Defending Young People Accused of Sexual Offences: Compassionate Representation and Legal Expertise

In England and Wales, the age of criminal responsibility is 10 years old. This means that children as young as 10 can be arrested and prosecuted for crimes, including sexual offences.

Defending young people accused of such serious crimes requires a nuanced approach that considers their age, maturity, and individual circumstances.

At Lupton Fawcett LLP, our Regulatory and Corporate Defence team is committed to providing compassionate legal expertise to young people facing allegations of sexual offences, as well as defending young adults who are being investigated by their universities for sexual misconduct.

Understanding the Unique Challenges:

Defending young people accused of sexual offences presents unique challenges, as these cases often involve complex legal and welfare issues. Young defendants may lack understanding of the seriousness of the allegations against them, and they may be particularly vulnerable to coercion or manipulation.

The stigma surrounding sexual offences can have a profound impact on young defendants and their families, leading to feelings of shame, isolation, and anxiety. Growing up surrounded by social media, we find that young people can be conscious of the allegations being tried in the court of public opinion when, what should be, confidential details of the case are being discussed online or amongst their peers at school and university.

Our Approach:

At Lupton Fawcett LLP, we believe in a trauma-informed and strength-based approach to representing our clients. Our solicitors are empathetic advocates who understand the importance of providing sensitive and supportive legal representation to young people accused of sexual offences.

Each of our lawyers are former Duty Solicitors and are members of the Law Society’s Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme.  We have over five decades of experience acting for young people in Youth Courts across the country.

We take a proactive approach to defence, conducting thorough case preparation, challenging prosecution evidence, and presenting compelling arguments on behalf of our clients.

For young defendants facing criminal charges, we employ a proactive defence strategy that includes:

  • Legal Guidance and Support: We provide comprehensive legal guidance and support to young defendants and their families, explaining the charges against them, their rights, and the potential consequences of conviction. We ensure that our clients fully understand the legal process and are equipped to make informed decisions about their defence.
    • Protection of Rights: We rigorously defend our young clients’ rights throughout the legal proceedings, including during police interviews and court hearings. We ensure that our clients are treated fairly and respectfully.
      • Expert Advocacy: Our solicitors conduct their own advocacy in the Youth Court, Magistrates Court, and Crown Court, presenting compelling arguments on behalf of our clients. We take into account the unique needs and experiences of young defendants and have their best interests in mind at every stage of their case.
        • Respecting Their Autonomy – The young person is the primary party, and they should have agency over their decisions. Solicitors can guide young people on their rights and options, allowing them to make informed choices while being supported by their families.
          • Empathetic Representation: We are empathetic advocates who understand the impact that criminal proceedings can have on young defendants and their families. We are skilled at quickly putting the young person at ease so that they can feel ready to discuss potentially embarrassing situations with us. We provide sensitive and supportive representation, prioritising the well-being and dignity of our clients throughout the legal process.

            • Defending Young Adults in University Investigations:

            In addition to representing young people facing criminal charges, our Regulatory and Corporate Defence team also defends young adults who are being investigated by their universities for allegations of sexual misconduct. Universities have a duty to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct thoroughly and impartially, but these investigations can be daunting and overwhelming for accused students.

            Our solicitors provide expert legal representation to young adults facing university investigations, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they are treated fairly throughout the process. We work closely with our clients to prepare robust defences, ensure proper procedures are followed, and advocate for a fair and just outcome.

            Examples of our work for young people:

            • 15-year-old boy investigated for distributing indecent images while exploring his sexuality online – Prosecution avoided following robust written representations.
            • 17-year-old boy charged with sexual offences against his own sister – Case dropped by the CPS after evidential difficulties.
            • Successful defence of a university student accused of sexual misconduct against their flatmate.

              • What Next?

              If you or someone you know is facing allegations of rape or serious sexual offences, don’t navigate this challenging legal terrain alone. Trust the experienced and dedicated team at Lupton Fawcett LLP to provide you with the robust defence and compassionate support you need.

              Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced solicitors. Richard Etherington can be reached at all times on 07342071288 or richard.etherington@luptonfawcett.law

              With offices in Leeds, York and Sheffield we represent clients throughout England and Wales.

              Together, we’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights, preserve your dignity, and pursue justice in your case. At Lupton Fawcett we’re here to fight for you or your loved one.

              Your key contacts

              Required
              Required
              Required

              “The team at Lupton Fawcett is extremely knowledgeable, approachable and technically excellent”.

              The Legal 500

              Every insight