Sexual Assault and Related Offences
Sex Crimes Defences
The consequences of pleading guilty or being found guilty of a sexual assault go beyond a criminal record. It may include:
- Incarceration (jail)
- Being flagged for 20 years or more on the Sex Offender Registry
- The loss of your job
- Difficulty getting custody of or access to your children
- Restrictions on travel and career opportunities
- If you are not a Canadian citizen, your residency in Canada may be in jeopardy, your ability to
apply for citizenship may be affected, as will your ability to sponsor family members to come to
Canada.
At Muenz Criminal Law, we provide solid legal representation and support for individuals facing the trauma of being accused of sexual assault.
Have Your Legal Questions Answered
At Muenz Criminal Law, we understand that many clients charged with sexual offences aren't aware of how the legal process works, or what their rights are. We will answer your most urgent questions, such as:
- Am I going to jail?
- Will I have to register as a sex offender?
- What will happen to my family and my reputation?
- Will I have to tell my employer or my professional association?
- When can I tell my side of the story?
Building Your Defence
In order to answer your questions, we will discuss a number of topics with you, including:
- The evidence against you: Your case may depend on evidence from witnesses, from electronic sources, or from your own statements. We’ll talk about how it was obtained and whether it can be used against you.
- Aggravating factors: These include the use of weapons, or a victim who is a minor or has suffered bodily harm. If you were in a position of trust (such as a teacher, doctor or nursing home attendant) your situation is also considered more serious.
- Possibilities if pleading guilty: There may be ways to minimize your sentence if you plead guilty. These may include counselling or other treatment.
Contact Muenz Criminal Law
Let our lawyers help you deal with your charge.
We represent clients charged with sexual assault-related charges in Calgary or surrounding areas. Call us at 403 543-6666 or fill out our online form.
*If you are required to enter the Sex Offender Registry, additional consequences include restrictions on your movements, even within the country.
Recent successful cases
Cases Involving Child and Youth Complainants
Case #4001:
This client was called in by the Calgary Police Service for an interview and was ultimately charged with sexual assault of a minor, sexual interference of a child under 16 years of age, and invitation to sexual touching. The complainant was the child of the client’s friend. The client was adamant the alleged actions never took place. Having discovered numerous inconsistencies in the complainant’s story given to her mother and to the police, along with other flaws in the case, the matter was set for trial in the Court of Queen’s Bench. The week before the Preliminary Inquiry, we contacted the Crown Prosecutor to point out the flaws in the child’s version of events, which ultimately lead to the Withdrawal of the charges. The client avoided a Criminal Record, avoided going to Jail, and was not placed on the Sex Offender Registry.
OUTCOME: Charges Withdrawn.
Case #4004:
This client was accused by his teenage daughter of sexual assault. He maintained his innocence but was forced from the family home while his charges were before the courts. On the first day of Trial at the Court of Queen’s Bench, and after prolonged discussions with the Crown Prosecutor, the prosecutor agreed to withdraw the charges if the client went for counseling during a 12- month period of probation. The client was in senior management in a company involved with vulnerable individuals. Thanks to the resolution achieved through our firm’s advocacy, the client was able to keep his job.
OUTCOME: Charges Withdrawn. Peace Bond.
Case #4006:
This client was accused of sexual assault, sexual touching of a minor and sexual interference of a minor by one of his nieces. Because he did not approach our law firm before speaking to the detective, he was extensively interrogated and made what seemed to be a confession to the allegations. At a lengthy Court of Queen’s Bench trial, we were able to show that the so-called confession was a misunderstanding, given that it appeared the detective had manipulated him into a confession. Instead, the client had only admitted to having been the victim of a sexual assault himself at the hands of a primary school teacher. The client was found not guilty by the Judge.
OUTCOME: Not Guilty after Trial.
Case #4020:
This client, whose wife ran a day-home in the family home, was accused by one of the children of sexual assault. He was charged with that offence, in addition to sexual touching of a minor and invitation to touching. Given the many inconsistencies and contradictions we identified in the complainant’s version of events, the charges were stayed on the first day of trial, thereby allowing the client and his family members to avoid having to testify.
OUTCOME: Charges Withdrawn at Trial.
Case #4102:
This client was a father of six children and was widely known for his calm and easy-going demeanor. One of his stepchildren accused him of inappropriately touching her and, as a result, the police charged the father of sexual interference with a minor. In addition to conducting a preliminary inquiry, we had to dispute the prosecutor’s case and the allegations throughout a five-day trial. Our arguments at trial succeeded and the client was found not guilty by the court.
OUTCOME: Acquitted at trial.
Case #4103:
This client was steadfast in his assertion that he was innocent. He was accused by a 13 year-old complainant of sexual assault. The police charged the client accordingly but the trial was repeatedly postponed. As a result, we argued that the delay was unreasonable and violated the client’s rights to a trial within a reasonable time. We also made an application to the court to ensure that all the exculpatory evidence was admitted in trial. When trial finally concluded, we were successful and the client was acquitted on all charges.
OUTCOME: Found Not Guilty at trial.
Case #4105:
Allegations by an adolescent neighbour saw this client face serious sexual assault and sexual exploitation charges. Fortunately, we were contacted by the client before he was charges so we were able to provide critical legal advice in the crucial pre-charge phase. As a result, the client knew exactly what to tell the police officers and, more importantly, what not to tell the police officers. While the client was subsequently charged, our persuasive negotiations with the Crown Prosecutor assigned to the file helped immensely. Ultimately, the client avoided a conviction on both charges. In fact, the judge was persuaded to grant a conditional discharge to a guilty plea of simple assault, meaning the client avoided going to trial and a criminal record altogether.
OUTCOME: Found Not Guilty at trial.