Sexual assault allegations are among the most serious legal accusations one can face. The deep personal and judicial consequences tied to these charges therefore requires trusted legal representation.
At Kruse Law, our criminal defence lawyers bring a wealth of experience with the complexities of sexual assault cases, and they are ready to be provide you with dedicated legal services. Our team is acutely aware of the delicate nature of these charges and excels in formulating defence strategies that safeguard your rights and interests and are designed to win your case.
What is Sexual Assault?
Under Section 265 of the Criminal Code, sexual assault involves the intentional application of force, or in this context, sexual contact, to someone without their consent. It encompasses not just physical touching of a sexual nature, but also actions that imply or attempt such contact. Central to this definition is the lack of consent from the alleged victim.
Consequences of Sexual Assault
A person convicted of sexual assault in St. Thomas can expect to receive jail time ranging from a few months to many years, depending on the nature of the sexual assault. For a sexual assault against someone aged 16 or older, the maximum imprisonment is ten years. In cases involving a victim below 16 years of age, or if the perpetrator is in a position of trust or authority towards a minor, the sentence can be as long as 14 years in the penitentiary.
As with most sexual offences, if you are convicted of sexual assault, you will also be put on the National Sex Offender Registry, which can negatively affect your personal and professional life indefinitely.
The Role of a St. Thomas Sexual Assault Lawyer
Considering the gravity of being charged with a sexual offence, securing the independent legal advice and representation of a seasoned criminal lawyer is essential. Our legal team at Kruse Law is ready to be your advocates through every phase of the judicial process. This includes your:
- Initial and subsequent court appearances
- Bail hearing
- Preliminary hearing (only available for indictable sexual assault cases where the victim is under 16, or the accused is in a position of trust or authority towards the victim)
- Trial
Our goal is to assess your case and develop a fact-based strategy to protect your freedom and reputation. Some of the legal tactics we may apply to this end include:
- Scrutinizing the credibility and dependability of the alleged sexually assaulted party
- Highlighting any discrepancies and inconsistencies in the account of the purported victim
- Evaluating the motives of the alleged victim for potential dishonesty
- Strategically cross-examining the accuser in court to foster reasonable doubt
- Considering the feasibility of the defence of consent or honest but mistaken belief in communicated consent
- Investigating any breaches of your constitutional rights
- Determining the relevance of the complainant’s previous sexual history
- and more
No two cases are the same. So while some of these strategies may form part of your legal defence, our approach will always be adapted to the specifics of your case, as we pursue the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been arrested and charged with sexual assault, or any other type of sexual crime in St. Thomas, you need the assistance of the right lawyer – one with extensive experience handling sexual assault cases, as well as a proven track record of success. At Kruse Law, our lawyers fit the bill and are ready to help.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Reach out to us by phone on our toll-free number or fill in our contact form. We will listen to your side of the story and break down your legal options. Our lawyers know the ins and outs of our complex criminal legal system and will use their knowledge to protect your rights and achieve the best possible results for your case.
Consult our Sexual Assault Facts, Potential Penalties for Sexual Assault, Proving Sexual Assault , and Protecting Personal Information resources ahead of your consultation our St. Thomas criminal lawyer to get the most out of your meeting.
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