Question 1

What is sexual assault?

Accepted Answer

Sexual assault or sexual touching under section is touching another person in a sexual way without their consent and without reasonable belief in their consent.

Question 2

Will I go to prison for sexual assault?

Accepted Answer

Sexual assault cases do not necessarily result in a prison sentence even if the person is convicted. It depends on a number of factors. Some of these factors include the number of assaults, the age of the victim, whether the assault was through clothes, and what part of the body was touched.

Question 3

Will I be placed on the sex offenders' register if I am convicted of sexual assault?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. It will depend on your age, the age of the complainant, and on the type of sentence you receive. For example, if you receive a sentence of fewer than 12 months and you and the complainant are both over 18 years old, you will not be placed on the sex offenders' register.

Question 4

What is the sex offenders' register?

Accepted Answer

The sex offenders register is actually a set of rules called 'notification requirements' which means that you have to let the local police know your address, give them advance notice of foreign travel, and if you move house. It does not give your neighbours an automatic right to know of any previous convictions you have.

Question 5

It's one word against the other. Can they bring a case against me for sexual assault?

Accepted Answer

It is possible for someone to be convicted on the strength of one person's word against another's, but it is less likely. The police and prosecution will usually try to find evidence which points to the defendant being either dishonest or inconsistent in his or her story, or find evidence which supports the complainant's case.

Question 6

This person has made false allegations of sexual assault against other people before. Can this evidence be used in my defence?

Accepted Answer

If someone has a habit of making similar sexual allegations against other people, there is scope for this to be used by the defence. Permission has to be obtained from the judge if it is classed as 'evidence of previous sexual history'.

Question 7

Why didn't the police gather CCTV or other evidence which will help me?

Accepted Answer

The police are under a duty to obtain evidence which may help the defence. If they don't do this they can be cross-examined on it by the defence in court. The judge may also exclude other prosecution evidence, or in some rare cases stop the case as an abuse of process.

Question 8

Why don't the police or prosecution take into account my good character? I am well respected and nobody has ever accused me of sexual assault before.

Accepted Answer

The police and CPS often don't pay much attention to evidence of someone's good character, but that doesn't mean that the court will ignore it. Good sexual assault solicitors will gather evidence of your good name and reputation to make sure that all in court are fully aware that your character is impeccable and that as a result you should be believed.

We listen to you to find out what happened. Then we work on persuading others.

Recent success stories

Police end sexual assault case against Podiatrist

Not guilty verdict in Sexual Assault allegation

Contact information

Multiple locations

Call us

Office openings

Send us a confidential message