Rape Defence Solicitors

This work is frequently undertaken by us on an enhanced private basis.  If you choose an inexperienced firm and you make the wrong decision about answering or not answering questions in interview, then this could seriously damage your case. We can meet with you in advance away from the police station to listen to your account and advice upon the strength of your case. 

The government wants to increase more rape convictions as confirmed in the Policy paper end to rape report findings and actions and you can read our blog to find out more about its impact on rape and sexual assault cases.

This report sets out the government’s action plan for improving the Criminal Justice System’s response to rape in England and Wales. The starting point is the police are there to try to convict you with government backing! Your starting ppoint should be the best solcitors firm possible.

Our specialist criminal defence lawyers have extensive experience of supporting clients accused of rape and other serious sexual offences, including in high-profile and complex cases.

If you have been accused of, or charged with, rape, solicitors from our team can offer same day appointments including virtual or out of hours if you work.

We offer confidential rapid advice. We are trained to recognise genuine defences and can advise on strong or weak cases against you. We will be open and honest with you. You will have advice from a senior lawyer on the strength of your case. We can offer an enhanced private service led by partner or senior solicitor to maximise your chances of a positive outcome. 

What can our rape defence solicitors do for you?

Our rape defence solicitors can assist with:

• Building your case at the outset and limiting damage to you
• Taking statements and securing your defence with expert reports
• Providing a leading and premier service
• Undertaking advance work if legal aid will not cover it
• Mitigating your position even if you admit offences
• Persuading the police to drop the case early 
• Persuading the CPS prosecution to drop the case

If you have been arrested or charged with rape, you can contact us 24-hours a day, seven days a week for immediate expert advice and representation.

For a free initial consultation where possible on your legal position and the available options, contact our local offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester.

A rape conviction will have very serious consequences.  A prison sentence is almost inevitable, the damage to your reputation may be enormous and there is a strong likelihood of you losing your job.  It may also have a significant effect on your loved ones.

Given what is at stake, it is absolutely vital to have good advice and strong representation right from the outset if you are accused of rape.  Only then can it be guaranteed that all relevant evidence is preserved, your case is prepared thoroughly and that no potential line of defence is overlooked.  We can help you at any stage, whether it be the time of arrest, charge or at a different time.

Our rape defence lawyers have a strong track record of securing favourable outcomes for our clients under even the most challenging circumstances.  Our criminal defence team has handled some of the most high-profile and serious criminal cases in England and Wales for over 40 years.

We can provide clear, effective guidance in a wide range of languages, ensuring your defence is handled in the best possible way from the outset so you have the strongest chance of securing a positive outcome when accused of rape.

For a free initial consultation on dealing with rape allegations please, contact our local offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester.

Need immediate legal support? Our accredited Police Station Representatives and solicitors are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year using the emergency numbers listed at the top of the page.

Our expertise with rape allegations & serious sexual offences

Having represented clients in relation to rape allegations and cases involving serious sexual offences for many years, we can provide the experienced and robust legal advice and representation you need for every stage of proceedings.

Our criminal defence team regularly work with clients in high-profile cases.  We understand the need to deal with these types of serious allegations in a sensitive yet efficient way to limit any damage to your reputation, livelihood and family.  We have the experience to know that a strong and proactive defence is often required and we understand the particular issues, especially in relation to disclosure, that can arise in cases involving alleged sexual offences. 

With many languages spoken across our team, we can offer clear, effective legal advice to people from all backgrounds.

We have strong expertise in preparing cases involving forensic evidence, such as DNA, as well as digital evidence, including mobile phone and app data, which is increasingly critical to many rape prosecutions.  Securing and deploying that sort of material can make the difference in bringing about a favourable outcome.

As well as our own legal expertise, we also have strong links with various specialist criminal defence barristers, allowing us to make sure you have the best possible advocate fighting in your corner if your case goes to court.

What to do if you are accused of rape

If you are arrested on suspicion of rape and interviewed by the police, knowing your rights is critical.  The risk of unintentionally doing something or saying something that damages your case is significant.  When investigating sexual allegations, the police have considerable powers on their side whereas most people who are arrested do not know or understand the law or realise what can be at stake.  You need to ensure that you are advised and represented from the start.

Always remember that:

• You do not have to answer any questions asked by the police
• You should never answer any police questions without a solicitor present
• Before taking any steps in relation to your case, seek the best advice
• When you are arrested, the arresting officers must explain what offence you are accused of committing and they must caution you by using the words:
• “You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

When interviewed by police:

• You have the right to free legal representation
• You can use the duty solicitor available or choose your own lawyer
• Following police interview, you may be released with no further action, released under investigation or charged with a specific criminal offence. If charged with rape, you may be released on bail or kept in custody to appear at court.
• If you are released on bail, a date will be set for your court appearance. For rape offences, there will typically be bail conditions requiring you not to contact the complainant.
• If you are released with no further action or under investigation, you can later be rearrested or summonsed to attend court.

What defence is there against rape allegations?

The nature of your rape defence will depend on the circumstances. For example, if you are falsely accused of rape and you did not have sex with the alleged victim, we may be able to demonstrate that you were elsewhere at the relevant time through the use of witnesses, mobile phone data, CCTV and the like. Time can be of the essence in securing mobile data.  Do not assume that the police will always conduct a thorough investigation. 

When you are defending yourself against an allegation as serious as rape, you should leave nothing to chance. Where you are facing a false allegation, solicitors with the right experience may be able to have the case dropped at an early stage, avoiding a lot of unnecessary stress and harm to your reputation.

In most cases of alleged rape, the point of dispute between the prosecution and defence is not about whether sexual intercourse occurred; it is usually in relation to consent. The prosecution is required to show that:

1. Sexual activity took place.
2. The alleged victim did not consent.
3. The alleged offender did not reasonably believe the other party consented.

Your rape defence will often hinge on establishing either that your accuser consented or that you believed they were consenting to the sexual intercourse that took place. Various types of evidence can be relevant here, including witness testimony and, increasingly, evidence from text messages, WhatsApp messages and other digital material.

Drugs & Alcohol Rape

Where you or the complainant have consumed drugs or alcohol we will consider all the evidence against you or for you to build the strongest defence to demonstrate that consent was capable of being given in all the circumstances. We have dealt with many cases where complainants or suspects have been Intoxicated to various degrees due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs.

We are experts at establishing all the key factors that are indicative of valid consent still being given. 

Our rape defence solicitors have strong experience of deploying all of the various defence strategies that can be used in relation to allegations of serious sexual offences, including where people have been falsely accused of rape. We are uniquely placed to build the most effective defence for you from the outset.

Can a rape victim drop charges in the UK?

The short answer is, no. It is up to the police or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to decide whether or not to proceed with a prosecution in England and Wales, so they would be the ones deciding whether to drop charges for an alleged rape, rather than the victim.

However, the reality is that many rape cases are dropped due to the alleged victim deciding they no longer wish to proceed with the case. This is because, without the alleged victim’s participation, it is much less likely that the prosecution would be able to secure a conviction.

What is the sentence for rape?

The sentence for rape can vary very significantly depending on the specifics of the case, but can be anything up to life imprisonment. The Sentencing Council guidelines for rape suggest an offence range of 4-19 years’ imprisonment. There is also the possibility of being subject to an order such as a Sexual Harm Prevention Order under the Schedule 3 or 5 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Contact our rape defence solicitors today

For urgent specialist advice, immediate representation or to speak to us confidentially about allegations of rape of any other type of sexual offence, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact our dedicated criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

• City of London – our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment at one of several locations across the City
• Brent & Camden London Office: 020 7624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office: 0121 614 3333

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for rape allegations

For immediate representation and advice on dealing with allegations of rape anywhere in England or Wales at any time, please contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556.