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Sexual Offences

Sexual Offence Solicitors Cardiff

Sexual offences vary in severity, but can have a serious impact on a convicted individual. Any person convicted of a sexual offence must be registered on the Sex Offenders Register and may be subject to notification requirements for a specified length of time. The implications of such offences, like many others, can have a huge impact on job prospects and many other things. Whether the offence is minor or more serious, we advise all who have allegations made against them to seek legal advice and assistance as soon as possible. At Crowley & Co, our team of sexual offence solicitors in Cardiff provide assistance from arrest to the end of proceedings.

Sexual Grooming

Grooming occurs when an adult builds a trusting and emotional relationship with a child, so that they can later exploit, abuse or manipulate a child. The methods by which a child is likely to be groomed are in person or digitally. A child may be groomed by a family member, teacher, coach, faith group leader or other adults which they come into contact with.

You may be convicted of a criminal offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 if you are found guilty of grooming. If charged with allegations of sexual grooming, sentences vary greatly from 1 year to a maximum of 10 years. The offence is triable either way, which allows a Crown Court or Magistrate’s court to hear the case against you.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is also governed under the Sexual Offence Act 2003. It can be tried either way, dependent on the severity of the alleged offence.

Sexual assault focuses on activities other than rape. If convicted, the sentence passed can range from a community order to a maximum of a 10 year custodial sentence. The court will consider the age of the victim, their mental capacity and vulnerability, along with other relevant facts.

Rape

Rape is governed under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for offences that occurred after 2003, and under the Sexual Offences Act 1956 for those before. It’s tried on indictment only. Rape involves penetration of the anus, vagina or mouth by a penis without their consent and without there being a reasonable belief that that person was consenting. Assault by penetration is not limited to sexual intercourse only.

If convicted of rape, the maximum custodial sentence that can be imposed is a life term. Typical sentences range from 4 years to 19 years.  

Indecent Images

The laws which govern indecent images are the Protection of Children Act 1978 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988. It is a criminal offence to make, access, download, possess, share or distribute indecent images or videos of children. Offences of this nature are triable either way, which means a Magistrate court or crown court may hear the matter. The nature of the offence will depend on the possible sentence. Sentences for this type of offence range from a medium community order to a custodial sentence with a maximum term of 5 years.

The notable cases below are just some examples in which our specialist sex offence solicitors have successfully defended allegations of a sexual nature.

Acquitted of rape of his Mother-in-Law following a full trail.

Defendant acquitted following historical allegations of rape and sexual assault involving numerous familiar complaints.

Defendant acquitted of rape after a fully contest trial.

Acquitted of two charges of sexual assault within minutes of the jury retiring to make a verdict. The jury were present with CCTV which had me scrutinised and assisted with the Defendant’s case.

Acquitted of sexual assault with the assistance of careful scrutiny of CCTV evidence.

Acquitted of sexual assault against a minor after a fully contested trial.

Defendant; a retired GP, acquitted of 14 counts of Rape, indecent assault and procuring an illegal abortion following detailed examination of the Complainant’s medical records and representations made to the CPS.

Child Sexual Abuse

This occurs when a child is forced into sexual activity. Sexual abuse can range from forced kissing, touching a child on top of their clothes to penetrative sex. If you are charged with allegations of rape of a child, the following guidance applies:

If you are charged with sexual assault of a child, the following guidance applies:

It is important to note that although you may be tried by a Magistrate court, you may be sentenced by the Crown Court if it is decided that the Magistrate’s powers are inadequate for appropriate sentencing.  

Historical Allegations

It is possible to be investigated and charged with historical allegations of rape and sexual assault. The date(s) of the allegation(s) will determine which act governs the offence – either the Sexual Offences Act 2003 or 1956.

The sentence imposed if convicted will also consider the act governing the offence at the time of the allegation. Sentences imposed will vary depending on the nature of the offence and the facts surrounding the matter. For example, the age of the victim or the relationship between the victim and defendant.

Contact Crowley For Sexual Offence Solicitors In Cardiff

Contact our team for expert legal advice regarding sexual offences.

Our sexual offence solicitors in Cardiff provide assistance from arrest to the end of proceedings. to find out more contact us.

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