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
Look for your police force area below and contact the solicitor directly. Both legal teams below offer a low fixed fee service as I have already described and I trust both without question. If your police force area is not listed then contact us.
| LOOK FOR YOUR POLICE FORCE AREA BELOW AND CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE SOLICITOR DIRECTLY |
| Freemans Solicitors Contact Harvey Directly For More Information About Freemans Click Here | Bedfordshire British Transport Police (BTP) Cambridgeshire City Of London Essex Hertfordshire Kent London City Suffolk Surrey Sussex Thames Valley |
| REEDS Solicitors Contact Nicola Directly. For More Information About Reeds Click Here | Avon & Somerset Gloucestershire Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Gwent Leicestershire Manchester Merseyside South Wales South Yorkshire West Yorkshire Wiltshire |
| If you do not see your police force area listed above then contact us and outline your circumstances and I will help you find the best fit for your circumstances and needs. Click Here to Contact Us. | If you do not see your police force area listed above then contact us and outline your circumstances and I will help you find the best fit for your circumstances and needs. Click Here to Contact Us. |
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Join our private Facebook group for support: Accused.Me.UK Support Group.
