Sexual Assault Charges in Toronto

Sexual assault is one of the most serious and, unfortunately, common crimes that occur in the world today. It is a crime that has many degrees of nuance to it and can encompass a variety of different severities. If you find yourself involved in a sexual assault case, it is important to find the right legal representation. Professionals such as Mass & Tsang, criminal lawyers in Toronto, can help you understand exactly what the charge is and how you should pursue matters in your specific court case.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault includes any sexual contact that doesn’t come with explicit consent. This can include rape or attempted rape, but it can also include unwanted fondling or touching. The consent element of sexual contact is essential and often one of the areas where people charged with sexual assault dispute the nature of the accusations. Knowledgeable sexual assault lawyers look over all evidence in a given case, including the claims from both parties, and use that information to determine the proper course of action to take in court. If you are accused of sexual assault and made sexual contact with your accuser, whether you are found guilty will likely come down to whether you had consent. This information will form the crux of your case.

What are the Penalties?

If you are accused of sexual assault, the penalties you face depends on the situation and the severity of the crime. This could include fines and often results in jailtime if you are found guilty. In many jurisdictions, a sexual assault charge requires that you be added to a sex offender registry so law enforcement can track you in the future. A consultation with a lawyer can give you a chance to analyze your situation, and your lawyer will often run through the likely penalties you face if you are found guilty in a court of law. From there, it becomes a matter of developing your legal defense strategy. In some cases, your lawyer might recommend a settlement or plea deal, while in other cases you might be able to fight the charges all the way and get a successful not guilty verdict.

What Happens When You Get Charged for Sexual Assault?

A sexual assault charge is a very serious accusation, and one that can ruin your career and your life. Regardless of the specifics of the accusations, you should make sure to take the matter seriously and consult with a knowledgeable lawyer with whom you can work effectively. Once the charge happens, facts and consistency matter even more than they usually do. Try to make a written account of what happened from your perspective, ideally with dates, locations, and any other relevant details that you can remember. If you feel that the charge might have merit, you should inform your lawyer as to why this might be the case. That way, your lawyer can determine the best way in which to proceed.

How Does Sexual Assault Get Resolved in Court?

If you are accused of sexual assault but the accusation runs counter to evidence and witness testimony, you might find the charge dismissed outright. In many cases, however, an accusation of sexual assault is much less clear-cut. Many times, your lawyer might work toward a plea bargain to keep you from serving jailtime or winding up on a sex offender registry. Whether your case gets resolved in this manner depends on many circumstances, and only your lawyer can say for sure.

Sexual assault is a serious charge that has little room for error when it comes to resolving matters in court. If you find yourself embroiled in a sexual assault case, you need a knowledgeable lawyer who can help guide you through the process to come.