Sexual Assault Defence Lawyer
We protect your reputation and future while navigating these serious allegations.
Your side of the story matters, regardless of what you've been accused of.
Understanding Sexual Assault Charges in Alberta
Sexual assault allegations in Alberta are among the most serious criminal charges in the Canadian justice system. These charges are governed by the Criminal Code of Canada and carry severe penalties and long-lasting consequences.
Beyond potential imprisonment, a conviction can result in sex offender registration, relationship and employment restrictions, and permanent damage to your reputation and future opportunities. The social stigma alone can devastate your life even before a verdict is reached.
We understand the complexity of sexual assault cases and the nuanced legal and evidentiary issues they present. With our experience on both sides of the legal system, we identify key weaknesses in the prosecution's case and build strategic defences tailored to your specific situation.
Types of Sexual Assault Charges in Alberta
Assault charges can have serious consequences. It's crucial to understand the distinctions between various types of assault to effectively defend against them.
Sexual Assault (Section 271)
Basic sexual assault involves any unwanted sexual contact without consent. This encompasses a wide range of conduct from unwanted touching of a sexual nature to forced sexual activity.
Penalties for Sexual Assault in Alberta:
Summary conviction: Up to 18 months imprisonment
Indictable offence: Up to 10 years imprisonment (14 years if the complainant is under 16)
Mandatory sex offender registration
DNA order
Permanent criminal record
Sexual Assault with a Weapon, Threats, or Causing Bodily Harm (Section 272)
This more serious charge applies when a sexual assault includes weapons, threats to a third party, causing bodily harm, or multiple participants.
Penalties for Sexual Assault with a Weapon in Alberta:
Imprisonment up to 14 years (minimum 4 years if firearm used or complainant under 16)
Mandatory sex offender registration
Long-term supervision possible
Weapons prohibition
DNA order
Aggravated Sexual Assault (Section 273)
The most severe form of sexual assault occurs when the assault wounds, maims, disfigures, or endangers the life of the complainant.
Penalties for Aggravated Sexual Assault in Alberta:
Imprisonment up to life (minimum 5 years if firearm used or complainant under 16)
Long-term or dangerous offender designation possible
Lifetime sex offender registration
Lifetime weapons prohibition
DNA order
Our Sexual Assault Defence Process
We approach each case with a proven methodology developed through years of criminal defence experience. From immediate intervention after charges to strategic representation in court, we guide you through every step while protecting your rights and pursuing the best possible outcome.
Free Consultation
We begin with a thorough discussion of your case to understand the full context of your situation. During this meeting, we listen to your concerns, review available documentation, and explain potential approaches to your legal matter. This foundation allows us to develop a relationship based on understanding and trust.
During this meeting we discuss fees and a budget that can work with your financial situation.
Obtain and Review Disclosure
The first step when someone is charged with a crime is to find out exactly what the Crown is going to try to use against you. This sometimes takes months of diligent inquiry and follow-up.
Once we obtain the Crown’s disclosure file, we sit down with you to discuss the best way to proceed with your defence. Sometimes, this is by way of a quick resolution to a favourable Crown offer; other times, it is by proceeding to trial.
Plan the Defence
If we proceed to trial, we lay out the best defence strategy well in advance, so we have a clear picture of where we are headed.
This includes planning all pre-trial applications (for instance, to introduce expert evidence), lining up any relevant witnesses, and making critical decisions about things like whether you will testify and whether the trial will be by judge alone or judge and jury.
Prepare for Trial
We prepare you and any witnesses for the trial by thoroughly explaining how the trial will look, showing you around a courtroom so that you are comfortable, asking you practice questions so that you get used to speaking in public, and doing mock cross-examinations so that you are not flustered when answering questions.
Trial
At the trial, we stand between you and the power of the State, and mount your best defence.
About Zachary Al-Khatib
Founder of ZK Law specializing in criminal defence and complex legal matters. Former Supreme Court of Canada clerk bringing unique judicial perspective to each case. I combine rigorous advocacy with compassion, ensuring every client's story is heard. Currently teaching at the University of Alberta while maintaining my practice.
Our Testimonials
In the Media
Our Latest Posts on Sexual Assault Charges
Explore our latest articles on assault defense strategies.
Book a free consultation
Contact ZK Law today for a confidential consultation. We will explain your legal options, answer your questions, and start building your defence strategy immediately.
FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions about sexual assault and how we can help.
Contact a defence lawyer immediately before speaking to anyone, including the police. Do not provide statements or answer questions without legal representation. We can advise you on how to protect your rights from the earliest stages of investigation.
Consent is often central to sexual assault cases. Canadian law requires affirmative, ongoing consent for sexual activity. We carefully analyze all evidence related to consent, including communications before and after the alleged incident, to build an effective defence strategy.
While sexual assault charges can be withdrawn or reduced, this typically requires strategic legal intervention. Factors that may lead to charges being dropped include insufficient evidence, identification issues, or Charter violations during the investigation. Each case requires individualized assessment.
Sexual assault cases often take 12-24 months to resolve, depending on case complexity, court schedules, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. We work efficiently while ensuring your case receives the thorough attention it requires.
While court proceedings are generally public, we prioritize discretion and privacy throughout your case. Publication bans often apply to sexual assault cases, particularly those involving minors. We advise on all available privacy protections.
Still have questions?
We're here to help you with any inquiries.