At Monan Gozzett, we understand the profound impact that false allegations of harassment can have on your personal and professional life.
Therefore, it is important to secure specialist representation as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Our dedicated team of harassment solicitors and lawyers specialises in the complexities of these sensitive cases, providing tailored advice and robust defence strategies to safeguard your reputation and future.
Contact our team today on 020 7936 6329 or info@monangozzett.com in the strictest of confidence, to see how we can assist you.
What Is Harassment?
Harassment is unwanted behaviour towards another person and makes them feel intimidated, distressed, humiliated or fearful.
Examples of behaviour that might constitute harassment include:
- Unwanted communication, such as telephone calls, texts, emails or messaging via social media
- Verbal abuse or threats
- Following, watching, or monitoring someone
- Publishing malicious information about someone
Harassment is, in fact, both a criminal offence and a civil cause of action under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (read more about our civil harassment services).
The severity of the claim against you will determine the route any potential prosecution takes.
Any allegation of harassment can be very serious, and you should seek legal representation immediately.
Stalking
Stalking is considered a specific form of harassment, and in 2012, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 was explicitly amended through the Protection of Freedoms Act.
Stalking involves more specific behaviours than general harassment, typically including following someone, spying on them, forcing contact through any means, showing up uninvited at the victim's home or workplace, and other behaviours that cause fear of violence or serious alarm or distress.
Find out how Monan Gozzett can help if you have been falsely accused of stalking.
False Harassment Accusations
If you have been accused of harassment or have reason to believe any potential allegations may be made against you, you should contact an experienced solicitor to seek advice about what may happen next and how best to approach matters.
You may receive a call or visit from a police officer asking you to attend an interview to answer questions.
The police may not necessarily contact you, but instead, you could receive a letter and/or claim form from a firm of solicitors regarding a civil claim being made against you.
Should this be the case, it is important to contact a solicitor as soon as possible before making any arrangements with an officer or discussing any aspect of the case with them.
Contact Our Harassment Solicitors
At Monan Gozzett, we are committed to providing unparalleled legal services to individuals facing false allegations of harassment, among other sensitive legal matters.
Our team of dedicated solicitors is ready to offer you expert legal advice and robust representation tailored to your unique situation.
Whether you're seeking to clear your name or need guidance through the complexities of the legal system, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Let us help you navigate through your legal challenges with confidence and expertise.
False Accusations of Harassment: FAQs
There are statutory defences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, that exist against a harassment charge in England or Wales, which depend on the specifics of your case. The statutory defences are:-
- Prevention or Detection of Crime: It is a defence to show that the course of conduct was pursued for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime.
- Compliance with Enactment or Rule of Law: It is a defence to show that the conduct was pursued under any enactment or rule of law, or to comply with any condition or requirement imposed by any person under any enactment.
- Reasonableness: It is a defence to show that, in the particular circumstances, the pursuit of the course of conduct was reasonable.
Each defence is highly dependent on the details and evidence of the case. Legal advice from our solicitors, who specialise in harassment cases, is crucial for navigating these defences effectively.
In the UK, courts have several sentencing options for harassment offences, depending on the specifics of each case:
Harassment without fear of violence: Up to 6 months' imprisonment and/or a fine in Magistrates' Court. Cases rarely go to the Crown Court, but more severe sentences can be imposed if they do.
Harassment causing fear of violence: Up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine if the case is heard in Crown Court.
Additionally, courts can issue restraining orders to protect victims, which apply regardless of whether a conviction is achieved. Violating a restraining order can result in up to 5 years' imprisonment.
Sentences can be influenced by aggravating factors, such as the victim's vulnerability, the duration of the harassment, and the defendant's prior convictions. Legal advice is crucial for navigating these potential outcomes.
If you would like to speak to our expert legal team about this, or any related subject then please contact our team by phone on 0207 936 6329, Email or by completing our Quick Contact Form below.
Please note that we are unable to offer free legal advice. Our client services team are here to take your case details and explain any costs involved