Sexual Offence Lawyers Townsville
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Experienced in Criminal Defences For Sexual Offences
Sexual offence is a broad term and describes committing unlawful actions of a sexual nature. Sexual assault, indecent treatment of children, having a sexual relationship with a child, or rape, are sexual offences.
Effectively, a sexual assault involves an assault of a sexual nature whilst rape is an allegation of penetration without consent. Broader offences can include the possession of restricted material and simply having or distributing certain types of images can be considered a serious sexual offence.
Highly topical in both social and mainstream media, rape and sexual offences feature are prominent among political interest groups who are applying significant public pressure for offences of this type to be pursued and prosecuted.
As such allegations of rapes and sexual offences are likely to be of high profile and may attract significant attention from the media and the public alike.
They are among the most serious offences against the person and will invariably need to be dealt
with by the District Court. Convictions of offences of this nature will likely result in periods of imprisonment.
Important Factors For Sexual Offences
Rape and sexual assaults can occur in domestic or general settings and can involve victims who are both adults or minors. Either setting is treated extremely seriously. Because of their high public profile, there is a high public interest in the prosecution proceeding with allegations of this type.
There is no statute of limitations on these types of offences which means that persons are frequently prosecuted based on allegations with respect to incidents that happened many years or even decades ago.
For Legal Advice On Sexual Offences Speak To ATL
The issue of consent or the lack thereof is a highly technical one and it is vital that if you become aware that you are a suspect for any of these offences, you engage a legal practitioner to assist you before you talk to police about the offence so that you can obtain advice as to your options as soon as possible.
Contact Anderson Telford Lawyers online or call us on 07 4721 5870.
Sexual Assaults
The offence of sexual assault occurs where a person unlawfully and indecently assaults another, or procures another person without their consent to commit an act of gross indecency or witness an act of gross indecency.
The maximum penalty is 10 years' imprisonment or 14 years if there is a circumstance of aggravation.
The offence of sexual assault can include conduct involving penetration, as well as other sexual touching or indecent conduct not involving penetration.
Common examples of low-level sexual assaults include touching someone’s breasts, buttocks or genitals without their consent.
Penalties include fines, probation, intensive correction orders and jail time.
Rape
For conduct to be considered rape, the offender and the victim need to participate in a non-consensual act which involves penetration with a sexual connotation.
Child Pornography
The Criminal Code sets out child pornography offences including the making of child exploitation material and distributing and possessing such material.
Child exploitation material is defined to mean material that, is in a way likely to cause offence to a reasonable adult, describes or depicts a person or a representation of a person, who is (or apparently is) a child under 16 years in a sexual context (e.g. engaging in a sexual activity) or in an offensive or demeaning context or being subjected to abuse, cruelty or torture.
What To Do If You Are Charged With A Sexual Offence?
Get in touch with ATL as soon as you are accused or charged with any of these offences on the 24/7 Crime Line 0418 762 728.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a sexual offence lawyer do?
A sexual offence lawyer can provide legal advice and representation to individuals who are facing charges related to sexual offences, which can include matters such as sexual assault, indecent acts, child exploitation material offences, or unlawful sexual acts. These lawyers can guide clients through the legal process, helping them understand the charges, available legal options, and possible defences. Importantly, they assist in navigating complex criminal procedures, preparing necessary documentation, and representing clients in court if needed. Their role is safeguarding legal rights, maintaining confidentiality, and providing clear explanations about legal proceedings.
When should I contact a sexual offence lawyer?
It is generally advisable to contact a sexual offence lawyer as soon as possible if you become aware that you are under investigation or have been charged with a sexual offence. Early legal advice can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, avoid making self-incriminating statements, and take appropriate steps to respond to police inquiries or court processes. Waiting to seek legal advice can sometimes result in unintended consequences, such as misunderstandings about your obligations or missed opportunities to prepare a response. Contacting a lawyer promptly allows for thorough preparation, regardless of whether the matter proceeds to court or is resolved outside formal legal proceedings.
What should I expect during the first meeting with a sexual offence lawyer?
During the first meeting with a sexual offence lawyer, you can expect a confidential discussion where you provide details about your situation and any charges or investigations you face. The lawyer will typically ask for information about what happened, explain the nature of the charges, outline the legal process ahead, and discuss possible strategies or defences that may apply to your circumstances. This initial consultation is also a chance to ask questions and clarify how legal representation works, including fees, communication protocols, and expected timelines. While lawyers cannot guarantee results, they can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
How can a sexual offence lawyer help protect my rights?
A sexual offence lawyer can help protect your rights by ensuring that you are treated fairly under the law, understand your legal options and that your interactions with police and the courts follow proper legal procedures. They can advise you on how to respond to questioning, gather relevant evidence, identify legal issues that may impact your case, and challenge improper or unlawful actions by authorities. Legal representation can reduce the risk of procedural errors, protect against unfair treatment, and advocate for you in legal proceedings. While no lawyer can guarantee a particular outcome, having professional guidance helps uphold the fairness of the process.
What are the potential consequences of sexual offence charges?
The potential consequences of sexual offence charges vary depending on the nature and seriousness of the alleged offence, the available evidence, and how the case is resolved. Penalties can include fines, community service, probation, or imprisonment if a person is convicted. In some cases, individuals may face additional impacts, such as having to register on a sex offender registry, experiencing restrictions on certain types of employment, or dealing with reputational damage and social consequences. Legal advice can help clarify the possible consequences specific to a particular situation.
