Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 / The Time Best Law Firms 2026 / 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 / The Time Best Law Firms 2026 / 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
Recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 and included in The Times Best Law Firms 2026, Lewis Nedas Law represents individuals facing historic sexual offence investigations and prosecutions throughout London and across England and Wales.
If you have been contacted by the police, invited to attend a voluntary interview, arrested, released on bail or charged in relation to a non-recent sexual allegation, early legal advice is critical. Contact our criminal defence solicitors on +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online enquiry form for confidential advice.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Make a Confidential EnquiryHistoric sexual offence allegations are among the most sensitive and complex cases handled by the criminal courts. Allegations may relate to events said to have taken place years or decades ago, often where documents are missing, witnesses can no longer be traced and memories have changed over time.
These cases require careful legal analysis, detailed evidence review and a clear defence strategy from the earliest stage. Lewis Nedas Law advises clients throughout police investigations, interviews, charging decisions, Crown Court proceedings, sentencing and appeals where appropriate.
Lewis Nedas Law is recognised for its work in serious criminal defence.
Our credentials include:
Recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026
Included in The Times Best Law Firms 2026
More than 40 years' experience in criminal defence
Partner-led representation from the outset
Extensive experience in serious sexual offence allegations
Representation before Magistrates' Courts, Crown Courts and the Court of Appeal
Close work with leading King's Counsel, forensic experts, psychologists and digital evidence specialists where required
Every case is assessed individually. Our advice is based on the evidence, the applicable law and your circumstances.
Historic sexual offences, often called non-recent sexual offences, are allegations relating to conduct said to have occurred in the past.
These cases may involve allegations of:
Rape
Sexual assault
Indecent assault
Child sexual abuse
Abuse within families
Abuse in schools, care homes or institutions
Sexual offences said to have occurred many years ago
Multi-complainant allegations
The law applied may depend on the date of the alleged offence, since older allegations may be prosecuted under earlier legislation.
Many clients first become aware of an allegation when they receive a call from the police asking them to attend a voluntary interview.
A voluntary interview is still a formal interview under caution. What is said may be used as evidence.
Before any interview, our solicitors can:
Seek disclosure from the police
Advise on your legal rights
Prepare a considered response
Advise on whether to answer questions
Attend the police station with you
Protect your position throughout the process
You should not attend a police interview without legal advice.
Historic sexual offence cases often turn on evidence that requires careful examination.
Our solicitors review:
Witness accounts
Police interview material
Historic records
Medical, school, employment or care records
Digital communications
Social media evidence
Disclosure material held by the prosecution
Evidence that may support the defence or undermine the allegation
Disclosure can be a central issue in these cases. We make detailed requests and representations where relevant material has not been provided.
Delay can create serious evidential problems.
A historic allegation may involve:
Missing documents
Unavailable witnesses
Lost records
Fading memory
Changes in personal circumstances
Lack of contemporaneous evidence
The court will consider whether a fair trial remains possible. Our solicitors assess whether delay has affected the ability to defend the case properly.
Historic sexual offence investigations can affect every part of a person's life. Clients may face bail conditions, employment issues, professional regulation, family proceedings, social services involvement and reputational harm.
We provide discreet advice designed to protect your legal position and manage related risks. Where professional or regulatory issues arise, we can advise on the overlap between criminal proceedings and external investigations.
If the police contact you about a historic sexual offence allegation, seek legal advice before responding. Early representation allows your solicitor to assess the allegation and protect your legal position from the outset.
Whether you have been arrested or invited to attend a voluntary interview, your solicitor will obtain pre-interview disclosure where possible, explain the allegation, advise on your rights and discuss the most appropriate approach before questioning begins.
Avoid contacting the complainant or any potential witnesses, directly or indirectly. This may breach bail conditions, interfere with the investigation and damage your defence.
Keep any material that may assist your defence, including diaries, photographs, correspondence, emails, text messages, employment records, travel documents or other records that may help establish events or timelines. Do not destroy or alter any evidence.
Historic allegations often depend on witness accounts rather than contemporaneous evidence. Your solicitor will examine the prosecution material carefully, identify inconsistencies and seek disclosure of evidence that may support your defence or undermine the allegations.
Many historic allegations involve events said to have occurred years or decades ago. Your solicitor will consider whether missing records, unavailable witnesses or the passage of time has affected your ability to receive a fair trial.
Depending on the circumstances, your defence may benefit from independent experts, including psychologists, digital forensic specialists or other professionals able to assess aspects of the prosecution case.
Where appropriate, your solicitor may submit detailed written representations to the police or Crown Prosecution Service explaining why the evidence does not justify criminal charges.
If you are charged, your legal team will prepare your defence, analyse witness evidence, instruct specialist King's Counsel where appropriate and develop a clear strategy for trial.
Historic sexual offence allegations can affect employment, professional registration, family relationships, DBS matters and reputation long before a trial takes place. Throughout the investigation and any subsequent proceedings, your solicitor will advise on these wider issues while protecting your legal interests.
Lewis Nedas Law has represented clients facing serious and complex sexual offence allegations, including historic allegations dating back many years.
Our criminal defence team includes Jeffrey Lewis, Leila Abdul-Rasool, Siobhain Egan, Miles Herman, Tony Meisels and Keith Wood, each of whom has substantial experience in serious criminal defence.
Where appropriate, we work with leading King's Counsel, forensic experts, psychologists and digital evidence specialists to examine the prosecution case and prepare the defence.
If you are contacted about a historic sexual offence allegation:
Obtain legal advice immediately.
Do not contact the complainant.
Preserve messages, photographs, records and documents.
Do not delete digital material.
Seek advice before attending any police interview.
Avoid discussing the allegation publicly or on social media.
Early advice allows your solicitor to assess the allegation, protect your rights and begin preparing your defence.
Yes. Many serious sexual offences have no time limit for prosecution.
No. A voluntary interview is still under caution and legal advice should be taken first.
Delay may create evidential or fair trial issues, depending on the facts of the case.
Possibly. Police may impose bail conditions or release you under investigation.
Your matter may be handled by Jeffrey Lewis, Leila Abdul-Rasool, Siobhain Egan, Miles Herman, Tony Meisels or Keith Wood.
If you are under investigation or facing prosecution for a historic sexual offence, early legal advice can make a significant difference.
Lewis Nedas Law is recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 and included in The Times Best Law Firms 2026. Our experienced criminal defence solicitors advise clients throughout London and across England and Wales.
Your matter may be handled by Jeffrey Lewis, Leila Abdul-Rasool, Siobhain Egan, Miles Herman, Tony Meisels or Keith Wood.
To speak with a member of our team, call +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online enquiry form for confidential advice.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Arrange a Confidential Consultation