Sexual Assault Lawyer In WinnipegSexual Assault Lawyer In Winnipeg

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Sexual assault charges are incredibly serious. Getting convicted of a sexual assault offence carries devastating consequences. If you’re charged with a sexual assault offence, your sentences may include:

  • Registration on the National Sex Offender Registry and/or Child Abuse Registry
  • Minimum jail sentence of one year
  • Criminal record
  • Loss of employment

Protect yourself with an experienced criminal lawyer. Sexual assault cases are time-sensitive; the sooner you seek legal representation, the better. With a criminal lawyer, you can map out your legal defence, learn more about the charges you’re facing, and explore any options available to you.

What Is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any interaction where one person is sexually touched without their consent. Unwanted sexual contact and harassment are considered assault. These incidents may occur in person or over the internet. 

In Manitoba, the age of consent is 16 years old. However, depending on the circumstances, someone who is under 18 may not be able to consent.

In a sexual assault case, the court will consider the following factors:

  • Whether it was a one-time or repeated occurrence
  • If the assault caused permanent injury or hospitalization
  • The age of the victim

To convict someone of sexual assault, the prosecutor must prove that the accused person did not receive consent and used physical force, verbal abuse, or coercion to commit the offence. Sexual assault can be committed with or without the use of force. 

Consent Is Key to Sexual Assault Offences

Consent is a verbal agreement between two or more parties to engage in a sexual act. Consent can be given to partake in certain sexual activities but not others, and it can be withdrawn at any time. 

Consent cannot be given if one individual is intoxicated, underage, asleep, under pressure due to a threat, or part of a power dynamic. Consent and boundaries should be clearly communicated before any sexual activity. 

In order for a prosecutor to prove that the accused is guilty, they must provide evidence that consent was not given during the sexual encounter. They must also prove that the accused proceeded to make a sexual advance despite the lack of consent. 

Types of Sexual Assault Offences

Sexual assault charges cover a broad range of offences, including:

  • Sexual assault with a weapon. Using or threatening to use a weapon to commit sexual assault.
  • Sexual assault. Violating the sexual integrity of another person; engaging in sexual activity without the other person’s consent. 
  • Aggravated sexual assault. When a person causes serious bodily injury to the victim during a sexual assault—this involves injuring, disfiguring, or endangering the life of the victim. Aggravated assault also includes not disclosing your HIV-positive status before engaging in a sexual act with someone.

The penalties for these offences are severe. If you’re facing a sexual assault charge, contact a criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

Other Types of Sexual Offences

Sexual assault cases are complex in nature. In the Criminal Code of Canada, a range of offences fall within this category, including:

  • Indecent acts. This includes public masturbation, nudity, or exposing genitals in public.
  • Sexual interference. Sexual touching of any person under 16 years old is considered sexual interference. 
  • Luring with a computer. Using online communication to persuade an underage person to participate in sexual activity. 
  • Sexual exploitation. If someone uses their authority or power over another person to coerce them into a sexual act, they may be charged with sexual exploitation. This charge also applies if someone engages in a sexual act with someone who is 16 or 17. 
  • Child pornography. Possessing sexual photos or videos of a person under 18. Distributing those photos or videos is also considered child pornography.

Sexual assault cases are complex, and the various charges you may face will vary. To better understand the charges and what your options are, contact a defence lawyer. 

Protect Yourself With Effective Legal Representation

Have you been charged with sexual assault? It’s critical to meet with a lawyer as soon as possible; you can protect your rights and learn more about your options. 

With experience defending sexual assault cases and other related charges, Matt Gould is the criminal defence lawyer you’re looking for. He draws on extensive legal knowledge and courtroom experience to represent your interest and deliver results. 

If you’re seeking a sexual assault lawyer in Winnipeg, contact Matt Gould today.