Facing Allegations of a Sexual Offence?
Put your trust in Clifford Johnston & Co.
- Robust Defence Against Sexual Offences
- Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation
- Over 40 Years Experience in Criminal Law
- Contact our Sexual Offence Solicitors Now
Sexual Offence Solicitors Manchester
Specialists in Defence of Sexual Assualt & Sexual Abuse Claims
If you have been accused of a sexual offence, you are likely to have serious concerns about what happens next and what the allegation could mean for your future. You may also be searching for help on behalf of a partner or family member and want to know that they will be represented by solicitors with genuine experience in this highly sensitive area of criminal law.
Clifford Johnston & Co are specialist Sexual Offence Solicitors in Manchester and Stockport, representing clients accused of serious sexual offences throughout England and Wales. With over 30 years’ experience in criminal defence, you can be confident that your case will be handled by a team with the knowledge and technical ability required to deal with complex sexual offence investigations and prosecutions.
From your first conversation with us, you will be treated with discretion, sensitivity and without judgment. You will have the opportunity to explain what has happened in confidence, understand the allegation against you and receive clear advice about what should happen next. Early consideration can also be given to the evidence, the issues that may become important and the steps available to protect your position.
Our experience covers allegations including rape and attempted rape, sexual assault, child sexual offences, indecent image offences and historical sexual offences. The firm’s criminal defence practice also holds the Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation, reflecting the specialist expertise within the team.
Whether you have just been contacted by the police, are already under investigation or have been charged, specialist advice at an early stage can be crucial. Your defence can begin before the first police interview and continue through every stage of the investigation and, where necessary, proceedings before the Crown Court.
For confidential advice about a sexual offence allegation, contact Clifford Johnston & Co. today. Call the number at the top of the page or complete our online enquiry form to speak with one of our Sexual Offence Solicitors.
How Can Our Sexual Offence Solicitors Help?
The decisions made at the beginning of a sexual offence investigation can have a significant bearing on what happens later. Getting specialist advice early means your position can be properly considered before a police interview takes place, important evidence can be identified and you can make informed decisions about how to respond to the allegation.
Our Sexual Offence Solicitors provide confidential advice and representation from the earliest stages of an investigation through to trial and, where necessary, appeal. Your case will receive individual attention, with a defence strategy developed around the allegation, the evidence and your account of what happened.
Depending on the circumstances, our solicitors can assist with:
- Police interviews and investigations, including voluntary interviews and representation following arrest.
- Pre-charge advice and representations before a decision is made about prosecution.
- Detailed examination of witness statements, messages, phone data, CCTV and other evidence.
- Review and challenge of digital, forensic and technical evidence where appropriate.
- Preparation and representation for proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.
- Advice where sexual offence allegations could affect your employment, career or professional registration.
The Criminal Department is led by Jared McNally, Partner and Head of Crime, who has more than 20 years’ experience defending clients accused of serious criminal offences. He has extensive experience in complex sexual offence cases, where early strategic advice, careful analysis of the evidence and thorough preparation can make a significant difference to the defence of a case.
Clifford Johnston & Co.’s criminal defence team has also received significant professional recognition. The firm was shortlisted for Crime Team of the Year at the Manchester Legal Awards in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and the criminal defence practice holds the Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation.
For you, that means having an experienced criminal defence team on your side from the point at which advice can make the greatest difference. You will know what is happening, understand the options available to you and receive clear advice as your case develops.
If the police have contacted you about a sexual offence allegation, or you need advice for a family member or partner, speak to our Sexual Offence Solicitors as early as possible.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Accused of a Sexual Offence?
Speak to a specialist solicitor as soon as you become aware of an allegation. You do not need to wait until you have been arrested, interviewed or charged.
Do Not Contact the Person Making the Allegation
It may be tempting to contact the person making the allegation to challenge what has been said or try to resolve the situation.
Speak to your solicitor first. Calls, messages or conversations could become evidence in the investigation and may create further difficulties.
Preserve Messages and Other Evidence
Do not delete messages, photographs, social media conversations or other material connected with the allegation. Something that appears unimportant now could later provide valuable context or support your account.
Other evidence can also disappear over time. This may include CCTV, location information or evidence from potential witnesses. Early legal advice can help identify what should be preserved.
If You Have Been Invited to a Voluntary Police Interview
A voluntary interview is a formal interview under caution. You are entitled to legal advice and representation.
Having a solicitor with you does not imply guilt. Your solicitor can consider the information provided by the police, explain the allegation and advise you before you answer questions.
If You Have Already Been Arrested or Interviewed
It is not too late to get specialist advice.
A Sexual Offence Solicitor can review what has happened, advise you during the ongoing investigation and consider whether further evidence should be identified or preserved.
Get Advice Before Taking Your Next Step
You may face a long period of uncertainty while the police investigate. Having a solicitor gives you a clear point of contact and ensures important decisions are made with proper legal advice.
If you have recently been accused of a sexual offence, call Clifford Johnston & Co for confidential advice about what to do next.
What Happens During a Sexual Offence Investigation?
Every investigation is different. What happens next will depend on the allegation, the available evidence and the enquiries the police need to make.
The process may include the following stages.
Police Interview
You may first become aware of an investigation when you are arrested or contacted and invited to attend a voluntary interview.
Before questioning begins, the police should provide sufficient information to enable you and your solicitor to understand the nature of the suspected offence and why you are suspected of committing it. Your solicitor can consider the available disclosure, speak to you privately and advise you on how to approach the interview.
What you say during that interview can become an important part of the evidence, so this is a stage at which specialist representation can be particularly important.
The Police Gather Evidence
After an interview, the investigation may continue while the police obtain and review evidence.
Depending on the allegation, this could include witness statements, CCTV, medical evidence, messages and social media communications. Phones, computers and other digital devices may also be examined where relevant.
The police are required to pursue reasonable lines of enquiry, including enquiries that may point away from a suspect as well as towards them. Your solicitor can consider whether evidence supporting your account should be brought to the attention of investigators and whether appropriate pre-charge representations should be made.
Bail or Release Under Investigation
You may be released while enquiries continue.
In some cases, this will be on pre-charge bail, which can include conditions such as restrictions on contacting particular people or attending certain places. In other cases, you may be released under investigation, often referred to as RUI.
Being released while an investigation continues does not mean that you have been charged or found guilty. It means that the police have not yet reached a final decision and further enquiries may be taking place.
The Charging Decision
Once the investigation has progressed sufficiently, a decision will be made about what happens next. Depending on the circumstances, the case may conclude without charge, further investigation may be required, or criminal proceedings may follow.
For serious sexual offences, the Crown Prosecution Service will ordinarily be responsible for deciding whether charges should be brought. The prosecution must consider whether there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and whether prosecution is required in the public interest.
While You Are Under Investigation
Sexual offence investigations can take time, particularly where substantial amounts of digital or forensic evidence need to be examined. Waiting for an outcome can be difficult when your future feels dependent upon a decision outside your control.
You do not have to spend that period simply waiting for the police to make contact. Your defence can begin while the investigation is ongoing. Relevant evidence can be identified, developments can be monitored and, where appropriate, representations can be made before a charging decision.
Our Sexual Offence Solicitors will keep you informed about your position and advise you as the investigation develops, so you understand what is happening and what can be done to protect your interests.
How Do We Build a Defence to Sexual Offence Allegations?
Every sexual offence case is different. Building an effective defence starts with understanding the allegation, listening carefully to your account and examining the evidence.
Depending on the case, this may involve:
- Examining the allegation for inconsistencies, gaps or matters requiring further investigation.
- Reviewing messages, emails, social media and other communications.
- Identifying witnesses, CCTV, photographs, location information and other evidence that supports your account.
- Analysing evidence from phones, computers, online accounts and other digital devices.
- Examining evidence relating to consent and reasonable belief in consent where relevant.
- Challenging prosecution evidence where its accuracy, reliability or interpretation is disputed.
- Instructing medical, forensic, digital or other specialist experts where necessary.
- Reviewing disclosure and unused material for evidence that assists the defence or undermines the prosecution case.
- Making pre-charge representations where appropriate.
- Preparing for trial alongside experienced criminal barristers.
Some cases turn on a small number of disputed facts. Others involve large amounts of evidence gathered over months or years. Historical allegations may also require a very different approach from cases involving recent messages, digital records or forensic evidence.
Your defence must therefore be built around your circumstances and the evidence in your case.
At Clifford Johnston & Co, preparation begins as early as possible. We will explain the evidence, the issues that matter and the strategy for defending your case.
What Happens If I Am Charged With a Sexual Offence?
Being charged means the case moves from a police investigation into formal criminal proceedings. It does not mean you have been found guilty. The prosecution must still prove its case against you to the required criminal standard.
Your defence will now need to be prepared for the court proceedings ahead.
Your First Court Hearing
Following charge, you will be given a date to attend the Magistrates’ Court. Your solicitor will explain the charge, what will happen at the hearing and any decisions you may be required to make.
Many serious sexual offences can only be tried in the Crown Court. Other offences may be capable of being dealt with in either the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, depending on the particular charge and circumstances.
Bail While Your Case Is Ongoing
The court will decide whether you should remain on bail while the proceedings continue. Conditions may be imposed, for example restricting contact with particular people or preventing you from attending certain locations.
If the prosecution applies for you to be remanded in custody, representations can be made on your behalf in support of bail.
It is important to comply with any bail conditions imposed and to speak to your solicitor if a condition creates a particular difficulty rather than risk breaching it.
Preparing Your Defence
Once proceedings have started, attention turns to preparing the case for court. The prosecution evidence will be carefully examined and further defence evidence can be obtained where appropriate.
This may include reviewing witness statements, communications, digital material, CCTV, medical or forensic evidence and unused material disclosed by the prosecution. Expert evidence may also be required in some cases.
Your solicitor and barrister will work with you to establish the issues in dispute and develop the defence strategy for your case.
If Your Case Goes to the Crown Court
Serious sexual offence cases are commonly dealt with in the Crown Court. There will usually be hearings before any trial takes place so that pleas can be entered, the issues can be identified and preparations for trial can be managed.
If your case proceeds to trial, the prosecution will present its evidence and witnesses can be challenged through cross-examination. Evidence can then be presented on your behalf where appropriate before the jury is asked to reach its verdict.
Facing Crown Court proceedings can be daunting, particularly if you have never been involved with the criminal justice system before. You will be advised and prepared for each stage, so that you understand what is happening and what is required of you.
Clifford Johnston & Co can represent you from charge through to the conclusion of your case, working with experienced criminal barristers and appropriate experts to ensure your defence is properly prepared.
If you have been charged with a sexual offence, seek specialist advice without delay. Call our Sexual Offence Solicitors for confidential advice about your case.
What Are the Possible Consequences of a Sexual Offence Conviction?
The consequences of a sexual offence conviction will depend on the offence, the circumstances of the case and the sentence imposed. Your solicitor will explain what could apply to your particular circumstances, but potential consequences can include:
- A custodial or community sentence, depending on the offence, its seriousness and the applicable sentencing guidelines.
- Sexual offence notification requirements, commonly referred to as the “Sex Offenders Register”. These apply automatically following certain qualifying convictions and disposals, with the duration determined by factors including the sentence imposed.
- A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) where the statutory requirements are satisfied. An order can impose restrictions or requirements intended to protect the public from sexual harm.
- Employment and career consequences, particularly for people working in positions of trust or roles involving children or vulnerable adults.
- DBS and safeguarding implications, which may affect a person’s ability to undertake certain types of work or regulated activity.
- Professional or regulatory consequences for people working in regulated professions, depending on their occupation and the circumstances of the conviction.
It is important to remember that being accused or charged with a sexual offence does not mean that you will be convicted or that these consequences will apply to you.
If you are convicted, or decide to plead guilty following legal advice, specialist representation remains important. Your solicitor can advise on mitigation and sentencing, explain any notification requirements and respond to an application for a Sexual Harm Prevention Order where appropriate.
If you are facing a sexual offence charge and want to understand the possible consequences in your case, call Clifford Johnston & Co for confidential advice.
Why Choose Clifford Johnston & Co?
When everything is on the line, you need more than legal advice. You need experienced Criminal Defence Solicitors who understand the complexity of sexual offence investigations and who will act quickly to protect your interests from the very beginning. For more than 35 years, we have defended clients facing some of the most serious allegations, providing strategic advice, robust representation and unwavering support throughout every stage of the process.
- Over 35 years’ experience defending clients accused of rape, sexual assault, child sexual offences, indecent image offences and historical allegations.
- Recognised criminal defence specialists, with Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation and recognition as finalists for Crime Team of the Year at the Manchester Legal Awards.
- Early strategic intervention, including police station representation, advice before interview and pre-charge representations where appropriate.
- A thorough and proactive defence, carefully examining digital evidence, forensic material, witness accounts and expert evidence to build the strongest possible case.
- Complete confidentiality and professionalism, treating every client with discretion, respect and without judgement.
- Direct access to experienced solicitors, providing clear advice, honest communication and support throughout your case.
- National representation, acting for clients across England & Wales from our offices in Manchester and Stockport.
We understand that an allegation of a sexual offence can affect every aspect of your life, from your reputation and career to your family and future. Our role is to protect your rights, provide clear and practical advice, and fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome. From the moment you contact us, you will have an experienced legal team on your side, committed to securing the strongest defence available.
Funding Your Defence & Legal Fees
We firmly believe that limited finances should not be a barrier to high-quality legal advice. Our Sexual Offence Solicitors in Manchester provide the same level of commitment, expertise and attention to detail to both publicly and privately funded clients.
At the same time, we recognise that the way your case is funded can have a significant impact on how it is prepared and presented. We will always provide clear and honest advice so that you can make an informed decision about your defence, including whether privately funded criminal defence is the right option for you.
You may qualify for legal aid, to relieve the financial burden of legal costs, and we can advise on your eligibility and assist with your application.
For clients who choose to fund their defence privately, there can be important advantages. Private funding allows for greater control over how your case is managed, including the time and resources dedicated to preparing your defence. This can be particularly important in complex sexual offence cases, where detailed analysis of evidence, expert input and careful case strategy can make a decisive difference.
Our privately funded clients benefit from:
- Increased time spent reviewing and analysing prosecution evidence
- The ability to instruct leading barristers and expert witnesses where appropriate
- A proactive and strategic approach to case preparation from the earliest stage
- Greater flexibility in how your defence is built and presented
We will discuss all available funding options with you at the outset and provide full transparency in relation to costs. Our focus is always on delivering the strongest possible defence, tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
Contact our Sexual Offence Solicitors in Manchester
If you have been accused of a sexual offence or are under police investigation, obtaining specialist legal advice as early as possible can make a significant difference to your case.
Whether you have been arrested, invited to attend a voluntary interview under caution, released under investigation or charged, our experienced Sexual Offence Solicitors are ready to provide immediate advice and representation. From your first conversation with us, you will be treated with discretion, professionalism and without judgement.
As established Stockport Solicitors, Clifford Johnston & Co. represents clients in Stockport, Heaton Moor, Cheadle, Bramhall, Hazel Grove and surrounding areas who require specialist advice and representation following a sexual offence allegation.
Our experienced Criminal Solicitors in Manchester represent clients across Manchester, Didsbury, Burnage, Sale, Altrincham and Greater Manchester. We can provide urgent police station representation, strategic pre-charge advice and expert defence where proceedings progress to the Crown Court.
From our offices in Manchester and Stockport, we also represent clients facing serious sexual offence allegations throughout England & Wales.
Contact Clifford Johnston & Co. today for a confidential consultation with one of our specialist Sexual Offence Solicitors.
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