How can I get my voyeurism charges dropped?
If you have been charged with voyeurism and this is your first offence, we may be able to resolve your matter through a diversion program that will lead to the charges against you being withdrawn. Specifically, if this is your first offence or if you do not have an extensive criminal record, we may be able to negotiate with the Crown Prosecutor and advocate for your placement in a diversion program.
A common way of diverting voyeurism charges is through mental health diversion programs. Mental health diversion programs were established in recognition of the fact that sometimes there are underlying mental health issues that led an accused to commit a particular offence. Rather than criminalizing that individual, mental health diversion will require that you complete a program designed to treat your mental health issues and rehabilitate you as an offender. Once you have completed the program, the charges against you will be withdrawn and you will be able to avoid a criminal record.
Another way of resolving your matter in a manner that will end with your charges being withdrawn is by signing a peace bond. If the Crown consents to resolve your charges with a peace bond, you will need to comply with a set of conditions stipulated by the court, usually for the period of one year. However, once the peace bond is signed, the charges against you are withdrawn and you will be able to avoid a criminal record.
Avoid a Criminal Record with a Discharge
Alternatively, if you are not a suitable candidate for diversion or a peace bond, we can also negotiate with the Crown Prosecutor and try to persuade them to join us in an application for an absolute or conditional discharge. A conditional discharge will require that you plead guilty to the offence, and will require that you comply with conditions set by the court for a certain period of time. However, if you do not violate those conditions, you will not receive a criminal conviction despite the fact that you have pled guilty to the offence. If you receive an absolute discharge, you will be able to avoid a criminal conviction without having to comply with any conditions whatsoever. Unlike a conditional discharge, you will be immediately and absolutely discharged of your offence.
If you have been charged with voyeurism, contact one of our criminal defence lawyers as soon as possible. We have dealt with a large number of voyeurism charges, and have the knowledge and experience needed to ensure that you avoid a criminal record where possible.
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About The Author
Michael Oykhman
Managing Partner
Michael Oykhman is a senior lawyer and founder of Strategic Criminal Defence, a full-service criminal law firm with central law offices across Western Canada and Ontario.
My professional experience consists of countless court appearances and thousands of successful defences and satisfied clients. Over the last 10 years, I have worked to build a law office where all the lawyers share our collective experience, resources, and passion to help people. Our team approach to legal representation is client–rather than only law–centred. We look for opportunities to add value to our clients through strategic thinking and creative solutions.
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