Rape & Sexual Assault Defence Solicitors
When you’re accused of rape and/or sexual assault, it’s critical that you seek the defence services of true experts. Holborn Adams specialise in sexual offence defence, led by Andrew Ford - a recognised leader in the field. Make a free and confidential enquiry call today.
Have you been accused of rape? Speak to our specialist defence solicitors today.
Rape and sexual assault cases are sensitive and complex, and therefore need defended by solicitors who have a strong winning track record. Holborn Adams’ track record of case wins is second to none. We advocate pre-charge engagement, where we present a full defence to prosecutors to push them to drop the case with no charges and no further action.
We believe client care is as important as the results we get. For this reason we are a fully private firm (no legal aid), which allows us to dedicate more time and resources to our cases, giving you the best possible care. Additionally, pre-charge engagement is not covered on the legal aid scheme, so our private fees allow us to offer this crucial defence service.
Legal definitions of rape & sexual assault
Rape and sexual assault are criminal offences defined in the Sexual Offences Act (2003). You may also be facing accusations of assault by penetration and rape by deception, which have their own definitions, all outlined below:
Rape is defined as:
- Non-consensual penetration of a person’s vagina, anus, or mouth with a penis.
- The accused must have intended to penetrate without a reasonable belief that the person consented.
- Legally, only someone with a penis can commit rape under this definition.
Sexual assault is defined as:
- Non-consensual sexual touching (including groping and other unwanted contact).
- The accused must have intended to sexually touch without a reasonable belief that the person consented.
- Applies regardless of gender or biological sex.
Assault by penetration is defined as:
- Non-consensual penetration with an object or body part (not the penis).
- The accused must have intended to penetrate without a reasonable belief that the person consented.
- Applies regardless of gender or biological sex.
Rape by deception is defined as:
- Obtaining consent to penetration with a penis through serious deception.
- Includes lying about contraception use and pretending to be someone else.
- Legally, only someone with a penis can commit rape by deception under this definition.
Sentencing for rape & sexual assault
The maximum sentences for rape and sexual assault offences are as follows:
- Rape (including rape by deception) - up to life imprisonment.
- Sexual assault - up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
- Assault by penetration - up to life imprisonment.
If convicted, you would also have to sign the Sex Offender Register (registration duration depends on the sentence length and seriousness of the crime).
You may also have a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed on you to restrict your behaviour after conviction/caution.
If you are not convicted, you may still be given a Sexual Risk Order (SRO) if you’re believed to be a risk of sexual harm.
Defences against rape and sexual assault allegations
We have extensive experience defending cases of rape and sexual assault, so we are able to build the strongest, tailored defence possible.
Some of the defences we may use include:
- Consent - proving sexual activity was consensual and lawful.
- Lack of intent - the accused did not intend to commit the act.
- No sexual activity occurred - asserting allegations were falsely made.
- Insufficient evidence - prosecution cannot prove guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Evidence challenges - dispute the reliability or interpretation of evidence.
- Mental illness / disability - where applicable, impacting criminal responsibility.
- Procedural failings - identifying errors by prosecution that undermine a fair trial.
- Duress or coercion - showing the accused was forced to act under threat.
The earlier we start building your defence, the higher the likelihood we can get your case dropped. Make a confidential enquiry call to our legal team today.
Nationwide Support
We take on clients across the UK
We have offices spread all across the UK (and even beyond!). We can represent you no matter where you are in the UK.
What we can offer
Extensive experience from successful cases.
Optional visits to your home to discuss case details.
Remote communications to save you travel time.
Ability to work to tight timescales to match the pace of the case.
Transparent pricing with fixed fees*
Our process
Your case, step by step
Much of the anxiety in a criminal case comes from not knowing what to expect. At Holborn Adams, we believe in clarity, respect, and consistent communication. Here's what working with us looks like.
Enquiry call with a legal expert
Confidentially discuss your case with an experienced solicitor. We’ll outline your options and give a transparent estimate of likely costs - no pressure, no commitment.
Case review and approval
Our legal team examines the case details and identifies possible defences. You'll receive a no-obligation fixed-fee proposal, and we only move forward once you're ready.
Strategy development
Where appropriate, we seek early case dismissal. Otherwise, we build a robust defence tailored to every stage of the criminal justice process.
Representation
From police interviews to court proceedings, we handle all communication with authorities and support you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are fully protected.
Respected and trusted
As proud members of the UK’s largest legal sector governing bodies, we are a team you can put your full trust in. We adhere to strict industry regulations, so you can be confident your case is in safe hands.
Our legal services
How our rape defence solicitors support your case
Every allegation is unique. With extensive experience defending rape and sexual assault charges, we offer a tailored strategy designed to protect your freedom, reputation, and peace of mind. Your fixed fee includes a full range of legal services such as:
Apply to vary bail conditions
Sexual offence bail terms are often restrictive. We can request changes to ease their impact on your daily life, family, and employment
Create a defence strategy
We investigate the case from all angles - scrutinising the evidence, consulting relevant experts, and identifying legal weaknesses.
Reputation management
If your case becomes public, we act quickly to mitigate reputational damage using legal routes and media handling, keeping your name out of the headlines where possible.
Attend police interviews
You won’t face questioning alone. We prepare you thoroughly and represent you during interviews to safeguard against damaging mistakes.
Early resolution with police
We engage directly with investigators at an early stage, presenting evidence or context that may lead to the case being dropped before charges are brought.
Convincing the CPS not to proceed
If a charge is authorised, we can challenge the CPS's decision by highlighting flaws in the case or arguing that prosecution isn’t justified.
Independent reviews
Explore our Trustpilot reviews to see what our customers have to say about their experiences with us!
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Our Fees
Fixed fee defence
Our team will give you a free, no-obligation quote after your initial consultation. We offer a fixed fee service, free of any hidden extra costs. Our firm is exclusively privately-funded meaning we cannot accept any legal aid clients. Your fees secure you a top-tier team and top-tier treatment, covering
Dedicated, experienced legal team.
Ability to get your case dropped before charges.
Representation at interviews and court hearings.
Requests to vary bail conditions where required.
Negotiating with police or prosecutors
Referrals to various support services.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some answers to our most commonly asked questions - for tailored support with your case, please call us now for a free initial consultation.
You can make an enquiry call for free, but we cannot provide free legal advice. As a 100% privately funded firm, we offer defence services exclusively to paying clients. During your enquiry call, we’ll learn about your case, confirm whether we can help, and give you a rough estimate of costs. Your case details will then be shared with our team to develop an initial strategy and prepare a formal, no-obligation fixed-fee quote. If you choose to proceed, this fee will cover your full defence.
Yes - we are proudly accredited by the two largest governing legal bodies in the UK, the Law Society and Legal 500. We are also regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
No - we are a 100% privately funded firm, meaning we charge a fixed fee for our services. We do not take on legal aid cases. We find that focusing on private cases only allows us to dedicate more time and resources to defending our clients to a much higher degree than firms who are stretched thin by intense legal aid caseloads.
Every case is different. After your initial consultation, we’ll determine which services are best for your defence, and calculate a fixed fee quote for you. The price depends on the complexity of the case, how long it will take, which team members are best for the case, and whether we need to instruct specialists. We do not charge by the hour - only a fixed fee for your whole defence.
We have a member of our legal team available to speak 24/7, 365 days a year. Whenever you need to speak to someone, you will be connected instantly. All calls are 100% confidential.