting sexual activity with a child, historic sexual offences, and indecent image offences.
We understand the devastating impact these allegations can have on your life, reputation, and future, so we provide a strategic, proactive, and highly confidential defence.
Whether you are under investigation, preparing for trial, or seeking to appeal a conviction, our dedicated legal team is ready to fight for you. Don’t face this alone; contact Eventum Legal today for expert legal support and the best possible defence.
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