If you’re being investigated for a sexual offence, the process can feel like it goes on forever. Worse still, it often feels like your side of the story isn’t being heard.
Chances are, you’ve already had a police interview. Depending on the advice you were given, you might’ve answered questions, made a statement, or been advised to give a “no comment” interview—or maybe even a combination of these approaches.
From there, the police conduct their investigation. If you’re lucky, as they dig into the accuser’s claims, they might find evidence that supports your account. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way. Many officers focus solely on anything that points towards you. Their job is to produce a report for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and some seem reluctant to include anything that could weaken the case against you.
Legal Advice During Your Police Interview
When you were at the station, you were entitled to free legal advice under legal aid. However, that support stops once the interview ends. It only becomes available again if:
- You’re interviewed again (legal aid is free in this instance).
- You’re charged with an offence (at this point, legal aid is means-tested).
Depending on your circumstances, you might qualify for free representation, reduced-fee support, or no legal aid at all.
What About Your Side of the Case?
While the police are busy investigating, no one is really working on your behalf to make sure the evidence in your favour is considered. This is where pre-charge representation can make a big difference.
It’s far better to avoid being charged in the first place than to defend yourself in court after the fact.
The Cost of Pre-Charge Representation
Sadly, pre-charge representation isn’t free, so it’s down to you to decide whether it’s affordable. Good solicitors in this area are rare, and finding one that charges fairly is even rarer.
That said, getting good representation for a sexual offence is often simpler than it feels. While you may feel overwhelmed, sexual allegations aren’t usually legally complex.
In my view, a good, basic pre-charge service shouldn’t cost more than £3,000. This would typically cover:
- Collecting and reviewing documents (up to 100 pages is reasonable for a basic service).
- Holding a client conference with you, usually remotely.
- Preparing and submitting strong representations to the police and CPS, pointing out weaknesses in the case and highlighting evidence you should provide.
If additional work is needed, such as independent device analysis, the solicitor should provide a separate quote, giving you the choice to proceed or not.
Be cautious of solicitors asking for sky-high fixed fees—£6,000, £10,000, or even £15,000—before they’ve even looked at your case.
Is Pre-Charge Representation Worth It?
Every case is different, so we can’t say whether it’s right for you. The best way to find out is to speak to a solicitor who specialises in pre-charge representation.
If the solicitor identifies evidence that could help bring the investigation to a close without charges, it’s an investment worth considering. Being proactive early on can make all the difference in protecting your reputation and your freedom.
Who We Recommend
 REEDS Solicitors Contact Nicola Hutchinson 07811 412539 n.hutchinson@reeds.co.uk For More Information About Reeds Click Here | For Any Area Not Listed Below Contact Nicola |
REEDS Solicitors Contact Harvey Fox 07973 259382 h.fox@reeds.co.uk For More Information About Reeds Click Here | London British Transport Police East Anglia Essex Kent Norfolk Suffolk Sussex Surrey Cambridgeshire Berkshire Buckinghamshire Bedfordshire |
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