Rape
KANGS will safeguard your rights in the face of serious allegations.
We understand that being falsely accused of rape is an extremely serious and life-altering event. Such accusations can carry severe legal consequences and social stigma, impacting your personal and professional life.
It is critical that you are provided with robust defence to ensure that your rights are protected. Our solicitors are well-versed in the intricacies of criminal law and have a proven track record of success. They take the time to understand the specifics of your situation and develop a tailored defence strategy that ensures that you have the strongest possible defence.
- Comprehensive Legal Support: From initial investigations to courtroom representation, we provide comprehensive legal support at every stage of the process.
- Representation: We conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses and work with expert witnesses to build a solid defence. Our efforts are focused on challenging the prosecution’s case, seeking dismissals where appropriate.
- Confidentiality and Discretion: We handle all cases with the utmost discretion. Your privacy is paramount and we take all necessary steps to protect your confidentiality throughout the legal process.
Understanding Your Rights
Facing accusation can be overwhelming, but it is crucial you understand your rights and the legal process ahead. KANGS is here to guide you through every step, ensuring that you are informed and empowered to make decisions about your defence.
Contact KANGS today for a confidential consultation. Let our experienced defence solicitors provide you with the legal expertise you need.
Testimonials
Got a question?
How can KANGS help?
Our team of specialist solicitors provide the following services:
- Initial Consultation and Legal Advice: Confidential consultation to discuss the case details, provide an initial assessment and advise on legal rights and options.
- Police interviews: representation during police interviews, ensuring our client's rights are protected.
- Representation at a voluntary interview under caution
- Representation at an interview under caution following arrest
- Preparation of pre-charge representations to the CPS or Police
- Representation in Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court proceedings
- Recommendations on selecting a barrister or King's Counsel (KC), as the cross-examination of the complainant and other prosecution witnesses often plays a pivotal role in court proceedings.
Contact KANGS
The expert lawyers at KANGS are available to assist you. We can arrange initial consultations in person, by video call or telephone.
Please contact one of our experts listed below or contact us at:
What is considered rape?
Section 1 of The Sexual Offences Act 2003 defines an offence of rape as:
(1) A person (A) commits an offence (of rape) if:
(a) He intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person (B) with his penis;
(b) B does not consent to the penetration, and
(c) A does not reasonably believe that B consents
(2) Whether a belief is reasonable is to be determined having regard to all the circumstances, including any steps A has taken to ascertain whether B consents
Who can be prosecuted for rape?
Rape can be committed by a man on a woman or on another man.
The issue of consent
To be guilty of the offence A must believe that B does not consent and that belief is reasonable.
The jury will be directed to consider all the circumstances surrounding the events in considering whether the belief is reasonable.
For example, it is not necessarily the case that B must attempt to fight A off; physical violence does not have to be used for the offence to have been committed.
The Court Procedure
Rape is an indictable only offence which means that it will be dealt with in the Crown Court before a jury. The maximum sentence for rape is one of life imprisonment.
Defending A Rape Allegation
There are many aspects to consider when defending an allegation of rape such as:
- Forensic evidence
- Phone evidence, including texts communication
- Social media
- Witness evidence
- Background behaviour before and after the incident
Who should I contact for advice and help if accused of rape?
It is imperative for a client to instruct an experienced solicitor as soon as being made aware of an allegation being made.
Crucially, it is always important to have a solicitor present in interview at the police station, whether it is an interview by appointment or under arrest.