Our indecent images solicitors don't accept that a seized computer is an open-and-shut case.
When police knock at the door for the first time, it can change your life in an instant. The stigma and the worry about what may happen can be incredibly stressful. But there's a big difference between police suspecting you and actual evidence which stacks up in court.
Even if the case against you is overwhelming, representation from expert indecent images lawyers can help you avoid prison. Getting the right advice early can help you avoid conviction and protect your reputation.
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Indecent images investigations affect family, careers & mental health
An indecent images case can bring major stress to the person who it targets, especially if he or she has never been in trouble with police before.
Police involvement is often a new and unpleasant experience. People feel like they are being marked out by police as guilty from the very start, even if they've done nothing wrong.
There is often an effect on family members, especially if social services have become involved, and professionals in the situation can seem uncaring about the effects of the investigation.
People can be afraid of damage to their careers, about local news, or even about the possibility of prison. Not knowing what to expect next can make the situation feel even worse.
An indecent images allegation can badly affect a person's mental health, and people don't always realise how much they are suffering. They also often try to protect family members by not telling them about the problem, and suffering in silence. Even if it's for noble reasons, secrecy isn't a good idea.
Embarrassment and inexperience makes the process harder
Indecent images solicitors know that these cases are made more difficult because of the stigma which surrounds them. Just the police being involved can result in an undeserved sense of shame.
Social services and police sometimes take an overly aggressive approach in order to avoid criticism. Parental access to children is sometimes restricted, which can harm their development.
People in this situation can also be vulnerable or suggestible because of their inexperience. They may be naive with police, who they may think are there to help them.
Even police and prosecutors often don't understand the technical evidence or the law. Non-specialist indecent images lawyers are often not much better.
After the police become involved, the shock and embarrassment can make people feel isolated, stressed, or just too overwhelmed to take steps to get legal help.
In some cases a person can start to become fatalistic and imagine the worst, even if this is not how things usually end up.
Don't despair - Having decent lawyers improves your chances.
Being involved in an indecent images case doesn't mean you have to feel beaten. Having a firm of specialist indecent images solicitors can make things considerably better.
It's important to understand that not every case inevitably goes to court. Indecent images lawyers are used to pressuring police and the CPS to consider the case being discontinued, especially in low level cases.
Even if a case goes to court, it's not a foregone conclusion that a person will be found guilty. Experienced indecent images solicitors will analyse the evidence and tell you if you have a case. If they expose weaknesses in the prosecution case, they may be able to persuade them to drop it before it reaches trial. If not, a good indecent images solicitor may help you get a not guilty verdict.
Prison is not inevitable, even if you plead guilty. Even if there are serious images or distribution, if indecent images lawyers can show there have been mental health issues, the court may be lenient.
Our indecent images lawyers can help turn the situation around
From the first meeting with one of our indecent images solicitors, you'll be aware that we're true specialists. We've acted in hundreds of these cases, and we get results.
We don't accept the evidence against you unless you tell us. We don't give an inch to the other side unless we have to. If you want to fight the case, we get the full evidence, and then we go to work. This means analysis by a computer forensic expert, and forcing the prosecution to try to prove its case. We brief barristers to work with our own indecent images lawyers and we fight in court to clear your name.
Our job is to defend you but also to support you throughout. A case like this is tough on anybody facing it. Our indecent images solicitors help you keep the right perspective.
If you've already admitted offences, we build a strong mitigation case. We're experts at showing courts how compulsive behaviours involving computers can actually be a form of self-harm. This understanding keeps people out of jail.
Actionable steps you can take right now to improve things
Get a specialist indecent images solicitor on your side. These cases are not general criminal law. You need someone experienced helping you.
Call us and speak to one of our indecent images solicitors with no-obligation. We can advise you on your options so you know what steps you need to take.
If you're feeling stressed or suffering from anxiety, see your GP. You don't need to tell them all the details, just that you have a legal problem.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that you don't need a lawyer, or that it will make you look guilty if you have one. Most people who care about what happens in their case choose to have a lawyer.
Don't discuss the case with the police except through your lawyers.
Don't despair. Even if things appear bleak, your life is not over. You will get through this.
Don't suffer alone. Confide in a trusted friend or family member so you have someone to talk to.
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
Will I go to prison for indecent images?
Prison is a possibility in an indecent images case, but where a client pleads guilty, many cases result in a non-custodial sentence such as a community order. Defendants may be required to do a course with probation officers, and may have to agree to not use the internet at home, or not have unsupervised contact with minors for a number of years. These are possible outcomes, not guarantees. Prison may be more likely where there are images in the hundreds or thousands, where those images are of a high category of seriousness, or if they have been shared with others
Will I be on the sex offenders register?
A person convicted of a sexual offence will usually find that they have to sign the sex offenders' register, but this is not a database that the public has access to.
What is the sex offenders register?
The sex offenders' register is a record held by police of your name and current address. Being on it means that you have to notify the police if you move house or if you travel abroad. It doesn't give your neighbours or other people an automatic right to know about a criminal conviction.
If I have a problem where can I get help?
If you need counselling or help with internet or porn addiction we would recommend having counselling. You should ask any counsellor so you are sure of your right to confidentiality if you disclose any offences to them. Some advice lines such as Stop It Now make it clear that they will pass on any information relating to offences you say you have committed.
When will I get my computer/phone/devices back?
If you are suspected of an indecent images offence, the police will keep all electronic devices which belong to you at least until they have been checked for indecent images, and probably until the case is over. If the police have told you that you'll get your items back in a few days or weeks, this is usually a lie. Occasionally they will prioritise work items or items which belong to someone else. This is the exception rather than the rule.
They have taken items of a family member - when can I get them back.
The police do not have a right to keep items belonging to other people if those items have no connection to you. They should be returned. Your indecent images solicitor should assist you with getting them back.
How long does an indecent images case last?
These investigations are notoriously slow. It can take longer than a year to find out if you are going to be charged and several more months before the case has its final hearing in court. Cases where there are children in the house and social services are involved are more likely to be expedited, but this means they will take months rather than weeks.
I have been accused of making an indecent image but I haven't made anything.
The Protection of Children Act's use of the word 'making' of an image is misleading. 'Making' means viewing an image. You have to have known or suspected that what you chose to view could have been an indecent image to be guilty of the offence.
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.