Sexual offence is a broad term that covers many different types of acts, ranging from unwanted attention or stalking, indecent exposure, pimping, sex trafficking and rape. A sexual offence can be carried out against an adult, child or even a corpse. Depending on the nature of the sexual offence, they can have very serious implications and result in life imprisonment here in the UK. Sexual offences of a less serious nature may sometimes be triable either way in a magistrate’s court or crown court. However, most sexual offences, such as rape and sexual crimes against children, are indictable only, which means that they are tried in a crown court and can receive maximum sentencing.
Involve your solicitor from the onset
Regardless of whether you have been falsely accused of a sexual offence, unknowingly committed a sexual offence or are guilty of a sexual crime, it is important that you contact a sexual offence solicitor immediately. If you have carried out a crime and are unsure as to whether you will be facing an allegation or not, it is still vital that you contact a solicitor as soon as possible so that you are ready and prepared for when you either are placed under arrest or receive a summons or charge sheet. The sexual offences act 2003 explains in much detail about the different types of sexual offences, the charges you may face, the sentencing for the relevant crimes and the issue of consent, which will play an important part in your case.
It is important that you and your solicitor are able to find out exactly what you are being accused of at the onset so that you can put together a tailored case to try and reduce the charges and achieve the best possible outcome in your situation.
If your case is on trial at the magistrates court, then this will work to your advantage as the maximum sentencing will be up to 6 months, although you may have to carry out community service or be placed under a ban. If you have carried out a serious sexual offence, then you will be tried at the crown court and may receive a life imprisonment, depending on the nature of the crime. The role of your solicitor will be to minimise this as much as possible for you and also help reduce other implications that it may have on your future and that of your loved ones.
Your solicitor will likely be aware that sexual offence allegations can have a devastating impact on all aspects of your life, and with your best interests at heart, they will try to minimise the damage so that you can begin to get your life back on track again.
Speak to a sexual offence solicitor today to find out more about sexual offence and the other different types of criminal offences, why it is important to stay away from such situations and the implications they may have on your future and that of the others around you.