Being falsely accused of sexual assault when you didn’t do is terrifying. It’s hard to know what to do in that situation but there are a few things that can help you get through it.
Stay Calm and Remain Silent
Getting upset or lashing out is going to only make you look guilty. Even though it is an incredibly upsetting situation, take some deep breaths and keep calm. Invoke your right to remain silent. At this point, anything that you say can be used against you later so you want to make sure that when you are speaking, it is done with your legal aid present. Until you have a solicitor with you, do not say anything.
Get Legal Help
If you are being questioned or arrested, cooperate with the police but immediately ask to have your solicitor present. It is important to have them join you as soon as possible. Once you hear about the accusations, call your attorney immediately. They will walk you through what you should and shouldn’t say to help give you the best chance possible of proving your innocence. When looking to find a solicitor who is right for your case, look for someone who has worked with false sexual assault claims in the past. You want to find someone who has the experience and is aware of which questions to ask and where to find evidence to prove your innocence.
Gather Evidence
Try and find as much evidence as possible that can prove your innocence. This could include witnesses, surveillance footage if you were in a more public place, or anything that can show that you either were not present when you were accused of committing the crime, or were not doing the things you have been accused of doing.
Avoid Contacting Your Accuser
It is incredibly important for you to keep from contacting your accuser in any way. If this is someone who you are normally in close contact with, or whom you live with, make sure you have another place to stay. You should not be present in the same space until the whole matter is settled. Even if there are other witnesses present, it’s important you immediately leave if your accuser enters the same space.
Getting the right help to navigate through a sexual assault accusation can be the difference between being charged and receiving a not guilty verdict. When it comes to something that can affect the rest of your life, it is worth spending the money to have proper representation. Find a solicitor who can give you the guidance and can help make your case one that is built on solid facts and cannot be argued.
At Lefevre Litigation, we have the experience to help you with your sexual assault charges. Contact us now to make an appointment. Adhering to the
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, drug offences and charges are in place to help control both the use and distribution of dangerous, harmful and illegal substances. There are several different types of drug offence that can be handed out, with differing degrees of severity and consequence, here, we look at the different types of drug offences and the potential penalties that could occur:
Possession
Possession offences occur when an individual is caught carrying an illegal substance on their person. Most minor offences won't be brought forward to the Crown Prosecution Service, for instance, if you are found to be in possession of cannabis or Khat, the police may choose to handle minor offences with on the spot fines or formal/written warnings, but Class A substances, such as Cocaine or Heroin will always be taken very seriously.
Supply
Supply offences happen when an individual either sells or shares illegal substances with others. Even if you didn't pay for them yourself, supplying drugs to others is a serious offence, particularly if you're found to have been operating in the mass distribution of Class A substances.
Possession With Intent
If you are found to be in possession of an illegal substance and there is clear evidence of intent to sell, such as large quantities that are inconsistent with personal use, bags, scales or cash, then you are likely to be faced with an offence of possession with intent to supply.
Importation
No matter the scale of the operation, importing or exporting illegal substances is against the law. If an individual is caught in possession of restricted or illegal substances when entering another country, particularly if they are found to have possession with intent to smuggle and supply, they are committing a serious crime.
Production
Involvement with the production of illegal substances in any capacity is against the law. For example, if you are providing premises or equipment, or can be proved in any way to have knowledge of controlled drug production, you can be charged with the production of illegal substances. If the production is on a particularly large scale and can be linked to a supply chain, then you may also be charged with production and possession with intent to supply.
If you’re looking for professional advice regarding
drug-related offences, our team of legal experts at
Lefevre Litigation can help. We have extensive experience handling a number of cases involving drugs, with an in-depth knowledge of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the related legal proceedings. Don’t hesitate to act,
get in touch with us today for professional help and advice.
