Personal

Rape Solicitors

SOLVING PERSONAL LEGAL MATTERS

Rape allegations are very serious and being convicted of this offence could result in an individual receiving anything from a lengthy custodial sentence to life imprisonment. If you have been arrested by the Police for rape and have been released on bail or under investigation or, have been asked to attend at the police station for questioning or have already been charged with rape, it's vital to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible so that your defence can be prepared.

Being accused of rape can put a huge strain on you, on your reputation, your relationships and your career, so it's important to have the right support there to help with legal and practical advice that can make a real difference to the process and even the eventual outcome of the investigation or case.

Contact our specialist criminal defence team on 0800 639 3206. We operate 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, ensuring that we are available when you need us to help.

What to do if accused of rape

If you have been accused of rape, it is likely that you will be arrested and questioned at a police station. If this happens to you, it's essential to seek specialist legal advice from experienced rape solicitors as quickly as possible, before you are questioned.

Your solicitor will be able to meet with you privately and ensure that you know your rights. With the benefit of their accurate and expert advice, you can make informed choices about what to do next. Your solicitor can be with you whilst you are questioned. It is extremely important that the contents of your police interview reflect your position. A failure to mention something which was reasonable to have mentioned in during your police interview could result in the Court drawing an adverse inference at your trial. Similarly, saying too much could result in the admission of other offences.

The legal advice and representation given at the police station is always free of charge.

Defending rape allegations

Defending allegations of rape can be very complex and every case is different, with its own set of circumstances. In addition to establishing whether the act took place, the issue of consent is pivotal for determining a verdict in the case.

In order to prove rape, the prosecution must prove to a jury beyond reasonable doubt:

That you have intentionally penetrated with your penis the vagina, mouth or anus of the complainant; AND
That at the time of the penetration the complainant did not consent to it; AND
That at the time of the penetration you did not reasonably believe that the complainant consented to the penetration.

The age of the complainant is also relevant. There is a further test if the complainant is between the ages of 13 years and 16 years old. If the complainant is under 13 years then the challenges to present a defence can be substantial.

The test for rape can be difficult to understand and applied. Similarly, a number of enquires need to be made as soon as possible to secure your defence. This can include data on your phone, such as text messages and phone calls and entries on social media. We have strong connections with some of the best digital analysts in the country and can help ensure that such data is accurately secured and then presented to the court.

Our team of specialist solicitors can help you to contest a false rape allegation and provide you with the expert advice and support you need at every stage of the legal process.

Why choose us for your rape defence lawyer?

As experienced criminal defence solicitors, Forbes offer expert assistance in relation to serious offences including rape. Our police station solicitor service, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, means that no matter when you need us, our team can offer specialist support at every single stage of an investigation; from initial arrest and/or questioning and throughout any potential prosecution. If you have been accused of or charged with rape, our team can help by offering our legal expertise nationwide. Call us on 0800 639 3206.