A child abuse case is tough, but we can help you through it
To be accused of abusing a child can be a traumatic experience. The shock alone can be overwhelming.
But help is available and these cases can be won. When you call or meet with our expert child abuse solicitors we will show you the path to getting the best result. We win cases, and most of our clients even avoid having to go to trial.
Recent success stories
GBH allegation against child - Police drop case
Investigation discontinued with no further action
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Case discontinued by the prosecution
A child abuse allegation creates a crisis on all sides
Being a suspect in a child abuse case is an experience which few people think could ever happen to them. The stigma of an offence against a child simply can't be compared to any other criminal case. Even when it's not true, being accused can turn a person's life upside down, and he or she can feel shame regardless.
It's not unusual to feel paranoid about people finding out and being labelled. People are often fearful about what damage the news could do to family members, relationships, standing in the community, and a person's career. The thought that they will be shunned by people in future can be demoralising.
People also worry about the possibility of prison if they are convicted, or having to be on the sex offenders' register, even though they are often mistaken as to what this actually means.
Some people will be afraid even to try to find a specialist child abuse solicitor, worried that somehow talking to people will make things worse, which of course is wrong.
The system behaves in an uncaring and unfair way
As soon as the accusation is made, it can seem like you have been judged guilty, even though that's not how the law works.
There's always the worry that some will think there's no smoke without fire. Police may seem sympathetic but aren't usually much help. They sadly sometimes even behave maliciously. This is sometimes felt in interview, when being directly accused of child abuse can be a traumatising experience. Police rarely show insight into the pain that the case causes, especially as weeks drag into months. They sometimes even get together with social services to prevent contact with children.
People facing these cases have usually never had police trouble before. They often don't realise that the process isn't fair, and that trusting the system is a mistake. Many are tempted to even refuse a lawyer because they've done nothing wrong. This is of course naive.
The cases can be very disruptive for families, but also professionally if a person is suspended or dismissed from work.
It's not hopeless - specialist lawyers can help
Having a case against you does not mean that your life as you know it is finished and that there's no hope in the situation. Help is available from specialist child abuse solicitors who can challenge the case against you so that you can return to a normal existence.
It starts with calming down the situation by making sure you understand what's going on and have no unanswered questions. This means having experienced child abuse defence solicitors on your side. They will keep you informed, they will prepare with you, and they will push on your behalf for the result, whether that means pressuring the police or prosecution to drop the case, or by persuading the jury to find you not guilty.
When you're properly represented you will begin to notice that trust has developed between you and your legal team, and you'll also see that they are ready to go in and fight for you. No matter what accusations others are thrown at you, that teamwork is the foundation for winning these high-stakes cases.
Our experts are here to guide you through
Our specialist child abuse solicitors have defended in some of the most high profile child abuse cases in legal history.
We have the experience and skill to win these cases, and we fight for the result. We also know how hard these cases can be on a client. Once you decide you want us with you, we support and protect you throughout.
We pressure the other side to drop the case, and we make it clear that they will not get an easy ride if they continue.
We aren't afraid of taking any point on your behalf if it helps your case. We don't aim to upset other lawyers or judges, but we are never afraid to stand up for our client in court.
We investigate the complainant with social services and schools, and search for any previous allegations, and motivations for lying. We do everything possible to expose the false allegation.
We use specialist barristers who can take apart the witness in court in a precise and devastating way, at the same time presenting your case impressively.
Things you can do right now to start to improve things
Don't despair. These cases can be beaten with a logical approach and the right help.
Do research to find a lawyer with experience in these cases. Don't assume that all lawyers know what they're doing.
Call us and speak to one of our expert child abuse lawyers. We're happy to talk. We're here to help, not to judge.
Be polite with police and social services, even if they're unprofessional. Don't discuss the allegation without a lawyer there but understand that these people have a job to do. If social services become involved, speak to a family lawyer as well as a criminal lawyer specialising in child abuse.
Don't think this will be sorted quicker if you cooperate with police. You can't speed it up. Communication with the police should be through lawyers. Police make notes of everything as evidence, even phonecalls.
Prepare for a long wait, even if police say that it will be over quickly. These cases usually take months, not days before they're finished.
No-tricks fixed-fee pricing
We can usually offer a fixed fee instalment plan so you can plan for the expense, and so you can fund your case in stages while it is continuing.
Private representation
Once we have an idea of what kind of case you are facing and what work that will be necessary, we will then be able to provide you with a fixed fee quote. This means that you know before you commit how much your case will cost.
What's included?
Frequently asked questions
How long does a child abuse investigation or court case last?
There is no set answer as to how long an investigation will last. Allegations where the complainants are still children will generally take priority and be handled more quickly by police and the CPS than historic cases, but this is a trend, not a rule. Cases which are historic will take longer. Child abuse investigations will usually take a minimum of several weeks to resolve, but this is unusual. more typical is a matter of months. If the case is a historic allegation, an investigation can sometimes take more than a year to conclude. None of this takes into account the length of time that a case takes to reach trial if prosecutors make a decision to charge a suspect. Once a person is charged, the case will usually take a minimum of 6 months to reach court.
How can I prove my innocence if I am accused of child abuse?
Proving that something didn't happen is always difficult, but the law does not require a defendant to prove his or her innocence. It is the prosecution who have to prove 'beyond reasonable doubt' (this means so the jury is sure) that the person is guilty. Unless the jury is sure of guilt, it cannot convict. This means that even if they find the allegation is believable, unless they're sure they do not believe the defendant, they have to judge him or her not guilty.
Will I lose my job if I am investigated, charged or convicted for a child sexual offence?
Most employers will not dismiss an employee who is suspected of an offence unless that person is charged or convicted. They will often suspend the employee, however, with or without full pay. In certain jobs an employee is under a duty to inform an employer of a criminal case, either because of a term in the contract of employment or because the profession is regulated and rules require it. Advice from an employment lawyer should be obtained if there is any doubt.
Can police tell my employer I have been accused of child abuse?
The police should only tell your employer you are under investigation if you work in a so-called 'notifiable profession' such as teaching or healthcare which means you have contact with children or vulnerable people, or if there is any risk to the public or yourself if you continue in your job. You are not under a duty to tell the police what your employment is outside a notifiable profession if they do not already know.
Will I go to prison if I am convicted of child abuse?
Prison sentences are often handed down in child abuse cases, but it is important to recognise the difference between child neglect or assault and child sexual abuse. Where there is a sexual element the chances of a prison sentence are higher.
Will I go on the sex offenders' register for a child abuse case?
You will not go on the sex offenders' register unless the case has a sexual element, for example, assault by touching, rape, grooming offences etc. The sex offenders' register is not usually made publicly available. It is a way of police knowing what your current address is, which in most cases they can work out fairly easily anyway.
Will I get my phone or computer back if I have been arrested for child abuse? When will this happen?
It is common in cases where child abuse is alleged for computers, tablets, hard drives or other devices such as smartphones to be seized. Analysing those devices usually takes several months. If anything incriminating is found on them, it is unlikely they will be returned at all. If the police say that phone etc will be returned in a few days, this is sadly usually a lie.
Does it make me look guilty to have a lawyer in a child abuse case?
Having a lawyer with you while you are facing an investigation is not just your right, it is also completely normal. Most people accused of serious offences have a lawyer with them, including innocent people, and police know this. Interetsingly, if a police officer is ever accused of a criminal offence, it is almost unheard of that he or she will not be represented by a specialist lawyer.
Send us a confidential message
We'll get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to speak to you if you have a query, and either have a free consultation on the phone or in person if necessary.