Child Sexual Offences & Historic Abuse

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Highly specialised legal scrutiny for sensitive allegations, meticulously evaluating digital forensics, witness credibility, and legacy statutory frameworks.

Executive Summary

The Legal Context

Prosecutions for child sexual offences in England and Wales are governed strictly by the Sexual Offences Act 2003, with historic allegations often falling under legacy legislation. Legal representation demands rigorous scrutiny of complainant testimony, digital forensic evidence, and the strict protection of the defendant's right to a fair trial.

What We Cover

Statutory Frameworks for Child Sexual Offences

Objective legal representation for sensitive contemporary and historic allegations.

Child Sexual Assault Defence

Legal representation is provided for allegations of sexual assault against a child, focusing on meticulous analysis of forensic evidence, witness credibility, and the precise factual context of the alleged incident under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Causing / Inciting Child to Engage in Sexual Activity Defence

Objective legal scrutiny is applied to charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, strictly evaluating digital communications, intent, and the prosecution's assertions regarding the defendant's knowledge of the complainant's age.

Sexual Activity in Presence of a Child Defence

Defence services are available for allegations involving sexual activity in the presence of a child, requiring a rigorous assessment of the evidential basis for the child's physical presence and the defendant's awareness of that presence.

Or contact us via email on info@centralchamberslaw.com, or call us on 02036202288

For emergency / police station support, call 07767268607

FAQ

Some questions we get, which may help you in this moment

What is the difference between Criminal and Civil Law?

This is a common confusion. Criminal proceedings involve the state prosecuting you for an offence, often resulting in a court hearing. The outcome can be a penalty or prison. Civil law involves disputes between individuals or businesses (like a contract dispute). In court cases regarding civil matters, we fight for your rights against other parties to secure damages or injunctions.

Can you stop a case before it goes to court?

Yes. This is our speciality. During a police investigation, we scrutinise witness statements and digital evidence to find flaws. We actively intervene before a charge is brought. If you seek legal advice early, we can often make representations to the CPS to drop the case, arguing that it is not in the public interest to proceed.

What is a 'Voluntary Interview' and do I need a lawyer?


A voluntary police interview is a trap for the unprepared. It is not a casual chat; it is a formal interview under caution. A police officer will ask you to answer questions which are recorded and used as evidence.

If you are asked to attend a voluntary interview, you must seek legal advice immediately. Do not go alone. We provide specialist voluntary interview advice to ensure you do not incriminate yourself. We also negotiate bail terms and bail conditions on your behalf. Please contact our emergency team on 07767 268 607 before agreeing to a date.

What happens if I am invited for a voluntary interview?

A voluntary police interview (often called a "Caution Plus 3") is a trap for the unprepared. Do not be misled by the word "voluntary." It is a formal police investigation.

If you agree to attend a voluntary interview, you will be cautioned, and a police officer will ask you to answer questions under recording. This evidence can be used to prosecute you. You have the exact same rights as someone under arrest, including the right to seek legal advice and have a solicitor present.

Do not go alone. We act as your buffer, advising you on whether to answer or exercise your right to silence. We also ensure that no restrictive bail conditions are imposed on you unnecessarily. Please contact our emergency team immediately if you are contacted by the police.

Do you offer Legal Aid?

Yes. We are experienced legal aid solicitors. We can assess your eligibility for government funding for criminal defence (police station attendance is free) and certain family or housing matters. If you do not qualify, we offer transparent private rates.

Do I qualify for Legal Aid?

Access to justice is a fundamental right. As experienced legal aid solicitors, we hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency to provide government-funded defence.

  • Police Station: Everyone, regardless of income, is entitled to free legal assistance at the police station. This is a statutory right.
  • Court Proceedings: For Magistrates' and Crown Court matters, Legal Aid is "means-tested" (based on your income) and "merits-tested" (based on the seriousness of the case).
  • Family: Funding may be available for specific cases. Please call us on 02036202288 or email us at info@centralchamberslaw.com to discuss your eligibility.

During your initial consultation, we will assess your eligibility. If you do not qualify, we provide expert legal advice on a private basis with transparent, fixed fees so you know exactly where you stand.

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Legal Aid Approved
Lexcel Accredited
Legal500 Awarded
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Ready to move forward?

Let's discuss your case and what we can do to help

Call Us on 020 7946 0958