Sexual Offences

Clients accused of or connected with sexual offences face unique challenges. The social stigma and publicity surrounding such cases involves dealing with extreme perspectives, heightened emotions and complex, life changing decision making. Our unrivalled experience in dealing with the highest profile and most sensitive cases of this type enables us to provide expert advice and support to both individuals and companies when they need it most. 

We fight our client’s corner in a tenacious yet discreet way. Our priority is always to obtain the best possible outcome whilst limiting any reputational damage.

Whether you are an individual facing an allegation; a victim or witness who would like assistance in navigating the court process; or an organisation that requires advice regarding offences which may have been committed by your employees, Kingsley Napley has an unparalleled team of practitioners who specialise in this area.

Suspects/Defendants

Ranked number 1 in the legal directories for our General Crime practice, we have been involved in the most high profile sexual cases of recent times including several Operation Yewtree investigations and trials (Operation Yewtree is the far reaching police investigation into historic sexual abuse allegations relating to Jimmy Savile and other celebrities). 

Our lawyers specialise in representing those accused of the following allegations:

• Historic sexual abuse
• Child abuse
• Rape and sexual/indecent assault
• Making/possession of indecent images of children
• Publication of private images/movies (so called “Revenge Porn” )
• Malicious communications
• Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPOs), Sexual Risk Orders (SROs), Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) and other issues relating to the Sex Offenders Register.

Our involvement at an early stage in proceedings frequently leads to clients avoiding charge altogether. If matters do progress, we have the resources and contacts necessary to carry out extensive investigations and to ensure that no stone is left unturned in terms of trial preparation. 

Reputation management is also at the heart of what we do and working with our highly regarded team of privacy lawyers we can minimise the impact an allegation of a sexual nature can have on you as an individual or an organisation.  

Victims/Witnesses

Our lawyers' significant experience of criminal procedure enables us to provide guidance and support for victims and witnesses in cases involving sexual offences. We are able to explain and demystify the criminal justice system and can guide you through the trial process. We will liaise with the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to ensure that you are kept informed and up to date and that your rights as a witness are protected at all times. 

We also provide advice and assistance in relation to online sexual offences including protecting those who are the victims of sexual blackmail (“Sextortion”) and the malicious publishing and posting of images online (“Revenge Porn”).  We also advise on the remit and enforceability of court orders and notifications.

Organisations

If you are a company, organisation or institution dealing with allegations of a sexual nature it is important that you are represented by lawyers who understand the criminal justice system and can guide you through the process, which can appear arcane and complex. Whether you are considering reporting matters to the police, carrying out your own internal inquiries or dealing with an on-going police investigation/inquiry, our full service team can advise on your rights and responsibilities in the areas of Criminal Law, Employment Law, Public law and Reputation Management. 

We provide advice to organisations in the following areas:

• Police Investigations
• Public Inquiries
• Allegations of a sexual nature made by/against employees
• Advice regarding the legality of artistic images
• Remit and enforceability of court orders
• Protection of organisations’ online profile and cyber crime

Cases

Kingsley Napley has dealt with the most serious and high profile cases of this type for over 75 years. Our team is recognised for our experience, strategic approach and discretion.  In order to maintain our clients’ confidentiality we do not provide any case details on our website. However, we continue to be involved in the leading cases in this highly specialised area. Read more in our frequently asked questions.

What clients and directories have said

They very much embrace the need to look at the whole situation; they look at the media exposure - for people in the public eye and for a particular type of high net worth individual, that's very important and I've seen them handle that side of things very well. They're one of those few firms that would give clients a genuine round-the-clock service, seven days a week."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018

They pick up some fantastic work, they have some fantastic clients and they have a skill of trying to get rid of matters before they go too far."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018

They stand out because of their ability to stop a case before it gets started. Their commitment, preparation and tenacity set them apart. They are a strong firm."

Chambers UK 2018, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession

Their reputation as being the pre-eminent solicitors in this market is deserved. They are justifiably instructed in infamous, heavyweight cases and I can't imagine that anyone is ever dissatisfied with the service they receive."

Chambers UK, 2017

The crime team is first-rate. They are dedicated, hard-working and tireless in their preparation of cases."

Chambers UK, 2017

First-class firm in terms of client care, as well as its thorough and meticulous approach to case preparation, both at pre-charge stage and at trial."

Legal 500 UK, 2017

They are determined to do the best for their clients at all times and leave absolutely no stone unturned. It is a brilliant defence firm."

Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession

Further information

For more information and if you have a concern regarding a sexual offence allegation, please contact our team in confidence. 

We also have a cross-disciplinary team advising on sexual misconduct allegations in the workplace, including members of our employment, regulatory and media & reputation teams. Our unrivalled experience in dealing with some of the highest profile and most sensitive cases involving sexual allegations in the workplace enables us to provide expert advice and support when clients need it most.

We are ranked in Band 1 for General Crime by both Chambers  and Partners and Legal 500.

The general crime department is the best I have ever worked with. They are unsurpassed in the way they work as a team on their cases - it's a very well-drilled, slick operation."

Chambers UK 2020 - A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession

The 'very strong'' team acts for individuals and corporations in cases concerning driving offences, extradition, sexual offences, fraud and matters with international elements."

Legal 500 UK 2020

They are able to draw on expertise across the firm to provide a seamless service - if you are facing criminal allegations they can also handle the media, as well as any employment issues or regulatory proceedings that may arise."

Chambers UK 2020 - A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession