Rape offences are prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 in England and Wales and include:
Rape involves sexual penetration of any part of the body and can apply to heterosexual sexual activity or same sex sexual activity.
In rape cases, issues of consent may be involved – including whether consent could be given if the victim was intoxicated, was subjected to coercion, had a mental health condition or was unconscious, asleep or on medication.
Spouses or partners can be charged with rape – and there have been cases where one or both parties were underage, including very young children.
In cases of sexual activity solely involving children – where there is no evidence of coercion or force between children – it is more likely social services will become involved.
The age of consent for the purposes of sexual activity is set at 16 – regardless of sexual orientation.
Sentences for rape can involve life imprisonment and it is vital to seek expert legal advice from Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors as soon as any allegation of rape is made – including historical rape allegations.
The early stages of a rape investigation involves collecting evidence and witness statements – and it is easy for a defendant to make errors and misjudgements when dealing with the police or other authorities, especially when faced with charges involving historical rape allegations.
Duncan Lewis advises those facing rape allegations to uphold their right to remain silent until a criminal defence lawyer has arrived at a police station for interview under caution, as statements made in the early stages of a rape inquiry may have a bearing on the outcome if the case goes to trial.
Sentences for rape and associated offences include:
Inciting sexual activity without consent involving penetration would cover penetration using an object or a body part such as a finger.
Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge for rape and related sexual offences, and has successful departments covering Child care and Family law – including advising on dealing with social services – as well as Mental Health law and Personal Injury law, all of which might be relevant in a rape case.
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can also advise on rape cases involving youth offenders and have considerable expertise in defending historical rape allegations.
Duncan Lewis can also advise defendants on signing the Sex Offenders’ Registrar – as well as advising on Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPOs).
The Duncan Lewis Crime Department is ranked in Legal 500 2014 for its General Crime and White Collar Fraud Work.
Duncan Lewis crime lawyers have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system – and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in cases involving rape and sexual offences.
Duncan Lewis represents clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal – and has highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious matters such as murder and rape.
Clients do not have to wait until they have been arrested to contact Duncan Lewis about any criminal charges – our team can advise from the initial stages of a police inquiry involving rape allegations.
Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can also advise on appeals against conviction and sentencing for rape and related sexual offences.
All Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors are highly trained and highly experienced – and are dedicated to offering the best criminal defence services to our clients at police stations, courts and prisons.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast and in all major cities across England and Wales.
A member of the Duncan Lewis criminal defence team can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to offer expert legal advice on all criminal charges and for police interview under caution.
We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing rape charges – call Duncan Lewis any time on 020 7923 4020 for expert legal advice.
For 24/7 help at a police station in England and Wales, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.
Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services – Legal Aid is means tested and may only be available in certain circumstances.
Duncan Lewis can advise further on Legal Aid at the initial client meeting.
In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors offer competitively-priced fee levels for private client representation – with fixed fees and advance notice of any costs whenever possible.
In some criminal cases, after the event insurance may be an option and Duncan Lewis will advise on an appropriate level of insurance to cover the potential costs of defending a criminal case and to pay any costs imposed by the court.
Call Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors to discuss rape charges on 020 7923 4020.