Defending Rape Allegations Solicitors
Being accused of rape is likely to be hugely distressing as well as being potentially damaging to your reputation and your relationships. You are strongly advised to speak to solicitors with expertise in defending rape allegations immediately to protect your position.
At Nelson Guest & Partners, our rape defence solicitors can provide immediate representation and take steps to ensure that your rights and interests are observed by the police and prosecuting authorities.
It is important to act quickly to secure evidence in rape cases, to include taking witness statements while the event is still recent. Even if you have been falsely accused of rape, you should still ensure that you have an expert rape defence solicitor to defend you.
Our rape lawyers have the experience to ensure that the correct procedure is followed throughout and that the police do not exceed their authority in dealing with your case. We will work to establish your innocence at the earliest opportunity and, where possible, we will request that the case against you is dropped if there is a lack of credible evidence or there are procedural errors.
Our expertise in helping those accused of rape includes:
- Representing and advising prior to interviews under caution
- Applying for bail
- Advice on the strength of the case and the best approach for a defence
- Preparing a robust defence
- Taking steps to have the case dismissed where possible
- Help with preparation for court
- Arranging for expert representation at court
Get in touch with our rape solicitors
Our rape defence solicitors have extensive experience in defending allegations of rape. If you ask us to help you, we will step in immediately to protect your position and secure evidence to support your case.
Call 020 8309 5010 | Ask us a Question | Email us
Navigating this page
- Have you been falsely accused of rape?
- What to do if you have been accused of rape
- What are the penalties for rape?
- What are the penalties for attempted rape?
- What is the difference between rape and assault by penetration?
- Can I be convicted of historic rape or historic sex offences?
- How long does a rape investigation take?
Have you been falsely accused of rape?
If you have been falsely accused of rape, it is important to act quickly to ensure that relevant evidence in support of your defence can be gathered early on while it is still available. Our solicitors can work to do this on your behalf and ensure that you have the representation you need during any investigation.
What to do if you have been accused of rape
Facing rape allegations can be shocking and you are likely to be very concerned about the situation and what comes next. The most important first step is to instruct an experienced rape defence solicitor. Our team have been assisting those accused of rape for many years and have a proven track record of success, both in having charges dropped and securing acquittals.
We will guide you through the process of putting together a robust defence and ensure that you know what to expect. We are always happy to discuss any concerns you may have and will make sure we are available to answer your questions as needed.
What are the penalties for rape?
The penalty for rape varies depending on a range of factors, including the level of harm caused and the culpability.
A sentence of between 4 and 19 years in custody can often be expected. The maximum term is life imprisonment, but this would only be imposed very rarely and in exceptional circumstances.
What are the penalties for attempted rape?
Attempted rape is treated in the same way as rape and has the same maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
What is the difference between rape and assault by penetration?
Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 defines rape as the intentional penetration of someone’s vagina, anus or mouth with a penis, where consent was not given and the perpetrator does not reasonably believe that consent was given.
Section 2 of this Act defines assault by penetration as someone using part of their body or anything else to intentionally penetrate someone else’s vagina or anus. The penetration needs to be sexual and without consent and the perpetrator has no reasonable belief that consent was given.
Can I be convicted of historic rape or historic sex offences?
Facing historic rape allegations can be very stressful and difficult for both the accused and their family. While convictions can occur for historic rape, the prosecution will need to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the offence took place.
Our rape defence solicitors have experience in dealing with historic rape charges and investigations and we know how to build the strongest possible defence.
You will find our team to be helpful and supportive throughout this difficult time and we will deal with the matter with complete discretion.
How long does a rape investigation take?
A rape investigation often takes many months. The police will need to take statements, test DNA and gather and analyse digital evidence such as CCTV footage, emails and social media content. Those involved can expect to have their devices held by the authorities during this time.
The length of time between the alleged offence and the completion of a court case has typically been as high as two and a half years or more.
We know that this can be very difficult for those facing charges and we always do all we can to have charges dropped.
How our rape defence solicitors can help
Attending interviews under caution and obtaining bail
If you are arrested on suspicion of rape, attempted rape or assault by penetration, we can attend you at the police station to provide representation. We will go to interviews under caution with you and ensure that your rights are observed throughout the process.
Police interviews and rape investigations can be intrusive and distressing. Our rape lawyers can help you deal calmly with a difficult situation and make sure that you do not inadvertently damage your defence.
We are usually able to arrange for bail to be issued. This will generally have conditions attached, which you will need to comply with, such as staying away from named individuals or locations or observing a curfew.
Advising you on your case and preparing your defence
We will obtain copies of the evidence gathered by the police, which could include CCTV footage, electronic messages, witness statements and DNA evidence. We will give you our honest assessment of the strength of the case against you and discuss the best approach.
We will put together the strongest possible defence on your behalf. This could hinge on issues such as consent and lack of credible evidence.
Taking steps to have your case dismissed
The prosecution needs to prove rape beyond reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. This means that they will need clear evidence of guilt. If this appears to be lacking, we will press to have your case dismissed wherever possible.
If we discover that evidence has unlawfully been withheld, we will also request that your case is dropped, as you have a right to see all of the evidence against you.
We regularly find that rape cases against our clients are discharged before they reach court, including for lack of evidence, for procedural errors or because the alleged victim withdraws support for the case.
Preparing you for court and arranging for expert representation
If your case reaches court, we will ensure that you are thoroughly prepared and that you know exactly what to expect. You will be represented by an expert rape defence barrister who will work to establish your innocence.
For more information on our services, see our Sexual Offences Solicitors page.
Contact our rape allegations solicitors
If you have been accused of rape, it is crucial to speak to an expert rape defence solicitor as soon as possible. Our sexual offences lawyers can provide immediate representation and assistance, taking steps to ensure your rights are observed and putting a robust defence in place.
Call 020 8309 5010 | Ask us a Question | Email us