London Sexual Assault Lawyers

Sexual assault is one of the most politically charged areas of law in Canada.

There is a growing trend whereby special interest groups and social media activists use noteworthy cases in the media as an opportunity to comment on proceedings and the justice system; they advocate for change without an accurate and complete understanding of how the system functions or the constitutional rights involved.

For decades the Criminal Code has contained specific and important protections for complainants testifying in sexual assault cases.

These provisions ensure myth-based thinking and irrelevant questioning do not have a place in the trial process. Nevertheless, public outrage is often directed at how complainants are mistreated in court, even where all the rules of evidence are respected.

This commentary is often misguided and based on an inaccurate understanding of how the justice system works and made by individuals who are not actually involved in the trial proceedings. The outrage is geared largely at defence lawyers protecting the rights of innocent people by challenging the truthfulness or reliability of complainants’ evidence.

When a complainant in a sexual assault case gives unreliable evidence or is caught telling an outright lie, it is easier to vilify the person who exposed the issue than to accept the alleged victim has not been truthful or forthright with police, prosecutors, and victims’ advocates.

It is dangerous when the government makes changes to the law in response to innacurate public perception that make it more difficult for for you to defend yourself against sexual assault allegations.

The recent amendments to the Criminal Code have made the trial process longer and more complex, valuable procedural safeguards have been removed, and in certain cases penalties have been increased.

The consequences for sexual assault convictions are harsh. A prison sentence is usually imposed, along with a probation order and a requirement for you to provide a DNA sample for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police national data bank.

In all but the rarest cases you will be required to report to the authorities pursuant to the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA). The harm to your reputation cannot easily be measured and can last a lifetime.

We understand what is at stake when you are charged with sexual assault, and we work tirelessly to defend you.

This involves an ongoing commitment to mastering the rules related to examining sexual assault complainants, and devoting time and effort to preparing and arguing complex applications. Sexual assault trials in particular can feel like an overwhelming uphill battle.

The government devotes significant resources to these prosecutions, and has changed the laws to make it harder to defend yourself. We are committed to our principles and to your rights in our pursuit of justice for you if you have been charged with sexual assault.