Historic Sex Offence Solicitors
If you are being investigated for, or charged with, a sexual offence that is said to have occurred prior to 1 May 2004, this will count as a historic sex offence. Our team of specialist historic sex offence solicitors will be able to help you.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 came into force from 1 May 2004 and it covers all offences committed on or after this date (current sex offences). The purpose of this Act was to update the law relating to sexual offences, and to strengthen it in terms of the protection afforded to people from sex offenders. Sex offences committed between 1957 and 1 May 2004, therefore, are covered by older legislation, namely the Sexual Offences Act 1956. Offences which took place within this period would be deemed to be historic.
Historic sexual offences
Contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 1956
Sexual offences committed between 1957 and 1 May 2004
How Can You Fight A Historic Sex Offence Allegation?
Although the earlier Act was repealed in 2004, the repealed sections still apply to sex offences committed before the repeal took place. Historic sex offences solicitors specialise in this area and can help you if you are investigated for, or charged with, an offence.
If you are charged with a historic sex offence, it is vital that the allegation is reviewed to ensure that it has been charged as the correct offence. Mistakes are made in this complex area of law. Once the charge has been reviewed, our specialist historic sex offence solicitors can hear your side of the story and advise whether you should be pleading guilty or not guilty and the strength of any defence you may have.
What historic sexual offence(s) could a person be charged with?
Depending on the nature of the sexual offence(s) committed, a person could potentially be charged with any of the following and should seek help from historic sex offence solicitors:
- Rape
- Buggery
- Sexual Intercourse With A Girl Under 16
- Sexual Intercourse With A Girl Under 13
- Incest
- Incest By A Man
- Incest By A Woman
- Inciting Incestuous Intercourse With A Girl Under 16
- Indecent Assault
- Indecent Assault on a Man
- Gross Indecency
- Indecency With Children
- Sexual Intercourse With A Defective / Idiot / Imbecile
- Sexual Intercourse With A Mentally Disordered Patient
- Procuring Intercourse With A Defective
- Abduction of A Defective
- Abuse of Trust Offences
- Kerb Crawling and Persistent Soliciting
- Prostitution Offences
- Men Soliciting
- Women Controlling Prostitutes
- Procuring Women To Become Prostitutes
- Child Prostitute Offences
- Procuring A Girl Under 21 To Have Sexual Intercourse
- Encouraging Indecent Assault On A Girl Under 16
- Mentally Disordered Prostitutes: Encouraging Prostitution Of A Defective
- Detaining A Woman In A Brothel or Other Premises
- Permitting Premises To Be Used For Intercourse By A Girl Under 13
- Permitting Premises To Be Used For Intercourse By A Girl Between 13 and 16
- Permitting Premises To Be Used For Intercourse By A Defective
- Living on Earnings From Female Prostitution
- Living on Earnings From Male Prostitution
How could a person charged with a historic sex offence be sentenced?
Each of the offences listed above has its own sentencing guidance, which will differ according to the nature of the offence, harm caused to the victim and the culpability (level of responsibility) of the offender. Only since the implementation of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 have there been sentencing guidelines for Judges to refer to in courts throughout England and Wales. Prior to this, guideline judgments were made for sentencing purposes.
As we now have laid down sentencing guidelines, Judges will use these to assess harm and culpability by modern standards. However, sentencing of historic sex offenders will be based on the maximum previously available. This means that sentencing a person for a historic sex offence would likely be more lenient than for a sex offence which happened more recently. The increase in sentencing levels over time reflects the changing attitudes towards sex offenders and the offences they commit. However, if the maximum sentence has been reduced since the offence took place, then the lowest maximum sentence would apply.
On the other hand, the time between the offence and the charge being laid can be an aggravating factor. The circumstances which brought the offence to light must also be considered.
Historic sexual offences are taken very seriously by the judicial system and there is a very real risk of a custodial sentence being imposed. It is very important, therefore, to seek expert advice and assistance as soon as possible. Call our historic sex offence solicitors immediately on 01623 600645 to discuss.
Does a person convicted of historic sexual abuse have to be included on the Sex Offenders Register?
The Sex Offenders Register was set up in 1997 and, since that time, people convicted of serious sex offences have had to sign the register. Although historic sex offenders would have committed offences prior to the introduction of the register, they are still subject to its requirements.
Does the age of the offender make any difference?
Due to the time elapsed between offending and conviction/sentence, some offenders may be elderly. Judges do not need to take age into account when sentencing but they may do so, depending on the circumstances (.i.e. person is ill or frail). Conversely, Judges do have to take into account if the offender was very young when the offence took place (i.e. offence committed below age of 18 years but person sentenced as an adult).
How Can Forrest Williams Help?
Forrest Williams have the specialist knowledge of historic sex offences that is vital to ensure you secure the best outcome from the case.
It is vital in cases such as these that you seek expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity and, if possible, before a formal charge is laid against you.
Forrest Williams are specialist historic sex offence solicitors. We are very experienced in this area of law and would be happy to offer you a free initial 30 minute telephone consultation to discuss your case.
With Forrest Williams on your side, you’re in control. You can depend on us.