We advise clients across Bristol and the South West who are facing some of the most serious criminal allegations investigated by the police. Whether you are under investigation, have been interviewed and bailed, or are facing charge, early specialist legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.
Our Bristol criminal defence team is ranked Band 1 in Chambers UK and Tier 1 in the Legal 500 – the top tier in both leading legal directories. The team is led by Nicola Hutchinson, described by Legal 500 as the standout criminal defence practitioner in the South West.
We understand how overwhelming a criminal investigation or prosecution can be, and we focus on proactive, strategic advice from the outset – whether that means preparing for a police station interview, challenging weak evidence, or building the strongest possible defence ahead of trial.
For immediate assistance, contact our Bristol sexual offence solicitors by calling us at 0117 244 3727 or email [email protected] or send an enquiry through our contact form.
Sexual Offences We Defend in Bristol
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Historic sexual offences
- Abuse of position of trust (e.g. doctor-patient, teacher-pupil)
- Sexual communication with a child
- Possession of indecent images
- Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
- Indecent exposure and outraging public decent
- Revenge porn
- Extreme porn
Our Bristol Office
Our head office is based at Upper York Street, 4 York Court, Bristol BS2 8QF, making us easily accessible for clients throughout Bristol city centre and surrounding areas.
We can also offer appointments either in person or virtually, depending on your preference, ensuring you receive expert advice in Bristol when you need it most.
Representation at Every Stage of Your Case
Our Bristol Sexual Offence Team specialise in proactively defending people who are under investigation for sexual offences by Avon and Somerset Police. With so much at stake, it is essential to consider every possible angle when seeking to prevent a prosecution.
We carefully identify potential defence evidence, including text messages and wider witness material, and analyse weaknesses in the prosecution case. We have an outstanding track record in submitting detailed written representations to the investigating officer, resulting in cases being dropped at an early stage.
Whether you have been interviewed and bailed to return to the police station, or released under investigation, we offer clear fixed-fee packages covering:
- Representation at any re-interview at the police station in Bristol or the South West region
- Review of your initial police interview, with advice on any further action required
- Assessment of potential defence evidence.
- Assistance with identifying and gathering defence evidence that has not been pursued or has been overlooked by the police.
- Preparation of written representations to the police, for example to challenge weak evidence or to seek an out-of-court outcome such as a caution, supported by relevant mitigating factors including mental health difficulties, OCD, or neurodiversity.
- Direct communication with the investigating officer, including updates on bail extensions.
- Applications to vary or remove bail conditions where necessary.
- Practical guidance on proactive steps to prepare for possible outcomes and to protect your position.
The police often request a voluntary interview in historic sexual allegations, where an arrest is not necessary in order to secure evidence. Due to the serious nature of sexual offences, we strongly advise you to obtain legal representation for any voluntary interview.
When instructed, we seek to obtain disclosure from the investigating officer about the allegation in advance. A pre-interview conference with your solicitor before attending the police station can significantly reduce understandable anxiety and help ensure you are properly prepared.
We regularly attend interviews across Bristol, including at;
- Broadbury Road Police Station.
- The Bridewell Police Station.
- Southmead Police Station.
- Patchway Police Centre.
- Wellington Police Station.
- Weston-super-Mare Police Station.
- Bath Police Station.
Bristol Magistrates’ Court
Marlborough Street
Bristol
BS1 3NU
Our Sexual offences team attends Bristol Magistrates’ Court on a daily basis and has well-established professional relationships with the staff there.
Cases arising within the Bristol area are listed across Bristol Magistrates’ Court, Bath Magistrates’ Court and North Somerset Magistrates’ Court.
We regularly act for clients across Bristol and the wider South West, including Filton, Bath and Weston-Super-Mare.
Whether your case is sent to the Crown Court for sentence or trial, we can provide specialist representation throughout the proceedings. We have excellent working relationships with some of the leading barristers’ chambers in the country and regularly instruct advocates who achieve outstanding results.
We offer a range of options – from in-house advocates and junior counsel to the most respected King’s Counsel – allowing us to select the barrister whose experience and approach best fits your case and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sex-related offences are any crimes that have a sexual component. They may involve real or threatened physical harm. This includes things like sexual assault or rape. They can also cause mental or emotional harm. Reeds Solicitors have an experienced sexual offences team based in our Bristol office, which can offer immediate help.
Reeds Solicitors have the most experienced sexual offences team in Bristol. Our team includes senior solicitors, Partners and in-house barristers all specifically trained in dealing with serious sexual offences.
Not necessarily. If your case proceeds to the Crown Court, a barrister will usually be required to represent you at trial. During a police investigation, there can be advantages to involving a barrister, as they have detailed insight into how cases are likely to be presented and tested at trial, which can add valuable perspective to pre-charge advice.
Costs vary depending on the work required and the stage the case has reached. As a minimum, we recommend an initial meeting with a specialist sexual offence solicitor to review your case. This may involve providing a second opinion where advice has already been given, or assessing the evidence and advising on the strengths and weaknesses of the case where we are instructed from the outset. From that point, we can offer fixed-fee packages or hourly rates, with payment by agreed instalments where appropriate to help manage costs. While we always seek to offer value for money, it should be acknowledged that we are a specialist team providing a high level of representation in Bristol, and our fees reflect both our expertise and our track record in serious sexual offence cases.
Get in touch
Information is processed inline with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy