Child grooming is an extremely sensitive legal area that can have incredibly serious implications on the lives of all involved. If you face grooming charges or have been arrested on suspicion, you will likely be highly distressed and wondering what steps you should take next.
If you’ve been charged with grooming offences or know that you will imminently face charges of that nature, seeking legal advice should be your top priority. A solicitor will be the best resource to help you navigate your trial and these trying times.
What is child grooming?
Grooming offences tend to be covered by the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The act states that grooming is the offence of arranging to meet a child who is under the age of 16, arranged either for yourself or another individual, with the intention of engaging in an activity of a sexual nature. The accused must have both intentionally arranged for themselves or someone else to meet with a child, in any part of the world, and that meeting must involve some form of activity sexual in nature with a child.
Sentencing for child grooming
Grooming is a serious criminal offence that carries a high maximum sentence. The maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment; as grooming cases tend to get a lot of public interest, both from the local community and national media, sentences are rarely lenient.
In addition to incarceration, those convicted on grooming charges will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register. This could, in turn, bar you from a wide variety of jobs. It’s possible that a Risk of Sexual Harm Order will also be placed on those convicted of grooming offences. This will prohibit the adult in question from certain conversations with children online; failure to comply with this order can in turn result in a prison sentence, up to a maximum of five years.
Ashcott Solicitors – What we can do to help
If you face grooming charges or have been arrested for grooming, your priority is to find a criminal solicitor right away. Our team of solicitors are experienced in sexual offence law; it’s important that your legal advisor understands the nuances of the specific legal area, including all of the implications of modern communication and social media. A solicitor will be able to help you with each stage of the investigation as it progresses.
First, this will likely mean advising you before and during your police interviews. They will go over your version of events with you before the interview, and advise you on how to answer the questions posed to you.
If the case goes to trial, your solicitor will develop your legal defence with you. They will go through the legal implications of each potential course of action, including pleading guilty or innocent, and guide you on the best course for your specific situation.
If you’re concerned that you can’t afford legal representation, you may be eligible for legal aid. Our team of solicitors will able able to advise you on your eligibility and help you with the application process if suitable.
Call our team now on 0161 234 0020 (Manchester) /0203 053 8625 (London) / 07956 555979 (24 hour). You can also contact our team at Ashcott Solicitors via our contact form. We will respond to you as soon as possible
