Sexual Risk Order Defence Lawyers
At Draycott Browne, our Sexual Offence Solicitors provide clear and strategic legal defence to individuals facing an application for a Sexual Risk Order (SRO). These are civil court orders that can impose highly intrusive restrictions on your daily life, even where there is no criminal conviction. If granted, they may severely affect your freedom, reputation, employment, and personal relationships.
With decades of experience in defending serious sexual allegations, our team is trusted nationwide for its skill, discretion and unwavering commitment to protecting our clients’ reputations and futures.
A Sexual Risk Order allows the police or the National Crime Agency to ask the court to impose restrictions or obligations on a person they believe poses a risk of sexual harm.
These measures may include limits on travel, internet use or personal contact, and can remain in place for several years or longer. These civil orders can be imposed even without a criminal conviction and can have serious consequences for your freedom, employment and reputation. Early advice can be crucial in protecting your rights and limiting the impact of any restrictions imposed by the court.
With over 25 years of experience in defending serious sexual offence cases, Draycott Browne is recognised as one of the UK’s leading criminal defence firms. The department is led by Shaun Draycott, Director of the firm and a highly respected Sexual Offence Solicitor, who has represented clients in some of the most sensitive and high-profile cases before the courts. Under his leadership, our team combines technical skill, determination and discretion to deliver strategic defence in Sexual Risk Order matters. We act quickly to assess the evidence, protect your rights and challenge any application that is unjustified or excessive.
If you are facing an SRO application, early legal advice is essential. Immediate involvement from our Sexual Risk Order Solicitors can make a crucial difference to the outcome, helping to limit restrictions and safeguard your reputation.
Contact Draycott Browne today for confidential, expert legal representation. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing strategic defence for clients across Manchester, London, Liverpool, Birmingham and throughout England and Wales.
How Our Sexual Risk Order Solicitors Can Help
At Draycott Browne, our solicitors act quickly to provide clear, strategic advice from the moment you are contacted about a Sexual Risk Order. We understand how intrusive these proceedings can be and the impact they can have on your life, family and reputation. Our priority is to protect your position, limit unnecessary restrictions and secure the best possible outcome. Our team can assist with:
- Immediate legal advice following notification of an application
- Representation at hearings for both interim and full orders
- Communicating directly with the police and the National Crime Agency
- Preparing detailed evidence to challenge risk assessments
- Negotiating amendments to conditions before or during proceedings
- Advising on variation, renewal or discharge of existing orders
- Providing guidance on compliance to prevent breach allegations
- Protecting your privacy and professional reputation throughout the process
Every case is handled with care, skill and discretion. We analyse the evidence, anticipate the prosecution approach and prepare a defence strategy built around your circumstances. Early legal representation often shapes the direction of the case, giving you the best opportunity to avoid or minimise restrictive orders.
Our Sexual Risk Order Solicitors are available to act immediately. Contact us as soon as possible for clear, confidential advice and decisive representation.
Dedicated expertise for defending all allegations of sexual offences.
Our SEXUAL OFFENCES Advice Team
What is a Sexual Risk Order?
A Sexual Risk Order (SRO) is a civil order made by the court to manage the behaviour of a person considered to pose a risk of sexual harm to others. Its purpose is preventative, to protect the public, children or vulnerable adults, rather than to punish.
An SRO can be applied for by the police or the National Crime Agency, even if the individual has never been convicted or cautioned for a sexual offence. Applications often follow investigations that end with no further action, but where the authorities continue to hold concerns about alleged behaviour.
Following changes introduced by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, the threshold for granting a Sexual Risk Order has been lowered. Courts previously applied the stricter criminal standard of proof (“beyond reasonable doubt”). They now use the civil standard, meaning it only needs to be “more likely than not” that relevant conduct occurred. This shift has made it significantly easier for authorities to obtain an SRO, even without a criminal charge or conviction.
If the court is satisfied that this threshold is met, it may impose specific conditions designed to reduce the perceived risk, such as restrictions on internet use, contact with certain individuals, or travel abroad.
Although a Sexual Risk Order is a civil measure, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting. These orders may restrict your everyday activity and have wide-reaching implications for your employment, reputation and family life.
Given the seriousness of these proceedings, early legal advice is essential. Our solicitors will assess the evidence, advise you clearly on your options, and prepare a strategic response before any hearing takes place.
What are the Different Types of Sexual Risk Order?
A Sexual Risk Order can take several forms depending on the stage of proceedings and the level of risk alleged by the authorities. Each order has a distinct purpose and can include restrictions or positive obligations intended to prevent sexual harm.
Interim Sexual Risk Orders
An Interim Sexual Risk Order (ISRO) is a short-term order made while a full application is still being considered by the court. It allows the authorities to place restrictions on a person’s behaviour immediately if they claim that there is an urgent need to do so.
An interim order may be granted before all evidence is heard and can remain in force for weeks or months until the final hearing. During that period, the person subject to the order must comply with its terms in full. Typical conditions may limit internet use, restrict contact with certain people or prohibit travel to particular areas.
Because these orders can be made quickly and often without full consideration of the evidence, legal representation at this stage is essential. Early challenge can prevent unnecessary or disproportionate conditions from being imposed.
Full Sexual Risk Orders
A Full Sexual Risk Order is made after a court has heard evidence from both the applicant (usually the police) and the respondent. The court must be satisfied that the person has acted in a sexual way and that an order is necessary to protect others from the risk of harm.
Full orders are more extensive than interim orders and can remain in force for a minimum of two years, or longer if the court believes it is appropriate. The conditions attached can affect almost every aspect of daily life. Common examples include limits on internet access, monitoring of electronic devices, restrictions on travel abroad, or prohibitions on working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults.
Although these orders are civil in nature, they carry significant consequences. The restrictions can interfere with employment, family relationships and everyday freedoms, so it is vital that the conditions are reviewed and, where possible, challenged before they are finalised.
Positive Obligations in Sexual Risk Orders
Since amendments to the law in 2022, courts can now attach positive obligations to Sexual Risk Orders. These go beyond prohibitions and require the individual to take specific steps to manage the alleged risk.
Positive obligations may include attending behavioural or rehabilitation programmes, undergoing therapy, participating in drug or alcohol treatment, taking polygraph tests or wearing an electronic monitoring tag. These measures are intended to demonstrate engagement and reduce risk over time.
However, they can also be intrusive and burdensome. Every proposed obligation must be both necessary and practical. If an obligation is unreasonable or impossible to comply with, it can and should be challenged through proper legal channels.
Variation, Renewal and Discharge
Once a Sexual Risk Order is in place, it can be varied, renewed or discharged depending on how circumstances evolve. Either the police or the person subject to the order may apply to the court to make changes.
Variation may be sought to remove or adjust conditions that are no longer relevant or proportionate. Renewal applications usually occur when an existing order is nearing its end and the police claim that ongoing risk still exists. Discharge may be appropriate where there has been no further cause for concern and the order has served its purpose.
Applications of this kind require careful preparation, including evidence of compliance and positive conduct. A well-prepared application can often persuade the court that continued restrictions are unnecessary.
Case Study
Ched Evans
Not Guilty
02 November 2016
Draycott Browne Solicitors are delighted to confirm the verdict of not guilty in the case of Ched Evans. The verdict, delivered unanimously, finally brings to an end a case that began on the 31st May 2011.
Specialist Sexual Risk Order Lawyers
- 24/7 Availability
- Proven Success in High Profile Cases
- Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation
Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Sexual Risk Order Solicitors today.
Breach of a Sexual Risk Order
Failing to comply with a Sexual Risk Order or an Interim Sexual Risk Order is treated as a criminal offence. A breach can occur when a person does something prohibited by the order, fails to meet a required condition, or neglects a positive obligation set by the court.
Even if the breach was unintentional, the police can investigate and bring criminal proceedings. These cases are heard before the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court depending on the seriousness of the alleged breach. The maximum penalty is five years’ imprisonment, and a conviction can have lasting effects on employment, reputation and personal freedom.
Breaches are often alleged where a person misunderstands the conditions of their order or where the restrictions themselves are unclear. Our solicitors analyse the wording of each condition and the evidence relied upon by the police to determine whether a genuine breach has occurred. We will challenge unfair allegations, ensure that your rights are protected and present a strong case in your defence.
If you believe you may have breached your order, or the police have contacted you about a potential breach, it is vital to seek legal advice immediately. Early representation from Draycott Browne can often prevent matters from escalating and help you avoid unnecessary criminal proceedings.
24 Hour Availability
Investigations or applications for Sexual Risk Orders can occur without warning. When that happens, immediate legal advice is essential to protect your position and prevent mistakes that could affect the outcome of your case.
At Draycott Browne, our specialist solicitors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We provide fast, clear guidance and can arrange representation at short notice anywhere in England and Wales.
Legal Aid
We understand that the cost of defending proceedings involving a Sexual Risk Order can be a major concern. In some cases, you may be eligible for Legal Aid to help cover the cost of representation. Our experienced Legal Aid Solicitors will assess your eligibility, explain the process clearly and assist you in submitting an application for funding.
At Draycott Browne, we believe that financial circumstances should never prevent access to expert legal representation. Whether your case is publicly funded or privately instructed, our team provides the same high standard of skill, care and commitment in defending your rights and protecting your future.
Private Funding
At Draycott Browne, we continue to support clients who qualify for Legal Aid, but it is important to understand that publicly funded cases can limit the level of service we are able to provide.
Choosing to privately fund your defence ensures you receive the highest standard of representation from our specialist team. Private funding allows us to dedicate additional time and resources to your case, carrying out more extensive preparation and strategic analysis.
Through this approach, our Private Criminal Defence Solicitors provide an exceptional level of service, ensuring that every detail is examined and every opportunity explored to strengthen your defence.
If you are facing proceedings involving a Sexual Risk Order, we recommend considering a privately funded route. This enables you to access the full expertise of our team and gives you the best possible chance of achieving a positive outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sexual Risk Orders
If you have been contacted by the police or received notice of a Sexual Risk Order application, it is vital that you seek legal advice immediately. These applications can be brought to court very quickly, and in some cases, an interim order may be made before the full hearing. Once imposed, the conditions take effect straight away and must be followed in full, even if you intend to challenge them later.
Early representation from our experienced solicitors can significantly influence the outcome, helping to protect your rights and prevent disproportionate restrictions. In some cases, swift action can result in the application being withdrawn or significantly reduced before any restrictions come into force.
At Draycott Browne, we act quickly to protect your position, engage with the authorities, and ensure that any proposed conditions are fair, proportionate and properly justified.
Each Sexual Risk Order is tailored to the individual case, and the conditions imposed can be wide-ranging. Some focus on preventing certain behaviour, while others place active duties on the person subject to the order. Common restrictions can include:
- Bans on using or owning devices capable of accessing the internet
- Requirements to allow police inspection or monitoring of electronic devices
- Prohibitions on deleting browser history or using private browsing modes
- Restrictions on contacting particular individuals or groups
- Limits on travel within the UK or abroad
- Bans on working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults
- Conditions relating to residence or who you can live with
Courts can also include positive obligations, such as attending treatment or behavioural programmes, undergoing therapy, taking polygraph tests or wearing electronic monitoring tags.
These conditions can be highly intrusive and may affect your work, family life and personal freedom. It is vital that each one is carefully reviewed with legal support to ensure it is necessary, proportionate and based on credible evidence.
A Sexual Risk Order must last for a minimum of two years, but there is no fixed maximum duration. The court can make an order for any period it considers necessary, and in some cases it may remain in force indefinitely.
Where an order contains a restriction on foreign travel, that condition can only last for up to five years, although the rest of the order may continue beyond that time.
If circumstances change, either the police or the person subject to the order can apply to the court for the conditions to be amended or removed. Regular legal review is important to ensure that restrictions remain fair and proportionate over time, especially where there has been no further concern or offending behaviour.
Breaching a Sexual Risk Order or Interim Sexual Risk Order without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. The case can be dealt with in either the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, and the maximum penalty is five years’ imprisonment.
A breach can include any failure to comply with the order’s terms, such as contacting a prohibited person, using an unregistered device, or travelling without permission. Even a minor or accidental breach can lead to arrest and prosecution.
If you are accused of breaching your order, it is vital to seek legal advice immediately. Our solicitors will review the wording of the conditions, examine the evidence relied upon by the police, and build a clear defence to protect your liberty and reputation.
A Sexual Risk Order is a civil order, not a criminal conviction, so it does not appear on a formal criminal record. However, details of the order are recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC) for intelligence and monitoring purposes.
An SRO will not appear on a basic or standard DBS check, but it can be disclosed on an enhanced DBS check if the police consider the information relevant to the role being applied for. Before any disclosure is made, you will usually have the opportunity to make representations explaining why the information should not be included.
Because disclosure decisions can affect your employment and reputation, our solicitors can advise you on managing this process and, where possible, challenging unnecessary disclosure.
Yes. Either the police or the individual subject to the order can apply to the court to vary, renew or discharge a Sexual Risk Order if circumstances change.
Applications can be made to:
- Remove or amend conditions that are no longer necessary
- Reduce the duration of the order
- Bring the order to an end completely
Courts will expect clear evidence that the risk has reduced or that the conditions are now disproportionate. Our solicitors prepare detailed applications supported by evidence of compliance, good conduct and progress made since the order was imposed. With careful preparation, it is often possible to persuade the court that ongoing restrictions are no longer justified.
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Contact our Sexual Risk Order Solicitors
If you are facing an application for a Sexual Risk Order, or believe the police may be preparing one, it is essential to seek immediate legal advice from experienced professionals.
At Draycott Browne, our team of specialist Criminal Solicitors provides expert representation in all matters involving sexual allegations and risk management orders. As one of the leading Criminal Defence Law Firms in the UK, we have a long-standing reputation for defending clients in the most sensitive and high-stakes cases.
Led by senior Sexual Offence Solicitors, we deliver strategic, discreet and determined legal defence for clients across Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, London and throughout England and Wales. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to protect your rights and your reputation.
For confidential advice, call Draycott Browne today or complete our online enquiry form. Your future deserves the strongest defence.