What Does a Sexual Offence Solicitor Do?
In the UK, a sexual offence solicitor is a criminal defence solicitor who specialises in representing individuals accused of sexual offences.
At Holborn Adams our sexual offence experts play a critical role in ensuring that anyone accused of a sexual offence receives a fair trial and legal advice throughout the criminal justice process. As a result, we have developed a significant success rate in stopping sexual offence allegations being charged - an industry term, known as sexual offence pre-charge representation.
In this guide, we offer a breakdown of what a sexual offence expert solicitor does. Please be mindful when reading that we are a strict private practice and not legal aid. Unfortunately legal aid lawyers, also known as “free lawyers”, are often poorly resourced and cannot commit fully to your case, increasing the likelihood of a catastrophic outcome. At Holborn Adams, we prioritise your case, assisting throughout the following stages:
1. Legal Advice
- From the start of an investigation, our Holborn Adams expert solicitor will provide clear, confidential legal advice to the accused
- They will explain the nature of the allegations, possible outcomes, and legal rights
- Our solicitor will also advise clients on how to respond during police interviews (e.g., to answer questions or remain silent).
2. Police Station Representation
- We attend police interviews with our clients (even before charges are brought)
- We protect clients from unfair or leading questioning
- We ensure interviews follow correct procedures under PACE, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
3. Case Preparation
If charges are brought, the Holborn Adams solicitor will:
- Examine evidence (CCTV, forensic, and digital communications)
- Interview or instruct expert witnesses
- Challenge unreliable or prejudicial evidence
- Gather defence witnesses and alibis
- Advise on possible defence strategies (e.g., mistaken identity, consent, and false accusation)
- Explore post charge representation to continue to have your case reviewed and dismissed.
4. Representation in Court
- While barristers usually handle court advocacy, Holborn Adams in-house team also appear in court, especially if they are solicitor-advocates
- We work closely with barristers to ensure the best possible defence
- We guide clients through court proceedings and speak on their behalf at hearings. Clients will be prepared months in advance, with no stone left unturned.
5. Plea Negotiations
If appropriate, we negotiate with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) regarding:
- Charges being dropped or reduced
- A guilty plea, sometimes used in exchange for a more lenient sentence
- Post charge representations to have the case “thrown out.”
6. Post-Trial Work
If convicted, we can assist with:
- Appeals
- Sentencing or mitigation
- Sex Offender Register requirements.
