Grooming and Sexual Communication with Children
The Sexual Offences Act dictates that it is a criminal offence for someone aged 18 or over to engage in communication with a child under the age of 16 for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification. It also creates the offence commonly referred to as “grooming” where communication results in a meeting or attempted meeting with a child under the age of 16.
Engaging in sexual communication with a child or grooming are serious offences that carry significant sentences in the event of a conviction.
When facing an allegation of grooming or sexual communication with children, it is essential to work with specialist sexual offences solicitors who have specific expertise in handling these types of cases. Obtaining legal advice from an expert will ensure that you have the strongest possible representation to avoid prosecution or minimise penalties where this cannot be avoided.
At ABR Solicitors, our team of expert sexual offences solicitors have substantial experience in preparing cases and representing individuals accused of grooming and sexual communication with children, holding a strong track record to support this.
We will provide tailored, practical advice to guide you through each stage of your case. This means you will always be aware of where you stand and the steps that need to be taken during the course of proceedings.
We are familiar with how devastating the potential consequences of being convicted of grooming and sexual communication with children are, as well as the difference that proper advice and early action can make.
Our key contact in this area is James McAulay.
Our sexual offence solicitors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be by your side for every stage of an investigation and/or prosecution.
How our sexual offences solicitors can help you
Voluntary interview
If the police suspect an individual of grooming or sexual communication with a child, they have the authority to ask them to attend the police station for an interview. This is a serious matter, despite it being ‘voluntary’, and the potential consequences of not having proper legal advice and representation at this stage can prove to be crucial to the final outcome of the case.
Therefore, at this stage, we strongly recommend that you seek legal advice from a specialist sexual offences solicitor with experience in handling matters related to grooming and sexual communication with children. Our team are able to attend and support you in respect of your voluntary interview at any police station.
We can offer appointments to meet with us prior to a voluntary interview using whichever means are most convenient to you. This could be through various video platforms or face to face.
Arrested, bailed or released under investigation (RUI)
Individuals who are facing charges of grooming or sexual communication with children may be arrested and brought into custody. At this point, they have the option of appointing a solicitor of their choosing or one who is appointed for them under the Duty Solicitor Scheme.
Our sexual offences solicitors provide a 24-hour emergency telephone line. You can use this if you require immediate assistance if you are under arrest or are being held at the police station.
Anyone arrested for grooming or sexual communication with children may be bailed to return to the police station or released under investigation. The police may impose bail conditions and may have seized electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops.
We understand that this can present a number of difficulties. We offer bespoke packages which are tailored to the individual needs of our clients.
Summonsed (Postal Requisition) or charged to appear at court
There may be certain scenarios where individuals have reached the stage where they are due to make an appearance at court and are yet to have secured legal representation. The reasons for this will vary depending on a number of circumstances, whether it’s due to shame or embarrassment, a lack of understanding of the procedures or not wishing to appear ‘guilty’.
Where this is the case, we can provide immediate advice, assistance and representation to defend your position.
Our sexual offences solicitors regularly attend criminal courts around the country and hold an exemplary reputation with our clients, peers and court staff.
No matter whether your criminal defence is legally aided or funded privately, we can ensure that you always receive the highest standard of support and an excellent level of advocacy.
Speak to our sexual communication with children solicitors
If you need immediate expert advice and representation in relation to an investigation or prosecution for sexual communication with children, please contact your local ABR Solicitors office in Leeds, Liverpool, London, Nottingham or Birmingham.