Sexual Offences Against Children and Indecent Images

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Sexual Offences Against Children & Indecent Images

There are several pieces of legislation under which prosecutions for sexual offences against children or making or downloading indecent images of children can be brought, including:

• Section 1 of The Protection of Children Act (PCA 1978)
• Section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (CJA 1988)
• The Obscene Publication Act 1959.

Sexual offences against children are prosecuted under:

• Sections 10 and 11 or Sections 48 to 50 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Section 14 of the Sexual Offences Act is used to prosecute online sexual offences against children – including arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence
• Section 15 of the Sexual Offences Act deals specifically with child grooming with a view to committing sexual offences against children.

Sexual offences against children and making, downloading or distributing indecent images of children are serious crimes and it is vital to take expert legal advice form a specialist criminal law solicitor with expertise in defending sexual offences as soon as an allegation is made, or an investigation by the police or social services is launched.

Individuals or parents or guardians facing allegations of sexual offences against children – such as making indecent images – may be quite innocent of any offence. However, allegations can sometimes result from family images of children being found on computers sent for repair, or when films are developed at a laboratory.

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving sexual offences against children or indecent images of children – including advising child care professionals in a position of trust or responsibility on any allegations made against them concerning indecent images or sexual offences against children.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers are also able to advise on historical allegations of sexual offences against children and indecent images – and offer clients robust criminal defence services and meticulous preparation of case papers to make sure a client has the best possible outcome, regardless of the charges involved.

Penalties for sexual offences against children are severe – prosecutions under Section 1(1) of the PCA 1978 carry a maximum prison sentence of ten years.

However, a jury must be persuaded that a defendant deliberately or knowingly made, downloaded or distributed indecent images. In some cases, a defendant may have a legitimate reason for material on their computer if they work in areas of child protection or social services, for example.

Defendants may not even be aware of images on their computer or mobile phone in some cases – for example, if they use a shared device or have bought a secondhand device.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers also advise on historical cases involving sexual offences against children and/or indecent images – including advising teachers, care workers, hospital staff and other professionals holding a position of responsibility or trust who are facing allegations relating to sexual offences against children.

Those convicted of indecent assault will be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register – and may also be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which our specialist sexual offences solicitors will also be able to advise on.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Our reputation for excellence

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 sexual offences against children or indecent images.

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.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – When to contact us

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 sexual offences against children or indecent mages.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can also advise on appeals against conviction or sentencing in cases involving child sexual offences or indecent images.

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.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – How to contact us

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 allegations of sexual offences against children or making, distributing or downloading indecent images of children – 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 Criminal Solicitors – Legal Aid & Private Client – Sexual Offences Against Children & Indecent Images

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 charges relating to sexual offences against children and/or indecent images on 020 7923 4020.