At Reeds, we have a proven record of successfully defending clients against rape allegations. Our specialist team of sexual offence solicitors has extensive experience handling cases of all types. We offer meetings in person at our offices or virtually, depending on your preference. With nationwide coverage, we are able to represent you in any court across England and Wales.
Reeds Solicitors is a Legal 500 Tier 1 solicitors’ firm. Our team of solicitors is regularly sought out based on their established reputation for defending sexual allegations and securing acquittals for their clients in serious and high-profile cases.
Defending cases of a sexual nature requires a particular skill set and experience, not only in terms of case preparation and presentation but also client care.
Those facing accusations and charges of rape need to know that they have support, expert knowledge, and guidance, which our team provides at every stage. Our goal is to make it as easy as we can for you to talk openly and freely about a difficult situation. We listen without judgement, letting you know what to expect and when to expect it, whilst advising on the best defence strategy.
Please reach out for expert advice as soon as possible. Call 01865 260 230 or contact Reeds Solicitors on info@reeds.co.uk. If you wish to contact us out of usual office hours, then phone 01865 920067.
Facing Rape Allegations and Charges
It does not take much time to notice there has been a sea change in recent years relating to sexual offences complaints. Many noble causes, such as the #MeToo movement and prosecutions of serial predators (such as Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein) have brought the issue into the mainstream media.
The Crown Prosecution Service is also increasing resources towards specialist Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) units, so they are equipped to deal with more cases. Perhaps the most concerning initiative in recent years has been the government’s recently released plans to introduce Rape “scorecards” for prosecution rates and conviction rates.
With all this impetus from the State on securing convictions, defendants can feel as if they are fighting a losing battle and you are perceived guilty before you have seen a courtroom.
We believe that the emphasis on complaints has shifted too far, and the “believe victims” movement sets a dangerous precedent that may undermine one of the fundamental premises of our legal system. Our Sexual Offences Team fights for you in your case. We do not simply “believe victims” and we rigorously scrutinise every aspect of a prosecution case in your defence.
At Reeds, we are all too aware of the frequent false and malicious allegations made against people. We have been able, time and time again, to prove the allegations entirely false.
In many cases, it is crucial to consider not only the specific incident, but also the wider context of the allegations. Often, the complainant’s behaviour before and after the alleged incident can undermine the case against you. For example, considering issues such as when the complaint was made to the police, the context of the relationship, communication between parties before and after any alleged incident and the motivation for the false complaint.
Being accused of rape can be a life changing event. It is essential that you seek legal advice as soon as possible, both in terms of your legal position, but also reputation management.
Police Station Representation for Rape Allegations
If you are arrested for an allegation of rape, it is vital you request a solicitor to represent you in your interview. Reeds Solicitors LLP offers police station representation throughout England and Wales.
Many interviews for rape are arranged via a voluntary interview. Officers often downplay the seriousness, inviting suspects in “for a chat”. It is only when the client attends that they realise the seriousness of the situation – that they are being interviewed under caution.
Do not fall victim to this tactic. Contact us at the earliest opportunity to ensure a solicitor is with you and supports you.
Police station representation is free under Legal Aid throughout England and Wales.
Private Client Police Station Representation for Rape Allegations
All clients have the opportunity to instruct our Private Client Department Sexual Offences Team to represent them at the police station. Preparation can be undertaken prior to your interview to gather evidence in support of your case and to assist you in preparation for answering questions in your interview.
Expert representation in the Police Station is particularly important because often suspects have a defence that needs to be put forward but there may be some aspects of their account which could in fact damage their position if put forward in interview. Expert advice is crucial in navigating these risks and considering options, such as submitting a prepared statement.
You will be assisted by a senior Solicitor or Partner in our Private Client Department in interview who will maintain continuity of representation in your case throughout the entirety of the investigation stage.
Rape Investigation Stage Advice
It is essential to receive legal advice early and to take a proactive approach to your defence. This involves early investigation stage engagement with the officers and prosecution, drawing their attention to evidence that supports your defence. This may include a wide range of material, such as:
- text messages
- forensic evidence
- emails and electronic communications
- social media content
- CCTV footage
- medical records
- expert reports
- additional witness details or statements
It may also include submitting lines of enquiry to the police or letters of representation to the officer, outlining the weakness of the complaint against you. The aim of this proactive early engagement is to demonstrate that the evidence is not strong, and the case should not be prosecuted. However, if the case is taken further, it ensures you are in the best position possible going forward.
Court Representation for Rape Allegations
If you are prosecuted for rape, it is important you get in touch prior to your first hearing in the Magistrates’ Court. Our solicitors at Reeds will be able to help you.
You will need to be in contact with your solicitor regularly and build a rapport so that you can comfortably discuss the necessary sensitive and personal topics. We take detailed instructions in order to fully prepare your case.
No stone is left unturned in preparing your defence. Case preparation for rape routinely involves the instruction of experts in the following fields:
- forensic experts
- DNA experts
- private investigators and enquiry agents
- digital forensic experts
- toxicologists
- psychiatrists and psychologists
- CCTV analysts
At Reeds Solicitors we have extensive connections to the leading experts in the industry and regularly instruct them to help build your defence.
Crown Court Representation
All rape cases are heard in the Crown Court due to the nature and seriousness of the offence. As such, to provide the highest level of representation a client is allocated a senior litigator and Counsel.
At Reeds Solicitors, we offer a unique service where clients have the choice of in-house senior counsel, independent counsel, or junior counsel. Rather than being assigned a single lawyer, you will have the support of a dedicated legal team — including caseworkers, litigators, junior and senior counsel — carefully chosen to build the strongest possible defence and fight for your innocence. We support you at every stage to ensure you have the right representation. You will have regular contact with your counsel and litigator to ensure you are always kept up to date with the progression of your defence.
Top Tier Defence for Rape Allegations
For individuals that wish to instruct the highest level of representation, we also have extensive connections to well-regarded King’s Counsel (KC or Silk) to ensure you have a top-tier defence at your disposal. King’s Counsel can work alongside us to write representations, skeleton arguments, and review disclosure documents – all with the aim of proving your innocence before a matter reaches a courtroom. If it does proceed to a trial, you could not be in better hands.
We work closely with leading KCs and counsel from top London chambers, who can assist with your case.
We have a dedicated Private Client Sexual Offence Team that can be found here.
For more information, please consider reviewing the information on the main page regarding sexual offences.
Please reach out for expert advice as soon as possible. Call 01865 260 230 or contact one of our rape allegations solicitors on info@reeds.co.uk. If you wish to contact us out of usual office hours, then phone 01865 920067.