Sexual Interference Charges in Calgary
Sexual interference involves the touching of a person under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose. It also includes the related offence of invitation to sexual touching, which forbids a person from encouraging someone under the age of 16 to touch another person under the age of 16, for a sexual purpose.
In Calgary, the number of sexual interference incidents is steadily rising. According to statistics, there were 63 incidents of sexual interference in 2016, compared to 255 in 2020. The Calgary Police Service is staunchly committed to protecting this vulnerable population and reducing this number.
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of Calgary-specific information regarding sexual interference charges. For a more thorough understanding of the procedural aspects of a sexual interference charge, including its definition in the Criminal Code of Canada (the “Code”), penalties and specific defences, please see here.
Investigation of Sexual Interference Charges in Calgary
Investigation of a sexual interference 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 Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit has been created to focus specifically on crimes involving children, including sexual interference. There is also a Child at Risk Response Team that responds to incidents that don’t involve serious physical abuse. Both units work closely with resources such as the Child and Family Services division, Child Advocacy Centre, and Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team to ensure there is a diverse and highly trained team available to investigate these types of charges.
For a more in depth understanding of the procedural aspects of a sexual interference investigation, please see here.
Bail Process and Conditions for Sexual Interference Charges in Calgary
How do I get myself or a loved one out on bail for sexual interference charges in Calgary?
If you have been charged with sexual interference in Calgary, it is extremely likely that you will require a formal bail hearing to be released. It is also likely that the Crown will seek an order that you are to be held in custody until your charges are dealt with unless you have a spotless criminal record.
To conduct a bail hearing, you will be transferred from the district office to the Spyhill Service Centre. The bail hearing must be held within 24 hours, a period that starts from the moment of arrest or detention rather than the time you are brought to the Centre. Although for many years the Centre was in downtown Calgary, it is now situated in the deep Northwest, which makes getting home after being released far more difficult for many people. The exact address of the Centre is as follows:
Spyhill Service Centre
12500 85 Street NW
Calgary, AB T2R 1J3
Tel: 403-428-3400
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 that you should be released. Even 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 sexual interference charge. To learn more about the procedure and specific steps we will take as your lawyer, please refer here.
Where can I pay bail for sexual interference charges in Calgary?
If you or a loved one are charged with sexual interference 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.
The contact details of the bail hearing office at the Calgary Courts Centre are as follows:
Calgary Courts Centre
601 5th Street SW
Calgary, AB T2P 5P7
Tel: 403-297-4444
You can also make a bail payment at the Calgary Remand Centre prior to 8:30 pm.
The contact details for the Calgary Remand Centre are as follows:
Calgary Remand Centre
12200 85 Street NW
Calgary, AB T3R 1J3
Tel: 403-695-2100
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 sexual interference charges in Calgary?
To learn about how we can help change your release conditions for sexual interference charges, please see here.
Penalties for Sexual Interference Charges in Calgary
The penalties for sexual interference 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 sexual interference charge, please see here.
Defending Sexual Interference Charges in Calgary
The defences associated with sexual interference 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 sexual interference charge, including how our firm can help, please see here.
What’s Next?
Sexual interference 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 sexual interference lawyers. We will conduct a thorough review of your situation and tailor a precise strategy that targets your successful defence.