A sexual-offence accusation affects your entire life. Discretion and diligence come first
In sexual-offence cases reputation, relationships and work are at stake, often before anything has been proven. We work without publicity: no unnecessary third parties in the file, consultation where you want it, and nothing goes out until you decide.
Sexual-offence law and the new statute
Since the Sexual Offences Act (Wet seksuele misdrijven, 2024), coercion is no longer required: sex against the will is also punishable. The law provides for a negligence and an intent variant of sexual assault and rape, with increasing sentences.
These cases almost always turn on statements. Where it is one person’s word against another’s, the reliability of the statement is the whole case.
Sexual assault and rape
The classification depends on the nature of the act and on what the suspect knew or should have known about the other person’s will. That distinction determines whether it is the negligence or the intent variant.
We reconstruct precisely what happened and what signals there were, and contest an overly severe classification.
Sexual offences via the internet: images and grooming
Online conduct also falls under sexual-offence law: the possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material (art. 240b) and the approaching of minors (grooming). Sexting between young people can also be pursued criminally.
We test what has actually been found, whether you knew of it and whether the digital investigation was conducted lawfully.
The informative sexual-offences interview
A case often begins with an invitation to an informative interview with the sexual-offences police. That seems non-committal, but what you say there can be decisive for what follows.
Never attend without consultation. We prepare you or advise first getting to know the case file.
Supporting evidence and reliability
A single complaint is not enough for a conviction; the law requires supporting evidence (the unus testis principle). We test the consistency of statements, the course of the recorded studio interview and the investigation.
Where necessary we engage an expert and have the complainant and witnesses heard by the examining magistrate.
Seizure, DNA and digital investigation
Phones and computers are read out and DNA may be taken. Each of these acts is subject to conditions. If the seizure or the investigation is unlawful, evidence can be excluded.
We test the lawfulness and request the return of your devices as soon as possible.
Discretion, privacy and consequences
Sexual-offence cases are often heard behind closed doors. We safeguard your privacy at every stage; everything you share with us falls under our duty of confidentiality.
A conviction affects your VOG, may entail probation supervision and treatment, and has long-lasting effects. We weigh those interests from the very first meeting.
When to call us
- You have been invited to an informative sexual-offences interview or interview
- A complaint has been filed against you
- Your phone or computer has been seized
- DNA has been or is being taken from you
- You are suspected of an online sexual offence or images
- You have been arrested in a sexual-offence investigation
Frequently asked questions
Can I be convicted on a single statement?
No. The law requires supporting evidence alongside the complaint (unus testis, nullus testis). If that is lacking, we argue for acquittal. We analyse the statement for consistency and testability.
What changes with the new sexual offences law?
Since 2024 coercion is no longer required: sex against the will is also punishable, with a negligence and an intent variant. Which variant the OM chooses determines the sentence — we run a targeted defence on that.
I have been invited to an "informative interview". Must I go?
Never go without consultation. Such an interview seems non-committal but can be decisive. We prepare you or advise first getting to know the case file.
Will my case become public?
Sexual-offence cases are often heard behind closed doors and we safeguard your privacy at every stage. Everything you share with us falls under our duty of confidentiality.
What happens to my seized phone?
It is read out. We test whether the seizure and the investigation were lawful and request its return as soon as possible.
DNA was taken from me. Does that prove everything?
No. DNA says something about contact, not in itself about coercion or criminal liability. We place such evidence in the correct context.
Sexting between young people — is that punishable?
It can be, even if both parties are young. The context is decisive. Where minors are involved we firmly bring juvenile criminal law and the consequences for the future into the defence.
What does a conviction mean for my VOG and future?
A sexual-offence conviction has long and heavy effects on your VOG and can entail probation supervision. We steer towards an outcome that burdens your future as little as possible.