Clergy Abuse Defence Solicitors
If you are a member of the clergy facing allegations of misconduct, our experienced team are here to offer expert advice and representation. Our solicitors specialise in criminal law, providing comprehensive support at every stage of the process, from the initial complaint to the disciplinary tribunal or court hearing. It is crucial to seek professional legal advice when dealing with investigations or accusations, as even well-intentioned statements can sometimes have negative consequences.
Our team is dedicated to assisting clergy members, including deacons, priests, and bishops within the Church of England, regardless of their current ministry status, who are accused of criminal offences. We also represent and provide guidance on responding to informal complaints addressed to the area dean or archdeacon.
The church of England set out their rules and expectations for members of the clergy in “Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy”. If these guidelines are not followed, it may lead to allegations of misconduct or subsequent investigations.
Where there are allegations of clergy abuse, including either recent or historic sexual abuse, these may include a possible referral to a Disciplinary Tribunal or, in the case of Bishops, to the Vicar General’s Court, in addition to criminal investigations by the police, both of which can have serious and potentially career and life-altering consequences.
Why choose Draycott Browne?
If you are a member of the clergy facing an investigation into allegations of clergy abuse, please ensure that you speak to one of our professional criminal defence solicitors as a matter of urgency. No matter what the circumstances of your case, we can assist you by:
- Representing you at the police station
- Advising you on the applicable legislation
- Preparing responses on your behalf
- Offering guidance
- Representing and defending you in court
- Preparing representation for the Disclosure and Barring list
- Providing advice and representation in the event of an appeal
We are a nationally recognised criminal defence firm that consistently achieves positive outcomes for our clients. We bring extensive technical knowledge across all aspects of clergy abuse investigations, and we regularly represent clients throughout England and Wales. If you choose us, you can trust that your case will be handled by a team of highly skilled and experienced solicitors with in-depth knowledge of the law.
Our legal team is available 24/7. If you or someone you know has been arrested on suspicion of clergy abuse and requires expert legal representation, contact us today for the best possible defence and guidance.
Dedicated expertise for defending all allegations of historic sexual abuse offences.
Our Clergy Abuse OFFENCES Team
What should I do if allegations are made against me?
If you are made aware that an allegation or charge has been made against you, you must seek advice from an experienced defence solicitor with specialised knowledge in cases such as these. When you contact Draycott Browne, we will thoroughly review your case to ensure you receive the best possible advice from the outset. It’s important to seek legal advice before speaking to the police in case you inadvertently say anything that could potentially harm your case. Additionally, due to potential conflicts of interest, you are not permitted to seek legal advice from the registrar within your own diocese.
What happens during an investigation?
This depends on the nature of the complaint, but often the first you might hear about the allegations made against you is when you are contacted by police and brought in for interview, either voluntarily or following arrest.
For many, particularly if you feel that you are innocent of the charges against you, having your integrity questioned can be stressful and upsetting.
After the police have interviewed you, they will also interview the complainant and any other witnesses or people who might be relevant to the investigation.
Depending on the outcome of these interviews you may be released without charge, released on bail, or held in custody until your case can be heard. Once the police have all the evidence that they need, they will work with the CPS who will determine whether there is enough evidence to prosecute the case in court.
If you become aware of a complaint that has been made against you, please contact our experienced criminal defence team. We are experts in representing members of the clergy facing criminal and misconduct allegations, and we will ensure that you receive the best advice and guidance available to you, ensuring that your legal rights are fully protected.
What are the penalties if found guilty of clergy abuse?
If, following a trial, you are found guilty of committing clergy abuse, there will be a number of consequences. Depending on the nature of the specific offence, you may be facing a custodial sentence and inclusion on the Sex Offenders Register. In addition to the sentencing handed down in a criminal court, it is likely that you will face other consequences from the church, including:
- Removal from office
- Conditional discharge
- Revocation of licence
- Prohibition, either limited, or for life.
If you have concerns about potential sentencing that might apply to you, please reach out to us; our specialist team of solicitors can assist you at any stage of an investigation, including an initial assessment of your case.
Can I appeal?
If you have been found guilty of clergy abuse, but feel that your sentence is incorrect or excessively harsh, you may have grounds to appeal. To do so, you must demonstrate that the sentence was either legally flawed or disproportionate. Given the complexity of this process, seeking expert legal advice early is essential. Additionally, if you feel that there were procedural errors or misapplication of the law during your case, these factors may also support an appeal. If you feel that you have grounds to appeal your conviction, please contact us and one of our appeal solicitors will assess your case.
Specialist Clergy Abuse Offence Lawyers
- 24/7 Availability
- Proven Success in High Profile Cases
- Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation
Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Clergy Sexual Abuse Solicitors today.
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Contact our Clergy Abuse Defence Solicitors
If you have faced accusations of clergy abuse, we understand how stressful this can be. We offer support and representation on legal matters relating to all types of sexual offence allegations.
Contact our team by calling our filling in our online enquiry form and one of expert criminal defence solicitors in Manchester will respond to you as soon as possible.
At Draycott Browne, our team of Sexual Offence Solicitors are nationally recognised for delivering positive outcomes through their vast technical knowledge and deep understanding of the legal processes involved in clergy abuse cases. We can provide you with the required expertise, guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the care required when facing such sensitive allegations.
As one of the leading Criminal Defence Law Firms in the UK, we offer legal representation for clients across the country, including London, throughout the North West, including Liverpool and Manchester, England and Wales. By trusting us with your sexual offence case, you can be sure you will receive the best possible legal representation from experts with a deep understanding of the law.
We are available 24/7 so if you found yourself in need of urgent representation, call Draycott Brown our complete our online form today for the very best clergy abuse solicitors.