Edmonton Sexual Assault Lawyers Serving Alberta and Western Canada

Sexual Offences Lawyer EdmontonA charge for sexual assault is extremely serious, even if you believe you are completely innocent. A conviction of any type of sex crime has long-term consequences that can haunt you for the rest of your life. But with highly experienced, knowledgeable legal counsel by your side, you can mitigate some or all of this damage.

At Chadi and Company, we have been helping clients understand and navigate the criminal justice system for over 25 years. Although skilled legal counsel is always important if you are facing criminal charges, having a rock-solid lawyer by your side is absolutely critical when it comes to sexual assault charges.

Canada takes sexual assault charges very seriously, and mandatory minimum sentencing often comes into play. To be successful in securing your freedom and protecting your reputation, you need a strong team behind you.

At Chadi & Company, our Edmonton sexual assault lawyers have an exemplary reputation and know the ins and outs of the local courts throughout all of Alberta, including Northern Alberta.

Sexual Assault Offences in Alberta

Sexual assault offences include all instances of unwanted sexual contact, including kissing, touching, fondling, and non-consensual intercourse.

The following factors are typically considered in a sexual assault case:

  • The part of the body touched
  • The nature of the contact
  • The situation in which the contact occurred
  • The words and gestures accompanying the act
  • All other circumstances surrounding the act
  • Any threats that may or may not be accompanied by force

Sexual assault offences are further broken down into the following three categories: sexual assault; sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party, or causing bodily harm; and aggravated sexual assault.

All of these charges are extremely serious and need to be addressed immediately with the help of an experienced Alberta sex crimes lawyer.

Sexual Assault With a Weapon/Threats to a Third Party/Causing Bodily Harm

Sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party, or causing bodily harm occurs when a sexual assault is committed and the individual:

  • Uses or threatens to use a weapon;
  • Threatens to cause bodily harm; or
  • Causes bodily harm.

Punishments carry a maximum of 14 years imprisonment unless the victim is under the age of 16, in which case there is a minimum of five years imprisonment and a maximum of imprisonment for life. If a firearm is used, there is a minimum penalty of four years.

Aggravated Sexual Assault

Aggravated Sexual Assault occurs when an individual, during the commission of a sexual assault, injures or endangers the life of the victim.

Punishment for aggravated sexual assault carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life. If a firearm is used, there is a minimum penalty of four years imprisonment. If the victim is under the age of 16, there is a minimum penalty of five years imprisonment.

What to Do if You’ve Been Charged with a Sexual Assault Offence in Alberta

If you are facing charges for any type of sexual assault, step one is to find a defence lawyer with extensive experience in this particular area of the law. This needs to happen immediately, before giving a statement to the police. The best chance at winning your case starts with solid legal representation.

Whether you have been charged with sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon/threats to a third party/causing bodily harm, or aggravated sexual assault, legal counsel is critical to ensuring that your rights are protected and your side is heard.

Do not attempt to go through this challenging process without the help of a lawyer who has extensive experience defending clients against sexual offences.

What Not to Do if You’ve Been Charged with a Sexual Assault Offence in Alberta

Do NOT wait to seek help.

While this is good advice for any criminal charge, legal help is especially important in cases involving any type of sex crime. The criminal justice system is extremely complex, and mistakes early on in the process can cost you dearly later, particularly when dealing with such serious charges.

The sooner you retain an experienced defence lawyer, the better your chances of having your charges reduced, or even withdrawn completely.

Sexual Assault Charges and Penalties

Sexual assault occurs when there is a simple assault that has a “sexual” aspect to it. To determine whether there is a “sexual” aspect, the court will look at the totality of the circumstances surrounding the incident, including words or physical gestures of the parties, and the body part touched.

Because sexual assault can encompass a wide range of acts, the punishments vary greatly with the possibility of up to 14 years imprisonment.

Contact Chadi & Company Today

If you have been charged with sexual assault, the skilled legal team at Chadi & Company can help. Our experienced criminal defence team offers premium legal services at an affordable rate. We will remain your closest ally from start to finish.

Do not attempt to go through this challenging process without the help of a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the local courts and procedures.

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