Experienced Sexual Assault Lawyers in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, Southern Alberta
If you are facing sexual assault charges in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, or anywhere else in Southern Alberta, it is crucial to have skilled legal representation. Sexual assault charges are serious. R v. Sandercock states that the starting point for a penetrative sexual assault is 3 years in a federal institution. At Hadford Defence Group, our team is committed to providing a vigorous defence in this complex, evolving area of law. Hadford Defence Group knows how to defend against sexual assault charges.
Contact us today for a free consultation. If you, a family member, or a friend is charged with any type of sexual assault charge, it is essential that you hire a lawyer who understands and defends sex offences.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault refers to any non-consensual sexual act or behaviour that violates a person's bodily autonomy. Under Canadian law, sexual assault can range from unwanted touching to severe forms of sexual violence. Consent is a critical factor in all cases of sexual assault, and any sexual activity without consent is considered illegal. Contact us to discuss legal representation for sexual assault charges in Lethbridge & Medicine Hat.
Different Types of Sexual Assault
There are various forms of sexual assault, and the legal consequences can vary depending on the severity of the offence. Below are some common types of sexual assault charges:
â–º Sexual assault: The most common offence includes any unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature without the consent of the victim.
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â–º Sexual assault with a weapon: This occurs when the assault involves the use of a weapon, threatening or attacking the victim with harm or force.
â–º Aggravated sexual assault: This charge is brought when the assault results in severe physical injury or is committed under incredibly violent circumstances.
â–º Sexual interference: This offence includes a sexual assault on a person under the age of 16, and who is unable to consent due to their age.
â–º Invitation to sexual touching: This occurs when a person invites or incites a person under the age of 16 to touch them for a sexual purpose.
â–º Sexual exploitation: If you are in a position of trust towards a young person, and a sexual assault allegation is made, you could be charged with this offence. This includes being a parent, guardian, babysitter, or employer.
â–º Child luring: Communicating with a young person to facilitate a sexual relationship with a young person.
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Each of these offences can have different legal defences, and it is essential to consult with an experienced defence lawyer Who actively has a practice defending these types of charges.
What Constitutes Sexual Assault
A sexual assault charge is a serious allegation governed under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Key elements include:
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Non-consensual activity: Sexual activity without consent constitutes the foundation of the charge.
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Degree of assault: Charges are categorized as sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, threats, or causing bodily harm, each carrying specific legal consequences.
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Aggravating factors: Factors such as repeated offences, involvement of minors, or use of violence may lead to increased penalties.
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Legal definitions: Consent must be voluntary, informed, and can be withdrawn at any time. Lack of consent is central to the prosecution of these offences.
Hadford Defence Group guides individuals navigating the complexities of these charges, ensuring they understand the legal definitions and potential outcomes.
Defence Strategies for Sexual Assault Charges
Defending against a sexual assault charge in Lethbridge & Medicine Hat requires thorough examination of the evidence and strict compliance with legal procedures. Our team strives to:
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Evaluate evidence: Review police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence for accuracy and procedural compliance.
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Assess credibility of witnesses: Examine the consistency of witness testimonies and possible contradictions in their statements.
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Identify procedural errors: Ensure that arrests, searches, and interviews were conducted in accordance with legal standards.
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Provide court representation: Represent clients at bail hearings, preliminary inquiries, and trials with professional legal advocacy.
Picking the Right Sexual Assault Lawyer in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, Southern Alberta
Selecting appropriate legal representation is a critical step when facing a sexual assault charge. When considering a sexual assault lawyer, the following factors are commonly assessed:
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Relevant legal experience: Lawyers handling sexual assault matters should have demonstrated experience with criminal offences and familiarity with evidentiary rules specific to these cases.
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Knowledge of regional court practices: Understanding local court procedures in Southern Alberta assists in navigating hearings, timelines, and judicial expectations.
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Case-specific defence planning: Each allegation involves unique facts. Defence strategies should be developed based on the evidence, procedural history, and applicable legal standards.
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Clear and professional communication: Clients benefit from receiving timely explanations regarding court processes, legal options, and potential outcomes.
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Commitment to legal rights: Effective representation focuses on ensuring procedural fairness, lawful evidence handling, and adherence to Charter protections.
Hadford Defence Group strives to provide structured, professional legal support to individuals facing sexual assault charges across Southern Alberta. Go through our customer reviews to see what other clients are saying about our services.
What Are the Penalties for a Sexual Assault Conviction?
A conviction for sexual assault in Canada carries significant legal consequences. The penalties vary depending on the nature and severity of the offence and whether there are aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon, physical or psychological injury to the victim, and the number of occurrences. The penalties include:
â–º Sexual assault: The penalty for a conviction can be as severe as a 10-year prison sentence, depending on the circumstances.
â–º Sexual assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm: This charge can result in a lengthy prison sentence, with penalties reaching 14 years or more.
â–º Aggravated sexual assault: This is the most serious form of sexual assault and can carry a sentence of life imprisonment.
â–º Sexual offences involving minors: Charges involving minors are taken very seriously, and the penalties can be particularly severe. Convictions can lead to long prison terms exceeding 10 years and mandatory registration on the sex offender registry.
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In addition to jail time, a sexual assault conviction can result in other lifelong consequences, such as a criminal record, restrictions on your employment, and damage to your personal relationships and reputation.
Why Hire Us for Sexual Assault Cases?
At Hadford Defence Group, we understand the gravity of sexual assault charges and their potential impact on your life. Our dedicated team provides a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to your legal representation. Our lawyers offer firm, dedicated representation. We approach each case with the utmost confidentiality and ensure that every avenue of every defence is explored.
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Here's why our sexual assault lawyer is trusted to represent clients in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat:
â–º Experience: We have successfully handled numerous sexual assault cases and understand the complexities involved. Our team has successfully raised various applications during sexual assault trials to ensure that our clients are given every opportunity to defend themselves.
â–º Strong legal knowledge: Our team is well-versed in both the legal and procedural components of sexual assault cases.
â–º Compassionate representation: Our team aims to protect our clients from unnecessary stress and will work to achieve the best possible outcome. We understand that this process can be stressful and are committed to ensuring you have the time needed with our lawyers to properly prepare your defence strategy.
If you or someone you know is facing sexual assault charges, don't hesitate to call our team. We are committed to defending your rights at every step of the legal process. Read our testimonials to understand why we are a preferred firm for those facing sexual assault charges.
