Criminal law

Discreet defence for
serious allegations.

An allegation of a sexual offence can affect every part of your life. We give calm, confidential advice from the first contact with the police through to the end of the case.

24-hour line 01582 853 783 Request a callback
  • Band 1 for CrimePreviously ranked, Chambers & Partners
  • Legal 500 Leading FirmPreviously recognised
  • Highly CommendedLaw Society Excellence Awards 2021
  • Day and nightPolice station attendance at any hour

Allegations of sexual offences

Most sexual offences in England and Wales are set out in the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Many turn on the question of consent, which the Act defines as agreeing by choice when a person has the freedom and capacity to make that choice. For many offences the prosecution must also prove that the accused did not reasonably believe the other person was consenting, judged in light of all the circumstances.

These cases are sensitive for everyone involved. Complainants have lifelong anonymity, and the courts use special measures to support witnesses giving evidence. Being under investigation or charged is not a finding of guilt; you remain innocent unless the prosecution proves its case. Our role is to make sure the process is fair, your account is properly heard and the evidence is tested in the way the law requires.

Investigations often begin with an arrest or an invitation to a voluntary interview, and may involve the seizure of phones and computers. Advice before you speak to the police is essential: saying the wrong thing, even unintentionally, can harm your case later. We attend police stations 24 hours a day, examine digital evidence and disclosure closely, and represent clients personally in court.

What we do for you

  • Confidential advice before any police interview
  • Attendance at police stations 24 hours a day
  • Close review of digital evidence and phone downloads
  • Pursuit of disclosure that may assist your defence
  • Clear guidance on bail and release conditions
  • In-court representation by solicitors who know your case

Allegations we defend

We advise on the full range of sexual offence allegations, with discretion at every stage.

  1. Rape

    Allegations under section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

  2. Assault by penetration

    Allegations under section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

  3. Sexual assault

    Allegations of non-consensual sexual touching under section 3 of the 2003 Act.

  4. Offences involving children

    Allegations involving children, including sexual communication with a child.

  5. Indecent images

    Allegations of making, possessing or distributing indecent images of children.

  6. Voyeurism and exposure

    Allegations under sections 66 and 67 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

  7. Intimate image offences

    Allegations of sharing, or threatening to share, intimate images without consent.

  8. Non-recent allegations

    Historic allegations, where the passage of time raises particular evidential issues.

How we defend a sexual offence case

We handle every stage with discretion and care, and keep you informed throughout.

  1. Before and at interview

    We advise you before any police interview, whether you have been arrested or invited to attend voluntarily, and we can attend with you 24 hours a day.

  2. Investigation and charge

    Investigations can be lengthy. We stay in contact with the police on your behalf, advise on bail or release conditions and make representations where appropriate before any charging decision.

  3. Preparing the defence

    We examine the full evidence, including phone and social media material, pursue disclosure and identify witnesses or expert witnesses who may assist.

  4. Trial or resolution

    The most serious sexual offences are tried in the Crown Court before a jury. We test the prosecution evidence within the rules that protect witnesses and present your defence clearly.

Attiq Malik

Key contact

Attiq Malik

Principal Solicitor

A prominent criminal defence solicitor, Attiq has won acquittals on Channel 4’s ‘24 Hours in Police Custody’ and been praised by the Law Society of England and Wales. He specialises in serious crime and employment law.

  • Previously Band 1 for Crime, Chambers
  • Higher Rights advocate
  • Duty solicitor
He has terrific courage and belief in the system, showing that it works. He’s out there fighting the good fight.
24-hour line 01582 853 783 Request a callback

What our clients say

Real feedback from the people we have represented, published on ReviewSolicitors and Google.

Craig Woods
Craig Woods
★★★★★
Contacted liberty law and from start to finish very happy with the whole process very helpful polite and easy to deal with they real do now there stuff
Karen
Karen
★★★★★
I could not recommend this firm enough. They manage to maintain complete professionalism whilst also being personable. Rasheda and Dean clearly explained every step of the process from beginning to end, with Dean taking the time to explain all of legal jargon. I really appreciated this as it made, what started as a daunting experience, so much easier to complete. I am so glad that I took the time to look around and read reviews before choosing any local firm. It really made a difference. Thank you Liberty Law.
Muhammad Khan
Muhammad Khan
★★★★★
Liberty Law took over my case at its hardest point. Dean Garrett was calm, straight-talking and on top of every detail from the first call: he strengthened my case, instructed an outstanding barrister, and his judgement was right at every turn. Rasheda kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes — calls arranged, documents where they needed to be, nothing ever too much trouble. My case concluded on day two of the final hearing, with an outcome I was very pleased with. They believed in my case when it mattered, and they delivered. Highly recommended.
Chapo
Chapo
★★★★★
I had an excellent experience. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. They took the time to answer my questions, provided clear advice, and worked hard to achieve a great outcome. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable and dedicated legal representation. If you are looking for professionalism and results you have come to the right place!!
Tinksy 37
Tinksy 37
★★★★★
Cannot thank the guys enough my solicitor went absolutely above and beyond
Abdul Basit
Abdul Basit
★★★★★
I contacted Liberty Law Solicitors regarding one of my legal cases. Throughout the past year, Mr. Faris Nazar handled my case with exceptional dedication, honesty, sincerity, and professionalism. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, I was ultimately successful in my case. I can confidently say that this firm is highly professional and genuinely committed to serving its clients. They have earned my trust, and I would highly recommend their services.👏
Mohammed
Mohammed
★★★★★
Where do I even start from the start to the very end they delivered I can’t thank the team and Itsam Malik enough for the results we was looking at 16-20 years and they got it down to 3 years which turned into 10 months the whole team and Itsam malik are great people!
M. T
M. T
★★★★★
I cannot thank Liberty Law Solicitors enough for the support and representation I received during a very difficult and stressful time. My solicitor Dean Garrett was honest, clear, and professional from the outset, explaining my situation and the possible outcomes without giving false reassurance. I really appreciated that level of transparency. The preparation for the hearing was thorough and made a real difference. I felt well guided throughout the process and was able to stay calm and focused because of the support I received. I am very grateful for the work carried out on my case and would highly recommend Liberty Law Solicitors to anyone in need of strong, honest, and professional legal representation.
Kamal Hussain
Kamal Hussain
★★★★★
I recently sought advice and support from Atiq at Liberty Law Solicitors regarding an employment matter. I’m genuinely grateful for the way Atiq handled everything. He made the whole process feel manageable, took the time to explain things clearly, and provided steady reassurance throughout. Knowing I had someone knowledgeable and dependable guiding me made a big difference. It’s incredibly reassuring to have Atiq and the team at Liberty Law in your corner. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
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Questions people ask

General information, not advice on your case. For that, speak to us — the first conversation costs nothing.

Will my name be made public?

Complainants in sexual offence cases have lifelong anonymity. That protection does not generally extend to people who are accused, so once a person is charged their name can usually be reported. We can explain whether any reporting restrictions may apply in your situation.

What happens to my phone and devices?

The police often seize phones, computers and other devices in investigations of this kind, and examining them can take time. Digital material can be relevant to both the prosecution and the defence. We can advise on your rights over seized property and press for relevant material to be disclosed.

Can I contact the person who made the allegation?

Take advice before any contact at all. Bail conditions commonly prohibit contact, directly or through others, and contact can risk further allegations. If you share children, a home or a workplace with the complainant, we can advise on managing this lawfully.

Can I represent myself at trial?

You can, but in a sexual offence case a defendant who represents themselves is not allowed to cross-examine the complainant in person. The court will instead consider appointing a lawyer to do so. Given what is at stake, independent legal representation is strongly advisable.

What is the sex offenders register?

A conviction or caution for certain sexual offences brings notification requirements, often called being on the sex offenders register. These require you to give the police certain personal details and keep them updated for a set period. Whether they apply, and for how long, depends on the offence and the sentence.

Nothing on this page is legal advice, and no solicitor–client relationship is created by reading it. Every case turns on its own facts.

Tell us what has happened.

The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Two offices, one emergency line, and a solicitor at the end of it.

Luton office

01582 853 783
43 Windmill Road
Luton LU1 3XL

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

London office

0208 528 1019
107–111 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2AB

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

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Say nothing until we are sitting beside you. Before you answer anything, call us. You should not face that interview alone. Do not go in there without a solicitor. Two in the morning is when we work hardest. You reach a solicitor, not a call centre.

The first conversation is free, confidential, and privileged from the first word. We attend police stations across England and Wales, day and night.

24-hour line 01582 853 783