Sexual Offence Defence

Understanding Voyeurism and Your Rights Under UK Law

Voyeurism is a serious offence under Section 67 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, targeting individuals who observe or record others performing private acts without consent for sexual gratification.

If you’ve been accused of a voyeurism offence, early legal advice is essential. These cases often involve sensitive digital evidence, forensic phone examinations, and reputational risk. Our voyeurism offence solicitors have extensive experience defending clients in such cases, confidentially and without judgement.

What Is Considered a “Private Act”?

A “private act” under the law typically includes:

- Use of a toilet
- Undressing or changing clothes
- Exposure of genitals, buttocks, or breasts (even through underwear)

Engaging in any sexual activity in a space where privacy is expected

If someone is secretly watched, filmed, or photographed in these situations, and the act was done for sexual purposes, it may amount to sexual offences act voyeurism.

Upskirting: A Specific Offence Under the Law

Since the introduction of the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019, upskirting has been formally recognised as a criminal offence. This involves:

Using a camera, phone, or device to record under someone’s clothing
Targeting areas such as the genitals, buttocks, or underwear
Occurring in public or private settings, without consent

Common locations for this offence include:

Public transport
Festivals and events
Nightclub
Retail shops or shopping centres

Prior to 2019, such actions were prosecuted under broader laws. The new legislation specifically targets these behaviours and allows for stronger legal action.

What Are the Legal Consequences of a Voyeurism Charge?

Voyeurism offences are triable either way, meaning they can be heard in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, depending on the severity.

Possible penalties include:

Up to 2 years’ imprisonment
Mandatory placement on the Sex Offenders Register
Imposition of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)
Permanent damage to your professional and personal life

Where recording is repeated, shared, or deliberately covert, the courts may issue a custodial sentence.

Defending a Voyeurism or Upskirting Allegation

Our legal team will carefully examine:

Whether your actions were truly for sexual gratification
If the complainant had a reasonable expectation of privacy
Intent and context — was it accidental, a prank, or manipulated footage?
Digital evidence — including search history, deleted files, or backups
Procedural fairness — such as how your phone or devices were seized

Every element of the case must be properly scrutinised. Our defence solicitors for sexual privacy offences specialise in tackling complex digital evidence and cross-examining intent.

Speak To Kelly

Contact Specialist Voyeurism Offence Solicitors Today

We're here to help you:

Understand the charges and process
Respond to police interviews and search warrants
Protect your digital rights and privacy
Prepare a proactive, evidence-based defence

Let our voyeurism offence solicitors defend your case with discretion and dedication.

Sexual Offence Defence

International House, 36 - 38 Cornhill | London | EC3V 3NG

0330 043 4302

Voyeurism Offence Solicitors – Expert Legal Defence

Understanding Voyeurism and Your Rights Under UK Law

What Is Considered a “Private Act”?

Upskirting: A Specific Offence Under the Law

What Are the Legal Consequences of a Voyeurism Charge?

Defending a Voyeurism or Upskirting Allegation

Legal Defence for Hidden Camera Charges

Contact Specialist Voyeurism Offence Solicitors Today

Whether you are under investigation, have been arrested, or are facing formal charges, our team offers urgent, expert representation. If you're dealing with voyeurism charges, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more control you have over the outcome. Contact us now for a confidential discussion!

We're here to help you:

Sexual Offence Defence

Voyeurism Offence Solicitors – Expert Legal Defence

Understanding Voyeurism and Your Rights Under UK Law

What Is Considered a “Private Act”?

Upskirting: A Specific Offence Under the Law

What Are the Legal Consequences of a Voyeurism Charge?

Defending a Voyeurism or Upskirting Allegation

Legal Defence for Hidden Camera Charges

Contact Specialist Voyeurism Offence Solicitors Today

Whether you are under investigation, have been arrested, or are facing formal charges, our team offers urgent, expert representation. If you're dealing with voyeurism charges, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more control you have over the outcome. Contact us now for a confidential discussion!

We're here to help you:

Sexual Offence Defence

This website uses cookies.