At Reeds we have a proven record of defending people against Rape Allegations. Our team of expert sexual offence solicitors handle investigations of all descriptions.
Reeds Solicitors is a Legal 500 Tier 1 solicitors’ firm. Our team of solicitors are regularly sought out based on their established reputation for defending sexual allegations and securing acquittals for their clients in high profile cases.
Defending cases of a sexual nature requires a particular skill set and experience, not only in terms of case preparation and presentation but also in terms of client care.
Those facing accusations and charges of rape need to know that they have support, expert knowledge, and guidance, which our team provides at every stage. Our goal is to make it as easy as we can for you to talk openly and freely about difficult situation. We listen without judgement, letting you know what to expect, when to expect it whilst advising how best to approach it.
Please reach out for expert advice as soon as possible. Call 01865 260 230 or contact Reeds Solicitors LLP on info@reeds.com. If you wish to contact us out of usual office hours, then phone 01865 920067.
Facing RAPE allegations and charges
It does not take much time to notice there has been a sea change in recent years relating to sexual offences complaints. Many noble causes such as the #Metoo movement and prosecutions of serial predators (such as Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein) have brought the issue into the mainstream media.
It is an issue that has been repeatedly raised in parliament. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) statistics (2020-21) show rape charges have risen by almost five per cent over the year. The CPS is also increasing resources towards specialist Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) units, so they are equipped to deal with more cases. Perhaps the most concerning initiative in recent years has been the government’s recently released plans to introduce Rape “score cards” for prosecution rates and conviction rates.
There is a feeling among legal professionals that the emphasis on complaints has shifted too far, and the “believe victims” movement sets a dangerous precedent that may undermine one of the fundamental premises of our legal system;
For people who are accused of serious offences, such as rape, this social climate can create an intimidating atmosphere where you are perceived guilty before you have seen a courtroom. Not to mention the devastating impact an allegation can have on your reputation.
At Reeds, we are all too aware of the frequent false and malicious allegations made against people. We have been able, time and time again, to prove the allegations entirely false.
Being accused of rape can be a life changing event. It is essential that you seek legal advice as soon as possible, both in respect of legal position, but also reputation management.
Police Station Representation for Rape Allegations
If you are arrested for an allegation of rape, it is vital you request a solicitor to represent you in your interview. Reeds Solicitors LLP offers Police station representation throughout England and Wales.
Many interviews for rape are arranged via a voluntary interview. Often officers underplay the seriousness of the situation and ask the suspect in “for a chat”. It is only when the client attends that they realise the seriousness of the situation – that they are being interviewed under caution.
Do not fall victim to this tactic. Contact us at the earliest opportunity to ensure a solicitor is with you and supports you.
Police station representation is free under Legal Aid throughout England and Wales.
Private Client Police Station Representation for Rape Allegations
All clients have the opportunity to instruct our private client department to represent them at the police station. Preparation can be undertaken prior to your interview to gather evidence in support of your case and assist you in preparation for answering questions in your interview.
You will be assisted by a senior solicitor in our Private Client department in interview who will maintain continuity of representation in your case throughout the entirety of the investigation stage.
Rape Investigation Stage Advice
It is essential to receive legal advice early and to take a proactive approach to your defence. This involves early investigation stage engagement with the officers and prosecution, drawing their attention to evidence that supports the defence. This may include
- Text messages,
- Forensic evidence
- Emails and other forms of electronic communication
- Social media evidence
- CCTV
- Medical evidence
- Expert reports
- Further witness details and witness statements
It may also include letters of representations to the officer on the weakness of the complaint against you. The aim of this pro-active early engagement is to demonstrate that the evidence is not strong, and the case should not be prosecuted. However, if the case is taken further, it ensures you are in the best position possible going forward.
Court representation for Rape allegations
If you are prosecuted for rape, it is important you get in touch prior to your first hearing in the Magistrates Court. Our solicitors at Reeds will be able to help you.
You will need to be in contact with your solicitor regularly and build a rapport so that you can comfortably discuss the necessary sensitive and personal topics. During this we take detailed instructions in order to fully prepare your case.
It is important no stone is left unturned in preparation of your defence. Case preparation for rape routinely involves the instruction of experts in the following expertise:
- Forensic experts
- DNA experts
- Private investigators / Enquiry Agents
- Digital forensic experts
- Toxicologists
- Psychiatrists and Pschologists
- CCTV analysts / Enhancers
At Reeds Solicitors LLP we have extensive connections to the leading experts in the industry and regularly instruct them to help build your defence.
Crown Court Representation
All rape cases are heard in the Crown Court due to the nature and seriousness of the offence. As such, to provide the highest level of representation a client is allocated a senior litigator and Counsel.
At Reeds Solicitors LLP we offer a unique service where clients have the choice of instructed in house senior counsel or independent counsel. We assist you every step of the way in ensuring you get the right representation for you. You will have regular contact with your counsel and litigator to ensure you are always kept up to date with the progression of your defence.
Top Tier Defence for Rape Allegations
For individuals that wish to instruct the highest level of representation, we also have extensive connections to well-regarded Queens Counsel (Silk) to ensure you have a top-tier defence at your disposal. Queens Counsel can work alongside us to write representations, skeleton arguments, and disclosure documents in an attempt to prove your innocence before a matter reaches a court room. If it does proceed to a trial, you could not be in better hands.
For more information, please consider reviewing the information on the main page regarding sexual offences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below some frequently asked question about rape and the law regarding it.
What is the legal definition of rape?
The offence of rape is set out in section 1 of the sexual offences act 2003.
Rape in the Sexual Offences Act 2003
- A person (A) commits an offence if—
- he intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person (B) with his penis,
- B does not consent to the penetration, and
- A does not reasonably believe that B consents.
- Whether a belief is reasonable is to be determined having regard to all the circumstances, including any steps A has taken to ascertain whether B consents.
- Sections 75 and 76 apply to an offence under this section.
- A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.
If I believed they were consenting, but they were not, am I still guilty of the offence?
No, as per the legislation above, person A is only guilty if he does not reasonably believe that B consents.
It is only their word versus mine, can I still be prosecuted for rape?
Yes, you can still be prosecuted. However, such allegations should be carefully scrutinised for inconsistencies and contradictory evidence that undermines this account. Such evidence, if demonstrated at an early opportunity of an investigation can result in the matter going no further. However, if the matter is proceeding to trial, such evidence will be important in proving your innocence.
Will I go to prison if convicted of rape?
If you are found guilty of rape, unfortunately it is almost certain that you will receive a custodial sentence. This is why it is so important to make sure you have the best defence possible.
The sentencing guidelines for Rape can be found here.
Will I be placed on the sexual offenders register if convicted of rape?
Yes, a conviction for rape will automatically place you on the sexual offenders register, for an amount of time to be determined at the point of sentence.
You can find more details regarding notification requirements here.
The Court may also consider imposing a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), or a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
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