i have only just started my journey with them but so far they have been amazing, very aformatiove and helpful
Accused of a Sexual Assault Before the Police Have Made Contact?
The earlier you get specialist legal advice, the more options you have.
Most people wait until they receive a call from the police before seeking legal advice. By that point, the investigation is already underway and critical early opportunities have been missed.
PCD Solicitors are one of the only criminal defence firms in England and Wales to specialise exclusively in sexual offences. That includes pre-police involvement, before any formal police investigation has begun.
If you believe you may have been accused of a sexual offence, or are about to be then acting now – before the police contact you – gives your defence team the chance to shape what happens next.
You may already know what is coming.
Someone has accused you directly. A friend has told you a complaint is being made. An employer has been contacted. Or you are just aware that your behaviour, either online or in person, may have left you at risk.
However you become aware of it, you have a window to act.
Most people accused of a serious sexual offence get legal advice only after they have been arrested, interviewed or bailed by the police. At that point, an investigation has started without you. Evidence may have been gathered. The police, or people around you, may already have a narrative and formed an opinion.
Bringing us in early to act on your behalf means you have an opportunity to challenge any allegations and preconceived ideas before police get involved.
When does pre-police involvement apply?
You may be in this position if:
- Someone has directly accused you of rape, sexual assault, or a related offence and you believe a formal complaint is coming.
- You have heard from someone else, like a friend, family member or an employer, that a complaint is being made (or has already been made)
- You are concerned that your activity online or in a social setting may result in an allegation
- Someone you know may be using a sexual offence allegation to coerce, blackmail or control you
Why choose PCD Solicitors for pre-police involvement advice?
Most criminal law firms are not set up to advise at this stage. General crime practitioners focus on post-charge advocacy like court representation, police station attendance and bail or appeal applications. Pre-police involvement in sexual offence cases needs a different approach.
It requires a law firm that understands the specific dynamics of sexual offence allegations. This could be the way complaints are made, the evidence police are likely to gather, the motivations behind false allegations and the tactical decisions that can – at this stage – prevent an allegation from turning into an investigation.
PCD Solicitors advise clients on pre-police involvement across all sexual offence categories including rape, sexual assault, historical sexual offences, sexual offences against children and indecent images offences.
What PCD Solicitors do at the pre-police involvement stage.
When you contact us before any formal police involvement, your dedicated defence team will:
- Conduct a full review of your case and your account of events. This helps us establish what the police are likely to investigate, what evidence may exist, and how you should respond if questioned.
- Assess the likely strength of any complaint and identify the tactical steps available to you at this stage.
- Make discreet contact with the relevant police force (with your agreement) to confirm whether a complaint has been received and how they intend to proceed.
- Manage the risk of an arrest by liaising with the police to arrange a voluntary, controlled attendance at an appropriate time and location.
- Begin building a proactive defence strategy that can be presented quickly if the police open a formal investigation.
The time between an accusation and investigation can be the most important for you.
Once the police begin an investigation, the direction of their enquiry is set. They’ll start gathering evidence, record the complainant’s account and begin building assumptions.
We can act before that happens. We can start to build your account, identify weaknesses in any complaint, or engage with the police on your terms instead of theirs.
In some cases, we’ve been able to resolve concerns at the pre-police involvement stage before a formal investigation is even opened. In other cases, our pre-police work has meant clients enter an investigation in a controlled, prepared position with a defence strategy in place already.
Let’s talk.
Act now before an investigation begins.
The decisions made before an investigation opens can shape everything that happens in the future.
PCD Solicitors are one of the only firms in England and Wales to specialise exclusively in sexual offences at every stage of a case, including the stage before the police have made contact.
Our team will give you a frank, honest assessment of your position and the options available to you.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
The Maltings, 100 Wilderspool Causeway,Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6PU, UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Will contacting a solicitor make things worse or trigger a police investigation?
No. The police can only open an investigation following a referral from the person making the complaint, or another concerned party. Your solicitor making discreet contact with the police on your behalf cannot cause an investigation to begin. Early solicitor involvement often gives you the opportunity to shape how an investigation proceeds.
What if I’ve already spoken to the police informally or attended a voluntary interview?
It is still worth seeking specialist advice immediately. What you have already said, or not said, will form part of the picture the police are building and there is still significant work a sexual offence solicitor can do to protect your position before any formal investigation escalates.
Someone is threatening to make a false allegation against me. What should I do?
Seek legal advice immediately and do not contact the person making the threat. PCD Solicitors advise clients in exactly this kind of situation, where an allegation is being used as a means to coerce, blackmail or control someone. Early legal involvement allows you to document your position and protect yourself before any formal complaint is made.
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