Child Luring Lawyers Calgary
Child Luring in Calgary
Child luring involves communication via the internet with a person you know or believe is under the age of 18 years, 16 years, or 14 years for the purpose of committing a specific offence including: Child pornography, sexual interference, and sexual assault.
It is important to note, the Age of Consent in Canada is 16 years.
Although incidents of child luring in Calgary are not high, they have increased in recent years from 27 incidents in 2016, to 33 incidents in 2020.
Most significantly, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased digital dependency resulting in the Alberta Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) logging more than 2,100 new investigations related to child luring, a 50% increase from 2019.
For these reasons, Calgary Police Service and ICE are on high alert and are staunchly committed to protecting this vulnerable population.
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of Calgary-specific information regarding child luring charges. For a more thorough understanding of the procedural aspects of a child luring charge, including its definition in the Criminal Code of Canada (the “Code”) penalties and specific defences, please see our FAQ page regarding child luring charges in Canada.
Investigation of Child Luring Charges in Calgary
Investigation of a child luring allegation is typically initiated by the parent or guardian of the alleged victim (minor). They contact the Calgary Police Service and report it.
In Calgary, the Southern Alberta ICE Unit works in conjunction with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) as part of a highly trained, specialized division that focuses on offences related to the exploitation of minors over the internet. This division utilizes resources Alberta wide and will collaborate with other police and government resources to ensure a thorough investigation is completed.
To better understand the procedural aspects of a child luring investigation, please see our FAQ page regarding child luring charges in Canada.
Bail Process and Conditions for Child Luring Charges in Calgary
How do I get myself or a loved one out on bail for child luring charges in Calgary?
If you have been charged with child luring in Calgary, you can expect a formal bail hearing will be required to secure your release.
To conduct a bail hearing, you will be transferred from the Calgary Police Service district office to the Spyhill Service Centre.
In Calgary, the bail hearing must be held within 24 hours, a period that starts from the moment of arrest or detention rather than the time when you are brought to the Centre.
Our lawyers are often successful at persuading the Crown Prosecutor in charge of bail to let our clients out. If we can’t convince the prosecutor, we will conduct a formal bail hearing and work to convince the court you should be released.
If you are ultimately detained, we can appeal that decision on very short notice through a bail review. Such reviews are conducted at the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta.
This section provides a brief overview of Calgary-specific information regarding a bail hearing for a child luring charge. To learn more about the procedure and specific steps we will take as your lawyer, please see our FAQ page regarding child luring charges in Canada.
Where can I pay bail for child luring charges in Calgary?
If you or a loved one are charged with child luring and granted bail, you will likely be required to provide a cash deposit to secure release.
Bail hearing offices in Calgary are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Calgary Courts Centre.
You can also make a bail payment at the Calgary Remand Centre prior to 8:30 pm.
To pay your own bail, you can make a payment after your hearing, assuming you have sufficient funds with you to do so.
How do I change my release conditions for child luring charges in Calgary?
To learn more about how we can help revise your release conditions for child luring charges, please see our FAQ page regarding child luring charges in Canada.
Penalties for Child Luring Charges in Calgary
The penalties for child luring are life-altering and will have serious consequences for your future. The penalties associated are found within the “Code,” which is a federal legislation that applies across Canada.
To learn more about the potential penalties and consequences of a child luring charge, please see our FAQ page regarding child luring charges in Canada.
Defending Child Luring Charges in Calgary
The defences associated with child luring charges are fact-specific and complex. Like the penalties, they are not location-specific and can apply Canada-wide.
To learn more about available defences to a child luring charge, including how our firm can help, please see our FAQ page regarding child luring charges in Canada.
What’s Next?
Child luring charges in Calgary are extremely serious, complicated, and daunting to address on your own. Having a zealous advocate in your corner can greatly reduce the stress of navigating the criminal justice system and ensure a more favourable outcome.
Our Calgary team is ready to assist you. To learn more about how we can help, please contact our team of child luring lawyers.
We will conduct a thorough review of your situation and tailor a precise strategy that targets your successful defence.
