An allegation of a sexual offence can change your life before any court has heard the evidence. Advice from the start protects your position and your privacy.
An allegation of a sexual offence is usually decided on one witness against another. How the complaint was made, what the police gathered and what has been disclosed all matter, and much of it is settled in the first months.
LP Evans defends allegations by one complainant or several, recent and historic, from the first interview through to trial. We approach these cases with discretion and advise you plainly on the process and the risks.
What we handle
- Allegations by a single complainant
- Allegations by more than one complainant
- Historic allegations
- Rape and sexual assault
- Interviews under caution
- Bail and released under investigation
- Trial and appeal
Specific allegations
- Rape and Sexual Assault
Defending rape and sexual assault allegations, from the first interview to trial.
If you are under investigation or have been arrested
What to do first
- Do not contact the complainant, directly or through anyone else.
- Do not delete messages, photographs or accounts.
- Do not discuss the allegation online or with friends or family.
- Take advice before any interview, and call us as early as you can.
Call 07501 792925, 24 hours a day.
How a case runs, and where we come in
- 1Arrest or invitation to interview
We advise before any interview and ask for disclosure.
- 2Released under investigation or on bail
We advise on conditions and press the police for a decision.
- 3The charging decision
We make written representations before the CPS decides.
- 4Trial
We test the evidence, the complaint and the way it was investigated.
- 5Outcome
Advice on the verdict, sentence and any appeal.
Why LP Evans
Discretion
We handle these cases in confidence and protect your privacy as far as the law allows.
Trial advocacy
These cases turn on cross-examination and the preparation behind it. Our team has defended them in Crown Courts around the country.
Support through a long process
We keep you informed from investigation to verdict, including on bail conditions, work and contact.
Selected results
- R v O (Bristol Crown Court)Lead defendant in an organised grooming and sexual abuse case. Acquitted by the jury.
Taken from matters the firm has published. Every case turns on its own facts and past results are not a guarantee of any particular outcome.
Questions people ask
Will my name be made public?
Complainants have lifelong anonymity. A suspect does not, and an allegation can be reported once someone is charged.
Can I contact the complainant to explain?
No. Contact can be treated as interfering with a witness and can lead to a further charge.
Should I give a prepared statement?
That depends on the case. It is a decision to make with a solicitor who has seen the disclosure.
How long will it take?
These cases are often slow, from the investigation through to trial. We keep you informed throughout.