Sondhi Defence: Your Sexual Assault Lawyers in Aurora

What Are the Consequences of Committing the Offence of Sexual Assault?

Legal consequences

There are various degrees of sexual assault, and the circumstances surrounding the offence will determine your penalties. If you are facing sexual assault charges in Aurora, you will either be tried summarily or by indictment. Summary convictions are less serious criminal offences with a maximum term of eighteen months imprisonment. Indictable offences are more severe and carry a maximum term of ten years in prison.

Where the victim is a minor (below sixteen), your punishment will be harsher. By indictment, the penalty is between one and fourteen years in prison. If tried summarily, the punishment is between six months and two years, less a day in prison. 

Sexual assault involving a prohibited firearm or that causes bodily injury is an indictable offence, with a maximum prison sentence of fourteen years. The maximum sentence for aggravated sexual assault involving a prohibited firearm is life. First-time offenders receive five years, and second-timers receive seven years.

Other long-term consequences

After being convicted of sexual assault, you may be required to register your name in the national sex offender registry. Although the database is closed to the public, it can severely impact your life after prison. 

Another consequence that comes with a sexual assault charge is a criminal record. Criminal records have several disadvantages, which may significantly impact your future and your freedom. A criminal record can affect the following:

• Adoption: A sexual assault conviction can prevent you from adopting a child, especially if the sexual abuse crime was perpetrated against a minor.
• Child custody: Due to your criminal record, a justice of the peace may decide that you are unfit to care for your child. This may result in the loss of your child’s custody rights.
• Employment: Employers regularly conduct background checks on their employees, including regular and potential employees. If they discover your criminal record, they may refuse your employment application. This may make it difficult to pay your daily bills or care for your family.
• Housing: Canadian law does not protect you from discrimination when it comes to your criminal record. Landlords or housing agents can refuse to rent you their property due to your criminal past.
• Insurance: If your insurance company finds out you have a criminal record, they may cancel your policy and offer you a higher premium.
• Travel: A sexual assault conviction can make it difficult to travel to other countries, such as the United States. Depending on the severity of the sexual assault, it may be considered a crime of moral turpitude, which could make you inadmissible to enter the United States.

If you face sexual assault accusations, you should speak to experienced sexual abuse lawyers as soon as possible. They can analyze your situation and advise you on the potential ways to avoid a conviction.

Get Help From a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Canada

Are you being investigated for sexual assault? It is essential to exercise your right to a lawyer immediately. These crimes are prosecuted seriously, and navigating the criminal process alone can be challenging.

At Sondhi Defence, our lawyers have both the legal knowledge and experience in fighting against sexual assault charges. Right from the start, we provide our clients with complete support, transparency, and honesty. 

We are also readily available to respond to client inquiries and help you determine your legal options. If you would like to discuss your child sexual abuse charges, contact our law firm today for a free consultation.