{"id":50837,"date":"2022-08-15T18:40:18","date_gmt":"2022-08-15T18:40:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oykhmancriminaldefence.com\/faq\/?p=50837"},"modified":"2026-03-28T21:01:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T21:01:10","slug":"sexual-assault-charges-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/sexual-assault-charges-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexual Assault (s. 271) Laws in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1440px + 50px );margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h3>What is Sexual Assault?<\/h3>\n<p>Sexual assault is covered under <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-271.html\">s.271 of the Criminal Code<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Canada has a broad definition of sexual assault as sexual assaults can encompass a variety of sexually related charges such as those that involve the use of violence or a weapon. Generally speaking, sexual assault includes all unwanted sexual activity.<\/p>\n<p>There are three levels of sexual assault: <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-271.html\">general sexual assault, s.271 of the Criminal Code<\/a>, Sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party or causing bodily harm, <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/C-46\/section-272-20091002.html#:~:text=272%20(1)%20Every%20person%20commits,harm%20to%20the%20complainant%3B%20or\">s.272 of the Criminal Code<\/a>, and aggravated sexual assault, <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-273.html#:~:text=273%20(1)%20Every%20one%20commits,the%20life%20of%20the%20complainant.\">s.273 of the Criminal Code<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sexual assault is a hybrid offence in which the Crown can choose to charge by an indictment or proceed summarily. However, sexual assault with a weapon and aggravated sexual assault are indictable offences in which the Crown cannot elect to proceed otherwise.<\/p>\n<h3>Examples<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Some common examples of sexual assault may include the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unwanted sexual touching<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/incest-charges-canada\/\">Incest<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Unwanted sexual grabbing<\/li>\n<li>Unwanted kissing<\/li>\n<li>Coerced sexual contact<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/sexual-interference-charges-in-canada\/\">Sexual contact with minors<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Forcible sodomy<\/li>\n<li>Rape<\/li>\n<li>Unwanted fondling<\/li>\n<li>Contact of a sexual nature during a medical treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Defences<\/h3>\n<p>A strong defence depends entirely on the specific facts of your case and the evidence against you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>However, some common defences to sexual assault include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Honest but Mistaken Belief in Consent;<\/li>\n<li>Mistake in Identity;<\/li>\n<li>Maintaining that there was no sexual contact;<\/li>\n<li>That there was consent; and\/or<\/li>\n<li>Any applicable Charter Defence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Punishment<\/h3>\n<p>The sentence that you receive for a conviction of a sexual assault will take into account the individual circumstances of your matter. The severity of the punishment is also reliant on whether the Crown elects to proceed summarily or by indictment, the type of sexual assault perpetrated, and the age of the victim.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For a common sexual assault conviction:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Indictment: Up to 10 years imprisonment or, if the complainant is under the age of 16, a minimum sentence of 1 year imprisonment and a maximum of 14 years;<\/li>\n<li>Summary: Up to 18 months imprisonment or, if the complainant is under the age of 16, a minimum sentence of six months and\/or a $5,000 fine and a maximum of two years less a day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, depending on what level of sexual assault you have been convicted of, different penalties may apply.<\/p>\n<h3>Sex Assault Laws in Canada<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/09\/Sex-Assault-Charges-Canada.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h2><strong>Overview of the Offence<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Sexual Assault is covered under\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-271.html\">s. 271 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em><\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p>Everyone who commits a sexual assault is guilty of<\/p>\n<p><strong>(a)<\/strong>\u00a0an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years or, if the complainant is under the age of 16 years, to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong>\u00a0an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months or, if the complainant is under the age of 16 years, to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p><strong>The term \u2018sexual assault is not defined in the <em>Criminal Code. <\/em>As such, for the purposes of sexual assault, assault is defined in<a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-265.html\"> s. 265(1)(a) of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em><\/a> which states that:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p>A person commits an assault when<\/p>\n<p><strong>a)<\/strong> without the consent of another person, he applies force intentionally to that other person, directly or indirectly;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p>This definition of assault is explicitly applied to sexual assault, as per s.265(2) of the <em>Criminal Code.<\/em> Thus, the Crown must first satisfy that there was an assault that occurred by meeting the definition of assault provided in <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-265.html\">s.265(1)(a) of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em><\/a> to secure a conviction of sexual assault.<\/p>\n<p>Once it has been satisfied that an assault has taken place, the Crown must prove the essential elements of a sexual assault. <a href=\"https:\/\/scc-csc.lexum.com\/scc-csc\/scc-csc\/en\/item\/1684\/index.do\"><em>R v Ewanchuk<\/em> [1999] 1 S.C.R 330<\/a> (\u2018<em>Ewanchuk<\/em>\u2019) is a seminal case on a sexual assault which provides the elements that the Crown has to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, to secure a conviction of sexual assault. As for any criminal conviction, the Crown must prove both the actus reus and the mens rea of the offence for an accused to be found guilty.<\/p>\n<h3>The Guilty Act (Actus reus)<\/h3>\n<p><em>Ewanchuk <\/em>provides that the actus reus of sexual assault is unwanted sexual touching.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The actus reus of sexual assault is established by proof of three elements: \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Touching (or threat of touching);<\/li>\n<li>Sexual nature of touching; and<\/li>\n<li>Absence of consent;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The touching, or the threat of touching, must be voluntary in order to satisfy the actus reus.<\/p>\n<p>In relation to the sexual nature of the touching, this element of the actus reus is determined by applying an objective test. This means that the Courts will take into consideration how the reasonable person would view the touching. The touching does have to be of a sexual part of the body. Rather, as indicated in the case of <a href=\"https:\/\/scc-csc.lexum.com\/scc-csc\/scc-csc\/en\/item\/4634\/index.do\"><em>R v Dinardo<\/em>, [2008] S.C.C<\/a>, the sexual element of touching can arise from circumstances other than the manner in which the victim was touched.<\/p>\n<p><em>Ewanchuk <\/em>discussed how the absence of consent is an element of the actus reus that is purely subjective in nature. This means that what is taken into consideration when determining whether there was an absence of consent is the complainant\u2019s subjective, internal state of mind at the time of the touching, at the time it occurred.<\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-273.1-20181213.html#:~:text=273.1%20(1)%20Subject%20to%20subsection,the%20sexual%20activity%20in%20question.&amp;text=(1.1)%20Consent%20must%20be%20present,activity%20in%20question%20takes%20place.\">s.273.1 of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em><\/a> consent, for the purposes of sexual assault, is the voluntary agreement of the complainant to engage in the sexual activity in nature.<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Criminal Code, <\/em>under <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-265.html\">s.265(3)<\/a>, provides further guidance on what consent <u>is not<\/u> for all forms of assault.<\/p>\n<p><strong>No consent is obtained where the complainant submits or does not resist by reason of:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-2 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p><strong>(a)<\/strong>\u00a0the application of force to the complainant or to a person other than the complainant;<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong>\u00a0threats or fear of the application of force to the complainant or to a person other than the complainant;<\/p>\n<p><strong>(c)<\/strong>\u00a0fraud; or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(d)<\/strong>\u00a0the exercise of authority.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><p><strong>Similarly, <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-273.1.html\">s.273.1(2)<\/a> of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>provides guidance on what consent is not by indicating that<u> no consent is obtained<\/u> for the purposes of sexual assault if:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-3 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p><strong>(a)<\/strong>\u00a0the agreement is expressed by the words or conduct of a person other than the complainant;<\/p>\n<p><strong>(a.1)<\/strong>\u00a0the complainant is unconscious;<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong>\u00a0the complainant is incapable of consenting to the activity for any reason other than the one referred to in paragraph\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.statutes.ca\/r-s-c-1985-c-c-46\/273.1\/2\/a.1\">(a.1)<\/a>;<\/p>\n<p><strong>(c)<\/strong>\u00a0the accused induces the complainant to engage in the activity by abusing a position of trust, power or authority;<\/p>\n<p><strong>(d)<\/strong>\u00a0the complainant expresses, by words or conduct, a lack of agreement to engage in the activity; or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(e)<\/strong>\u00a0the complainant, having consented to engage in sexual activity, expresses, by words or conduct, a lack of agreement to continue to engage in the activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><p>Consent cannot be implied in Canada. However, often times in cases of sexual assault there are situations where it appears that there is consent, this is what is called ostensible consent. In these cases of sexual assault, the Court adopts a two-step process from the case of <a href=\"https:\/\/scc-csc.lexum.com\/scc-csc\/scc-csc\/en\/item\/13511\/index.do#:~:text=Hutchinson%20was%20charged%20with%20aggravated,N.S.R.%20(2d)%201).\"><em>R v Hutchinson<\/em> [2014] S.C.C 19<\/a> (<em>\u201cHutchinson\u201d<\/em>) to determine whether or not there was in fact consent present.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This two-step process includes determining:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Whether the complainant voluntarily agreed to engage in sexual activity in question; and<\/li>\n<li>If there was reasonable doubt for this apparent or ostensible consent, then the next step would be to determine if the consent is ineffective or vitiated because of the operation of <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-265.html\">s.265(3)<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-273.1.html\">s.273.1(2)<\/a> of the <em>Criminal Code.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If consent is vitiated because of any of the factors listed in <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-265.html\">s.265(3)<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-273.1.html\">s.273.1(2)<\/a> of the <em>Criminal Code, <\/em>then this element of the actus reus will be satisfied and the Crown may able to secure a conviction of sexual assault if all other elements are satisfied.<\/p>\n<p>Another point to note, in relation to consent, is that there may be certain situations where a person cannot legally give consent. In Canada, the age of consent is 16 years old.<\/p>\n<h3>The Guilty Mind (Mens rea)<\/h3>\n<p><em>Ewanchuk <\/em>also provided that the mens rea element for sexual assault is satisfied when the Crown is able to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that there was:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The intention to touch the complainant or being reckless or willfully blind to the lack of consent on the part of the person touched<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sexual assault is a general intent offence. This means that all the Crown needs to prove is that the accused intended to touch the complainant to satisfy the basic mens rea requirement. Additionally, the mens rea for an offence of sexual assault can be made out when the accused knew that the complainant was not saying yes but was being reckless or willfully blind.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-4 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 42px 60px 40px 60px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:10px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:20px!important;margin-left:0px!important;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:10px!important; margin-right:0px!important;margin-bottom:10px!important; margin-left:0px!important;}}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-three\" style=\"margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:20px;margin-left:0px;\"><h3 class=\"title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;color:#ffffff;--fontSize:24;line-height:1.36;\">Are you being investigated by the police for a criminal offence?<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-top:20px;margin-right:20px;\"><p>Learn about precharge legal advice and how it can help you to avoid being charged with a criminal offence in the first place.<\/p>\n<\/div><div ><style>.fusion-button.button-1{border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.fusion-button.button-1 .fusion-button-text{text-transform:uppercase;}<\/style><a class=\"fusion-button button-flat fusion-button-default-size button-default button-1 fusion-button-default-span fusion-button-default-type cta-btn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UffiFxzDq4A&amp;t=8s\" style=\"margin-bottom:20px;\"><span class=\"fusion-button-text\">Watch Video<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;margin-top : 35px;margin-bottom : 30px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 42px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\"><h2><strong>Sexual Assault Defences<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">How to Beat a Sexual Assault Charge<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>With sexual assault charges, the availability and strength of any defence depend entirely on the specific facts of your case and the evidence against you. However, there are some common defences that can be used when defending against sexual assault charges.<\/p>\n<h3>Honest but Mistaken Belief in Consent<\/h3>\n<p>The defence of \u2018Honest but Mistaken Belief in Consent\u2019 is a form of mistake of fact and will remove any culpability if you honestly, but mistakenly, believed that you had consent.<\/p>\n<p>Ewanchuk stated that \u201cin order to cloak the accused\u2019s actions in moral innocence, the evidence must show that he believed that the complainant communicated consent to engage in the sexual activity in question\u201d. However, Ewanchuk further explained that \u201ca belief that silence, passivity, or ambiguous conduct constitutes consent is a mistake of law and provides no defence\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>This means that you must be some evidence of ambiguity or equivocality which shows that your mistaken belief was not based on willful blindness or recklessness as to the absence of consent. In other words, there must be at least an \u201cair of reality\u2019 to your honest but mistaken belief.<\/p>\n<h3>Mistake in Identity<\/h3>\n<p>Depending on the circumstances of your case, a possible defence to a sexual assault charge may be to raise an identity defence. Sometimes, false accusations of sexual assault do occur, and a wrong person is charged as a result.<\/p>\n<p>For example, in some cases, the complainant may not be able to clearly identify the perpetrator and end up accusing the wrong person or the authorities may have made a mistake in identifying you as the perpetrator. This would be a case of mistaken identity. In order for this defence to be raised successfully, you will have to prove that you were not present at the time of the offence. This can be done by corroborating evidence, such as an alibi, to remove you from the time of the offence.<\/p>\n<h3>No Sexual Contact<\/h3>\n<p>In order for the prosecution to secure a conviction of sexual assault, both the actus reus and the mens rea need to be satisfied. If you are able to prove that there was no sexual touching, then an essential element of the actus reus is not satisfied and you cannot be convicted of sexual assault.<\/p>\n<h3>Consent<\/h3>\n<p>Consent is often a contentious issue in sexual assault cases and forms part of the actus reus for a sexual assault offence. Therefore, if the complainant consented to the sexual touching, you cannot be convicted of sexual assault as the actus reus element of the offence is not satisfied. However, it is important to note that the complainant has to have consented to all sexual touching at the time that the touching took place. The consent also needs to be expressed as there is no such thing as implied consent. Additionally, consent cannot be granted if it is obtained by force, threats, fear, fraud, or the exercise of authority.<\/p>\n<h3>Charter Defences<\/h3>\n<p>The\u00a0Charter sets out your rights and freedoms before and after your arrest. If the police fail to abide by these rights, either deliberately or inadvertently, it could aid in your defence. If any of your Charter rights have been violated before or after your arrest, you may be able to have some or all of the evidence that the Crown is relying on to secure a conviction excluded under s.24(2) of the Charter.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\"><h2>Sex Assualt Punishment<\/h2>\n<p>The sentence that you receive for a conviction of a sexual assault will take into account the individual circumstances of your matter. The severity of the penalty is also reliant on whether the Crown elects to proceed summarily or by indictment, the type of sexual assault perpetrated, and the age of the victim.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-271.html\">s.271 Sexual Assault<\/a> &#8211; Summary<\/h3>\n<p>If the Crown elects to proceed summarily, then you could face up to 18 months in jail for a sexual assault conviction. If the complainant is under the age of 16, then a minimum sentence of six months and\/or a $5,000 fine is imposed and a maximum jail sentence of two years less a day.<\/p>\n<p>You would also have available to you a discharge, suspended sentence, fine alone, fine and probation, prison, prison and fine, intermittent, fine, probation and intermittent, and a conditional sentence.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-271.html\">s.271 Sexual Assault<\/a> &#8211; Indictment<\/h3>\n<p>If the Crown elects to proceed by indictment and you are convicted of a sexual assault, you could face up to 10 years in jail. However, if the complainant is under the age of 16, then you may face a minimum sentence of one year in jail and a maximum of 14 years in jail.<\/p>\n<p>You would also have available to you a discharge, suspended sentence, fine alone, fine and probation, prison, prison and fine, and intermittent, fine, probation and intermittent sentence. Note that you will not have available a conditional sentence.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-272.html\">s.272 Sexual Assault with a weapon, threats to a third party or causing bodily harm<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>For a sexual assault under s.272 of the Criminal Code the Crown must proceed by indictment and has no choice to proceed otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>If the sexual assault is with a restricted or prohibited firearm or with a non-prohibited firearm and relates to a criminal organization, the minimum sentence is five years in jail for a first offence or seven years in jail for the second offence. Whereas the maximum jail sentence you can receive is 14 years in jail.<\/p>\n<p>For a sexual assault with using a nonrestrictive firearm, the minimum sentence is four years in jail while the maximum sentence is 14 years in jail.<\/p>\n<p>If convicted of a sexual assault under s.272 of the Criminal Code and the victim is under the age of 16, then there is a minimum sentence of five years in jail, however, you could face a life imprisonment sentence.<\/p>\n<p>For any convictions under s.272 of the Criminal Code, listed above, you will only have available to you a sentence which includes prison time or prison and fine. You will not have available to you a discharge, suspended sentence, fine alone, fine and probation, prison and probation, intermittent, fine, probation and intermittent, or a conditional sentence.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you are convicted of sexual assault with a weapon, threats or causing harm the maximum sentence is 14 years in jail. You will have available to you a suspended sentence, fine alone, fine and probation, prison, prison and fine, and intermittent, fine, probation and intermittent sentence. Note that you will not have available a conditional sentence or a discharge.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-273.html#:~:text=273%20(1)%20Every%20one%20commits,the%20life%20of%20the%20complainant.&amp;text=(b)%20in%20any%20other%20case%2C%20to%20imprisonment%20for%20life.\">s.273 Aggravated Sexual Assault<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>For a sexual assault under <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-273.html#:~:text=273%20(1)%20Every%20one%20commits,the%20life%20of%20the%20complainant.&amp;text=(b)%20in%20any%20other%20case%2C%20to%20imprisonment%20for%20life.\">s.273 of the Criminal Code<\/a>, the Crown must proceed by indictment and has no choice but to proceed otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>For aggravated sexual assault with a restricted or prohibited firearm or with a non-prohibited firearm and relating to a criminal organization, the minimum sentence that will be imposed will be five years imprisonment for a first offence or seven years for a second offence. However, the maximum sentence is life imprisonment. You would also only have available to you a sentence with a prison term or prison and a fine.<\/p>\n<p>For aggravated sexual assault using a non-restricted firearm, the minimum sentence that can be imposed is 4 years in jail, while the maximum sentence you could face is life imprisonment. You would also only have available to you a sentence with a prison term or both prison and a fine.<\/p>\n<p>If you are convicted of a sexual assault under s.273 of the Criminal Code and the victim is under the age of 16, then there is a minimum sentence of 5 years in jail imposed with the maximum sentence being life imprisonment.<\/p>\n<p>For any other case under s.273 of the Criminal Code, the maximum sentence is 14 years in jail and you would have available to you a suspended sentence, fine alone, fine and probation, prison, prison and fine, and intermittent, fine, probation and intermittent sentence. Note that you will not have available a conditional sentence or a discharge.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to any immediate jail and\/or probation sentence you receive for a conviction of sexual assault, you will also be ordered to register with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca\/en\/sex-offender-management\">National Sex Offender Registry<\/a>\u00a0in accordance with the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/S-8.7\/\">National Sexual Offender Information Registry Act<\/a>\u00a0(SOIRA).<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14\"><h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-50837-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-50837-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-50837-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-50837-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-50837-1\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-964652c621545c9c0 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-964652c621545c9c0 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-964652c621545c9c0 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"964652c621545c9c0\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50837-1\" data-target=\"#964652c621545c9c0\" href=\"#964652c621545c9c0\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What is the law on sexual assault in Canada<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"964652c621545c9c0\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>In Canada, any unwanted sexual act done by one person to another or sexual activity without one person\u2019s consent or voluntary agreement is a criminal offence. A sexual assault is a serious offence and if convicted can lead to jail time, even for a first-time offence. Additionally, a conviction of a sexual assault could also result in you registering with the National Sex Offender Registry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-f1fdbb688856dbb14 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-f1fdbb688856dbb14 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-f1fdbb688856dbb14 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"f1fdbb688856dbb14\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50837-1\" data-target=\"#f1fdbb688856dbb14\" href=\"#f1fdbb688856dbb14\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What are the three levels of assault in Canada<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"f1fdbb688856dbb14\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><strong>The three levels of sexual assault in Canada are:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-271.html\">Sexual assault, s.271 of the Criminal Code;<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party or causing bodily harm,<a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-272.html\"> s.272 of the Criminal Code<\/a>; and<\/li>\n<li>Aggravated sexual assault, <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-273.html#:~:text=273%20(1)%20Every%20one%20commits,the%20life%20of%20the%20complainant.\">s.273 of the Criminal Code.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-60dff4ade8db69bbd .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-60dff4ade8db69bbd .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-60dff4ade8db69bbd fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"60dff4ade8db69bbd\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50837-1\" data-target=\"#60dff4ade8db69bbd\" href=\"#60dff4ade8db69bbd\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Is there a time limit on sexual assault in Canada<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"60dff4ade8db69bbd\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>There is no statute of limitation in relation to sexual assault charges in Canada. This means that you can be charged and convicted of a sexual assault any time after you have committed the alleged offence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-36a832a8721464221 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-36a832a8721464221 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-36a832a8721464221 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"36a832a8721464221\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50837-1\" data-target=\"#36a832a8721464221\" href=\"#36a832a8721464221\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Can you go to jail for sexual assault in Canada<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"36a832a8721464221\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Sexual assault is a serious offence which is prosecuted harshly. Often times a conviction of a sexual assault will be punishable with jail time. A conviction of general sexual assault can carry a penalty of up to ten years or 14 years jail time, depending on the severity of the crime, the age of the victim and whether the Crown proceeds summarily or by indictment. However, the most serious forms of sexual assault carry a jail sentence of life imprisonment. There are also mandatory minimum jail sentences imposed for certain sexual offences such as sexual crimes involving young persons.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-cf66d83e66bd58f10 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-1 .panel-cf66d83e66bd58f10 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-cf66d83e66bd58f10 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"cf66d83e66bd58f10\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50837-1\" data-target=\"#cf66d83e66bd58f10\" href=\"#cf66d83e66bd58f10\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Is lolicon legal in canada?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"cf66d83e66bd58f10\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\">\n<p>Because of the ambiguity around lolicon\u2019s definition, the answer to this question is not black and white.<\/p>\n<p>However, the law on child pornography is fairly straightforward in Canada. The leading seminal case on this matter is a decision from the Supreme Court of Canada known as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ca\/scc\/doc\/2001\/2001scc2\/2001scc2.html?autocompleteStr=R%20v%20sharpe&#038;autocompletePos=1\"><em>R v Sharpe,\u00a0<\/em>2001 SCC 2<\/a>\u00a0(Sharpe). Sharpe upholds section 163.1 of the\u00a0<em>Criminal Code\u00a0<\/em>as constitutional. Section\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/page-25.html#docCont\">163.1(1) of the\u00a0<em>Criminal Code<\/em><\/a> which defines \u201cchild pornography\u201d reads:<\/p>\n<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\">\n<div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-16 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\">\n<div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\">\n<p><strong>Definition of\u00a0child pornography<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1<\/strong><strong>(1)<\/strong>\u00a0In this section,\u00a0<strong>child pornography<\/strong>\u00a0means<\/p>\n<p><strong>(a)\u00a0<\/strong>a photographic, film, video or other visual representation, whether or not it was made by electronic or mechanical means,<\/p>\n<p><strong>(i)\u00a0<\/strong>that shows\u00a0<strong>a person<\/strong>\u00a0who is or is depicted as being under the age of eighteen years and is engaged in or is depicted as engaged in explicit sexual activity, or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(ii)\u00a0<\/strong>the dominant characteristic of which is the depiction, for a sexual purpose, of a sexual organ or the anal region of a person under the age of eighteen years;<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)\u00a0<\/strong>any written material, visual representation or audio recording that advocates or counsels sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act;<\/p>\n<p><strong>(c)\u00a0<\/strong>any written material whose dominant characteristic is the description, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act; or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(d)\u00a0<\/strong>any audio recording that has as its dominant characteristic the description, presentation or representation, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under this Act.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14\">\n<p>Therefore, the answer to this question depends on what exactly is being depicted in the lolicon. If the image depicts a person underage who is engaged in explicit sexual activity then it is illegal to possess\/distribute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15\"><h2><strong>Published Decisions <\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-50837-2 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-50837-2 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-50837-2 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-50837-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-50837-2\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .panel-6a74be8cb0bf37dce .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .panel-6a74be8cb0bf37dce .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-6a74be8cb0bf37dce fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"6a74be8cb0bf37dce\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50837-2\" data-target=\"#6a74be8cb0bf37dce\" href=\"#6a74be8cb0bf37dce\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">v. Sanghar and Sigar, 2012 ABPC 333<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"6a74be8cb0bf37dce\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>The two accused forcefully anally raped the victim in a jail cell at the Calgary Remand Centre. Mr. Sigar was convicted of Sexual assault with a weapon. Mr. Sanghar was the co-accused and was convicted of sexual assault <em>simpliciter. <\/em>\u00a0Mr. Sigar was sentenced to 6 \u00bd years in jail and Mr. Sanghar was sentenced to 5 \u00bd years in jail.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ab\/abpc\/doc\/2012\/2012abpc333\/2012abpc333.html\">here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .panel-88cabc760ac0f4b90 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .panel-88cabc760ac0f4b90 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-88cabc760ac0f4b90 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"88cabc760ac0f4b90\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50837-2\" data-target=\"#88cabc760ac0f4b90\" href=\"#88cabc760ac0f4b90\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">R v Hutchinson, 2014 SCC 19<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"88cabc760ac0f4b90\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>The accused was charged with aggravated sexual assault after he intentionally poked holes in condoms to get his girlfriend, the complainant, pregnant. The complainant ended up getting pregnant which resulted in the complainant suffering medical consequences following an abortion. The Court held that consent was vitiated by fraud and the accused was found guilty.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ca\/scc\/doc\/2014\/2014scc19\/2014scc19.html?autocompleteStr=r%20v%20hutc&amp;autocompletePos=2\">here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .panel-9e7a95a04cb13b0a5 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-50837-2 .panel-9e7a95a04cb13b0a5 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-9e7a95a04cb13b0a5 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"9e7a95a04cb13b0a5\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-50837-2\" data-target=\"#9e7a95a04cb13b0a5\" href=\"#9e7a95a04cb13b0a5\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">R v Tremblay, 2018 ABQB 400<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"9e7a95a04cb13b0a5\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>The accused was from Edmonton and was found guilty of sexual assault, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon. The accused was sentenced to 6 years in jail.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ab\/abqb\/doc\/2018\/2018abqb400\/2018abqb400.html?searchUrlHash=AAAAAQAOc2V4dWFsIGFzc2F1bHQAAAAAAQ&amp;resultIndex=2\">here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 30px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sexual assault under s. 271 of the Criminal Code covers any non-consensual sexual activity, regardless of severity. Penalties are severe, ranging from fines to imprisonment. Learn how the law defines sexual assault, possible defences, and why strong legal representation is vital.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":52495,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[129,146],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-50837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-sexual-offences"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Sexual Assault (s. 271) Laws in Canada | Strategic Criminal Defence FAQ<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/sexual-assault-charges-canada\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Sexual Assault (s. 271) Laws in Canada | Strategic Criminal Defence FAQ\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Sexual assault under s. 271 of the Criminal Code covers any non-consensual sexual activity, regardless of severity. 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