Areas of Expertise
Sexual Offences
Immediate, discreet, strategic representation. The decisions made in the first hours of police contact are critical — and the prosecution may have been building the case for months before you are aware of it.
Why timing decides outcome
Discreet, Controlled Handling From the Outset
An allegation of a sexual offence can arise without warning. Police contact, a search of your home, or a request for a voluntary interview may occur before you are aware that an investigation is under way.
In many cases, the prosecution will have been gathering evidence for months before contacting you. Digital material extracted from devices, accounts from complainants, and medical or expert reports are often assembled into a prosecution file before any interview takes place. That evidence must be addressed carefully and strategically from the outset.
Chess Law Solicitors combines solicitor and barrister expertise within a single approach. This allows us to instruct the right experts early, examine the prosecution material in detail, and challenge any aspect of the case that does not withstand scrutiny.
Our services
Our Sexual Offences Defence Services
We advise and represent clients across all categories of sexual offence, from the earliest stage of police involvement through to Crown Court trial and appeal.
- Immediate advice and representation at the police station, 24 hours a day
- Pre-charge proceedings and engagement with investigators
- Rape and assault by penetration under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
- Historic sexual offence allegations from events many years before charge
- Indecent image cases — possession, distribution and making allegations
- Advice on notification requirements and civil orders following conviction
- Voluntary interviews under caution — pre-interview disclosure and strategy
- Bail applications and challenges to restrictive bail conditions
- Sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent
- Allegations involving children and abuse of position of trust
- Digital forensic analysis — phone extraction reports, social media records and device data
- Appeals against conviction and sentence
Why Chess Law
Why Choose Chess Law Solicitors for Sexual Offence Defence
Prosecution material examined, not accepted
Digital evidence interrogated in detail
Issues of consent developed from the evidence
Historic allegations handled with rigour
Continuity and confidentiality, nationwide
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the police contact me about a sexual offence allegation?
Do not answer questions until you have spoken to a solicitor. Whether you have been arrested or invited to attend a voluntary interview, you have the right to free and independent legal advice. In sexual offence cases, what is said in interview can have significant consequences.
What does consent mean in a sexual offence case?
Under section 74 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, a person consents if they agree by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice. A genuine and reasonable belief in consent may amount to a defence. We assess the evidence in detail and advise on how the issue is likely to be determined.
Can I be convicted based on one person’s account?
Yes, a case can proceed on the evidence of a single complainant. However, that evidence must be carefully examined. A jury must be sure of guilt before convicting. We scrutinise the account, examine inconsistencies, and challenge any aspect of the case that does not withstand scrutiny.
What happens if the allegation relates to events many years ago?
Historic allegations are prosecuted regularly. The passage of time can affect the availability of records, witnesses and evidence — issues which must be properly developed in the defence. We act extensively in historic cases and address those issues from the outset.
Will I be placed on the sex offenders register if convicted?
A conviction for most sexual offences results in notification requirements. The duration depends on the sentence imposed. Courts may also impose additional orders restricting certain activities. We advise on the full implications at an early stage.
What is an indecent image offence?
Indecent image offences involve the possession, distribution, or making of images involving children. These cases often rely heavily on digital forensic evidence. We examine the reliability, handling, and interpretation of that evidence in detail.
What is an abuse of position of trust allegation?
These cases involve allegations that a person in a position of responsibility over a young person engaged in sexual activity with them. The nature of the relationship, the surrounding circumstances, and the timing of events are central to the defence.
Can evidence of the complainant’s sexual history be used?
Such evidence can only be introduced with the permission of the court, and only in limited circumstances. Whether an application is appropriate depends on the facts of the case. We advise on this where relevant.
How much does it cost to instruct Chess Law Solicitors?
Costs depend on the complexity and stage of the case. Legal aid is available for Crown Court sexual offence cases. We advise on eligibility and funding options at the outset.
Can you assist with an appeal?
Yes. We advise and represent clients seeking to appeal against conviction or sentence. We assess whether there are proper grounds of appeal and provide clear advice before any application is made.
Speak to us now.
A sexual offence allegation is one of the most serious situations a person can face. Contact Chess Law Solicitors now for immediate, confidential advice. You will receive a clear assessment of your position and a structured plan of action.
