Sexual Offences

Being accused of a sexual offence can be a very humiliating experience and can have far-reaching consequences for your career and reputation. We deal with these cases for clients from all walks of life.

IB Legal possesses extensive expertise in defending individuals against a spectrum of sexual allegations, ranging from rape and sexual assault to cases involving historical abuse, grooming offences, and charges related to indecent images and communication with minors. Our clientele includes professionals from various sectors such as education, healthcare, and caregiving, and we also handle cases involving allegations of marital or date rape.

We have a dedicated team of lawyers who specialise in advising and representing clients in trafficking cases and those involving prostitution. Additionally, our firm offers specialised assistance with applications to vary or discharge Sexual Offences Prevention Orders and Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.

Our track record speaks for itself, with numerous successful acquittals in Crown Court proceedings. We pride ourselves on being proactive, often getting involved during the pre-charge stage to explore avenues to prevent charges from being brought or to mitigate their impact.

Facing allegations of a sexual nature can be profoundly distressing, especially for individuals with no prior involvement in the criminal justice system. The repercussions extend beyond legal ramifications, impacting reputations, relationships, and careers. At IB Legal, we understand the gravity of such situations and provide compassionate, strategic legal support to navigate through these challenging times.

Pro-active defence – sexual offence allegations

It is essential to seek expert legal advice immediately, because much can be done pre-charge. We will always look to establish early pre-charge engagement with investigators, and break down all elements of the case against our client.

This may involve drawing their attention to material that supports the defence case, including:

Text messages, emails and other forms of electronic communication
Voice notes/recordings
Video recorded evidence
Social media activity
CCTV enquires
Internet and other research
Relevant medical evidence
Timelines and chronologies supportive of the defence
Tracking down and taking accounts from witnesses who will support the defence case and subsequently invite the police to speak to these individuals.

Historic Sexual Allegations

Historic sexual allegations encompass any accusations of a sexual nature that occurred some time ago. These allegations may involve acts such as rape, sexual assault, or child sexual abuse, and in certain instances, they could date back several decades. Being accused of such offences can be profoundly distressing.

If you find yourself facing a historic sexual allegation, it’s imperative to seek specialised legal guidance without delay. At IB Legal, we specialise in providing robust defence representation for individuals confronted with allegations of a sexual nature. We understand the concerns you may have about the potential impact on your reputation and the unfamiliarity with the criminal justice process.

Our team is dedicated to offering comprehensive legal support and advice at every stage of the investigation. From initial consultations to courtroom advocacy, we strive to safeguard your rights and ensure that you receive fair treatment under the law. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Indecent Images

We frequently assist clients who have had their electronic devices seized by law enforcement and are facing investigations regarding indecent image offences. While it may feel like a waiting game, there are proactive steps we can take.

One of our priorities is to establish early contact with the police on behalf of our clients. We seek to clarify the anticipated timeframe for the investigation and ensure that all future communications are conducted through IB Legal. This approach aims to mitigate any potential embarrassment caused by police visits to our clients’ homes or workplaces.

During consultations, we offer our clients a safe space to discuss the circumstances surrounding the seizure of their materials and address any anxieties they may be experiencing. We provide comprehensive legal advice on the various offences related to possessing, distributing, and producing indecent images, along with insights into the different categories of offences and the current sentencing guidelines.

Our goal is to empower our clients with the information and support they need to navigate through this challenging situation with confidence and clarity.

Sexual Communication with a Child

In April 2017, a new offence was introduced, targeting individuals engaging in communication with a child under the age of 16 for the purpose of sexual gratification. This offence encompasses any communication of a sexual nature or intended to incite a child to engage in sexual conversation.

Clear-cut exchanges of sexual content via texts, emails, or chat room conversations between an adult and a child, where the child’s age is evident, are likely to be considered criminal. If such exchanges are exposed or reported, they can lead to criminal charges.

There’s a growing trend where members of the public, either individually or in groups, utilise online platforms to expose or “catch” individuals suspected of being involved in online child sexual abuse or seeking to meet children for abusive purposes.