HISTORIC SEXUAL Abuse Solicitors for Allegation of Historic ABuse
Our specialist Historic Abuse Solicitors understand that cases involving allegations of historic abuse demand careful and expert handling. Our team has significant experience assisting clients to defend allegations of this nature. If you need legal advice about any matter in related to a Historic Sexual Abuse case, contact our specialist defence team today.
Allegations of Historic Sexual Abuse often come out of the blue leaving the accused and their families feeling shocked and devastated. You may not know what to do or where to turn, but Draycott Browne's sexual offence solicitors can help. We understand just how distressing accusations of this nature can be, as well as their long-term impact so it is essential that you seek advice from a trusted firm of solicitors.
We have the expertise and experience fundamental to effectively challenging the claims made against you, minimising the damage to your reputation and have a proven track record of successfully defending many cases of Historic Sexual Abuse.
WHAT DOES HISTORIC ABUSE MEAN?
Where an alleged sexual offence is said to have been committed prior to 1 May 2004, it falls into the category of historic abuse and is dealt with under the Sexual Offences Act 1956. Sexual offences which have happened some time ago, but after this date, will be prosecuted according to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Offences covered by this legislation include:
There is no time limit on when sexual offences can be prosecuted in the UK and historic abuse is not treated any less seriously. Courts will consider if too much time has passed between the alleged offences and the report. They may conclude the defendant would not be processed fairly because of the excessive passage of time.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR HISTORICAL SEXUAL ABUSE OFFENCES?
The sentencing guidelines on historic sex offences are that the offender is sentenced according to the law at the time the offence was committed, rather than the law at the time of the prosecution and trial.
Penalties for sex offences have generally become more stringent and severe over the past few decades, ultimately resulting in changes to the law, with the Sexual Offences Act of 2003 coming into force.
There is however still a very real risk that a custodial sentence will be implemented and that the perpetrator will be included on the Sex Offenders Register. The sentence passed will dependent on a number of factors including:
- The nature of the allegations.
- The period of time over which the offences were said to have occurred.
- The age of the alleged victim(s).
- The age of the defendant at the time of both the offence and the prosecution.
- Whether the defendant is considered very ill or frail at the time of sentencing.
- If the defendant was in a position of trust when the alleged offence was committed.
- Any previous convictions.
- The character of the defendant.
- The defendant’s lifestyle since the alleged offence(s).
- Level of impact on the victim(s).
Judges and courts will consider the severity of the offence, and attempt to match the current legal definition of offences to the law that would have been in place at the time of the offence.
How is a Historic Sex Abuse Claim investigated?
Since the introduction of the legislation that allows victims to come forward with no time limit, the focus has been on conducting thorough investigations following a report, regardless of how much time has passed since the alleged offence. This means that the police and the Crown Protection Service may search for evidence, documents, and records. They may also invite you for an interview, and even search your home.
If you are accused of a sexual offence that has allegedly taken place a long time ago, it is crucial to seek the advice of expert Historic Sexual Abuse Solicitors as soon as possible. The consequences of being accused and prosecuted for this type of crime is severe, and only a team that fully understands the legal process and legislation can help you reach a favourable outcome. Contact Draycott Browne today to speak to a specialist and assess your case.
HOW Historic Abuse Solicitors CAN HELP
At Draycott Browne, our significant experience in this area means we are able to draw on key expertise, skills and technical knowledge to provide you with clear and coherent advice and use all resources available to us to build the best possible defence.
We are here to help and support you at all stages of the legal process including:
- Police station support and representation.
- Advising on your plea.
- Submitting your bail application.
- Preparing your case for trial.
- Defending you in court.
- Advising you on the appeals process.
Historic Abuse is an extremely complicated area of law and our accomplished and experienced solicitors are well placed to act on your behalf, consider whether you are fit to plead and carefully pursue and review all the information available with the aim of protecting you from conviction.
We understand how serious and emotive historic sexual abuse allegations are and will treat you with understanding, empathy and respect throughout. We will represent your interests from the start providing you with a clear understanding of your situation, the implications and the defence strategy. We have a reputation for excellence and are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
How do Historic Sexual Abuse Defence Solicitors defend allegations?
Because of the long periods of time between the alleged offence and the accusation, there are a number of legal defences which are unique to historic sexual abuse cases.
Courts will often acknowledge how the passage of time may have made the case harder to investigate, for example because of the lack of physical and forensic evidence to support the claims. They may consider that the defendant will be unable to sustain a fair trial because of this, leading to a reduced sentence.
The accused person may also have aged considerably, becoming physically or mentally ill, or frail. They may be considered unfit to stand trial, or their conditions will be factored in any penalty which may derive from the case.
Depending on your circumstances, our expert Historic Sexual Offences Solicitors will build a strong case against the allegations, and help you reach the best possible outcome. If you are facing accusations of Historic Abuse, contact Draycott Browne today.
24 HOUR AVAILABILITY
Arrests are rarely anticipated, which is why we are available around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days of the year, to assist you at the police station, whenever you need us.
LEGAL AID
Legal fees can be an unexpected cost that you may struggle to afford. By applying for legal aid, you can relieve financial stress during your case, leaving you to focus on what matters. Our solicitors can advise you on your eligibility and will guide you through the process of applying for legal aid, giving you the best chance of a successful application.
CONTACT DRAYCOTT BROWNE'S HISTORICAL ABUSE TEAM
When faced with the accusation of historic sexual abuse, we understand how stressful this can be, it is imperative that you seek the best legal services available to you.
Contact our expert criminal defence solicitors in Manchester today by calling. If you would like us to contact you, simply fill in our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.
The Sexual Offence Solicitors at Draycott Browne are nationally recognised and are noted for consistently delivering positive results. Our solicitors possess a breadth of technical knowledge across the range of considerations applied to historical sex abuse investigations that will provide you with the expertise needed when facing such sensitive allegations.
When expert legal representation by one of the UK's leading Criminal Law Firms is needed, we regularly act for clients in London and throughout England, Wales, and the North West, including Manchester and Liverpool in historic sexual offence cases. By entrusting your case to us, you can be assured that you will be working with a team of highly skilled and experienced sexual offence solicitors who have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the law.
Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, With your freedom at stake, If you or somebody you know has been arrested and needs expert legal representation, call Draycott Browne today or complete our contact form, for the very best defence to allegations of sexual offence.