Rape and Attempted Rape (including assault by penetration)
If you are accused of a serious sexual assault such as rape or attempted rape, you must seek the immediate help of a professional legal team, who will be able to provide you with the level of advice and support that you will need and expect.
Allegations of this nature are both serious and emotive and can be extremely damaging for those that stand accused. It is essential that if accusations such as these have been made against you, you are represented by a highly skilled and experienced firm of solicitors such as Draycott Brown, which has an exceptional team of legal experts, who will deal with your case discreetly and sensitively. Don’t think that just because you are innocent you won’t need a solicitor, as you will need someone with the appropriate technical knowledge on your side, fighting your corner. You are entitled to a solicitor from the moment of your arrest and legal representation at this stage may make all the difference to the outcome of your case. Cases such as these can be lengthy and complex, with issues surrounding consent difficult to unravel. At Draycott Browne, our expertise is second to none and we have a formidable reputation for successfully defending our clients against criminal complaints of this kind.
Don’t delay. If you have been accused of rape, attempted rape, or assault by penetration, contact Draycott Browne's sexual offence team on +44 (0)161 228 2244 today.
What am I being accused of?
Rape, attempted rape and assault by penetration are all serious crimes that carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Under Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, rape is defined as a person’s intentional penetration of another person’s vagina, anus or mouth with his penis, where consent is not given and the perpetrator does not reasonably believe that consent was given.
Rape offences prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 in England and Wales include:
- Rape
- Inciting sexual activity without consent.
- Sexual activity without consent
- Sexual assault
Rape can apply to heterosexual sexual activity or same sex sexual activity.
Assault by penetration is defined under Section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act as a person using part of their body or anything else to intentionally penetrate the vagina or anus of another person, where the penetration is sexual, consent has not been given and the perpetrator does not reasonably believe that consent was given.
The question of consent is vital in such allegations and you must instruct a legal team with the expertise required to thoroughly examine the evidence, consider the steps that were taken to establish consent and determine how reasonable the belief of that consent was.
What are the penalties?
The offences of rape and assault by penetration will be dealt with by the Crown Court.
To reflect the extremely serious nature of these crimes, along with an increased focus on the victims, sentencing for many sex offences has increased in recent years. The maximum sentences that rape, attempted rape and assault by penetration all carry is life imprisonment so it essential you seek expert, legal advice straight away.
Aggravated features including instances where someone has used their reputation, power or position of trust to carry out a serious sexual assault can also lead to harsher sentences being carried out.
How we can help
It is imperative that you seek immediate legal advice from a trusted firm of solicitors, which has the experience and expertise in defending rape allegations.
We will be able to help you with the following:
- Police station attendance
- Securing bail on your behalf
- Thoroughly prepare you defence for trial
- Providing you with first class representation in court
- Protecting your reputation
- Helping with the appeals process, where necessary
Our aim is to achieve the best outcome possible for your circumstances and will pursue this with a commitment that is second to none.
24 Hour Availability
Arrests are rarely anticipated, which is why we are available around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days of the year, to assist you at the police station, whenever you need us.
Legal Aid
Legal fees can be an unexpected cost that you many struggle to afford, but legal aid, can relieve financial stress during your case, leaving you to focus on what matters. Our solicitors can advise you on your eligibility and will guide you through the process of applying for legal aid, giving you the best chance of a successful application.
Contact the experts today.
We work across Manchester and the wider northwest so if you are looking for quality legal representation, to help you through the difficult time ahead, contact our first-class solicitors today on +44 (0)161 228 2244 or complete our contact form.