{"id":5818,"date":"2024-06-10T17:17:10","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T17:17:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oykhmancriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/?page_id=5818"},"modified":"2026-09-14T17:07:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T17:07:17","slug":"sexual-assault-lawyers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/sexual-assault-lawyers\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexual Assault Lawyers in Victoria"},"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\"><p>Many sexual assault charges result from a single disputed moment, a misread signal, or a relationship that ended badly. Not all cases are as clear-cut as they first seem. The potential consequences, however, are always serious.<\/p>\n<p>Since 2021, Strategic Criminal Defence has helped hundreds of people across Greater Victoria defend criminal charges.<\/p>\n<p><b>We work with sensitivity, discretion, and dedication for the best possible outcome:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>40+ combined years of criminal defence experience.<\/li>\n<li>24\/7 availability for urgent arrests and bail hearings.<\/li>\n<li>A track record that includes 75+ five-star Google reviews from past clients.<\/li>\n<li>Winner of the Consumer Choice Award for Best Criminal Defence Firm in Victoria.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our team, led by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/julia-hunter\/\">Julia Hunter<\/a>, focuses only on criminal defence. You get our full attention.<\/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\"><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-2\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><h2>Accused of sexual assault? What next?<\/h2>\n<p><b>Your first moves after learning about an allegation can shape the rest of your case:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b>Remain silent until you speak with a lawyer.<\/b> Anything you say to the police, including an attempt to explain your side, can become evidence against you.<\/li>\n<li><b>Don\u2019t contact the complainant to apologize.<\/b> Any contact after an allegation may be treated as evidence of guilt or used to support a no-contact condition.<\/li>\n<li><b>Write down your own timeline while your memory is fresh.<\/b> Dates, locations, messages, and witnesses can all support your defence later.<\/li>\n<li><b>Call a sexual assault lawyer. <\/b>Your first call, as soon as you\u2019re aware of sexual assault allegations, should be to a capable criminal defence lawyer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/pre-charge-legal-advice\/\">Pre-charge legal advice<\/a> can help in sexual assault cases. It\u2019s often a case of one person\u2019s word against another\u2019s. A Strategic Criminal Defence lawyer can help prevent you from making your situation worse.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.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-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\"><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:var(--awb-color8);padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;color:var(--awb-color1);\"><h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> for a free, no-obligation consultation.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.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-4\"><h2>What is sexual assault, and what penalties apply?<\/h2>\n<p>Sexual assault is any non-consensual touching of a sexual nature. That covers everything from an unwanted hug, kiss, or grope to much more serious conduct, like intercourse.<\/p>\n<p>It is a hybrid offence. This means the Crown chooses whether to prosecute it summarily (less seriously) or by indictment (more seriously).<\/p>\n<p><b>There are three basic levels of sexual assault under Canadian law:<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><style>\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .scd-table thead { display: none; }\n  .scd-table tr { display: block; margin-bottom: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; }\n  .scd-table td { display: block; padding: 10px 14px; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd; text-align: left !important; }\n  .scd-table td:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .scd-table td::before { content: attr(data-label); display: block; font-weight: bold; color: #c12127; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 4px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<table class=\"scd-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 8px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; width: 20%; text-align: left;\">LEVEL<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 8px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; width: 25%; text-align: left;\">WHAT IT MEANS<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 8px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; width: 28%; text-align: left;\">MAXIMUM PENALTY<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 8px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; width: 27%; text-align: left;\">MINIMUM PENALTY<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Level\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><b>Sexual assault <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-271.html\"><b>s.271<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"What It Means\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Non-consensual touching of a sexual nature.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><p style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0;\">10 years (indictable), or 14 years if the complainant is under 16.<\/p><p style=\"margin: 0;\">18 months (summary), or 2 years less a day if the complainant is under 16.<\/p><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Minimum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">None, unless the complainant is under 16: 1 year (indictable) or 6 months (summary).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Level\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><b>Sexual assault with a weapon, threats, or bodily harm <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-272.html\"><b>s.272<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"What It Means\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Sexual assault involving a weapon, a threat to a third party, injury, or more than one person.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><p style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0;\">14 years (indictable only).<\/p><p style=\"margin: 0;\">Life imprisonment if the complainant is under 16.<\/p><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Minimum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">None in the base case. 4-7 years in some circumstances.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Level\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><b>Aggravated sexual assault <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-273.html\"><b>s.273<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"What It Means\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Sexual assault that wounds, maims, disfigures, or endangers someone's life.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Life imprisonment (indictable only).<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Minimum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">None in the base case. 4-7 years in some circumstances.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\" style=\"margin-top:25px;\"><p>In July 2026, a one-year mandatory minimum jail sentence for sexual assault cases with complainants under 16 was restored. There are other mandatory minimums for offences involving a firearm, gang-related crimes, or repeat offenders.<\/p>\n<p>We will examine the evidence, work for your release from custody if necessary, and start building your defence.<\/p>\n<h3>How could a sexual assault conviction impact you long-term?<\/h3>\n<p>The effects of a conviction don\u2019t stop once you complete a jail or probation sentence.<\/p>\n<p><b>You may also face:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Registration on the <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/S-8.7\/\"><b>National Sex Offender Registry<\/b><\/a><b>. <\/b>This depends on the specific circumstances, though registration is still common for sexual assault convictions.<\/li>\n<li><b>Employment issues.<\/b> The permanent criminal record shows up on background checks for jobs and volunteer work.<\/li>\n<li><b>Travel problems.<\/b> You may be inadmissible to the U.S. and other countries.<\/li>\n<li><b>Immigration consequences. <\/b>Non-Canadian citizens may face removal under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.<\/li>\n<li><b>Restrictions on using the Internet or attending places where children are present <\/b>if the complainant was under 16 (<a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/C-46\/section-161.html\">Section 161<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><b>A DNA order<\/b> under <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-487.051.html\">Section 487.051<\/a> of the Criminal Code.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Consequences like these, which can affect your career, your family, and where you can live, make a strong defence critical.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><h2>How will we defend you?<\/h2>\n<p>If the police investigate you for sexual assault, they may arrest and hold you at the Victoria Police Department at 850 Caledonia Avenue.<\/p>\n<p>The officers must decide whether to release you with conditions or hold you for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/bail-hearings\/\">bail hearing<\/a>. If they hold you, they may transfer you to the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre in Saanich.<\/p>\n<h3>What happens at your bail hearing and first court appearance?<\/h3>\n<p>We can represent you at the hearing and will argue for release under the least restrictive bail conditions possible.<\/p>\n<p><b>However, upon release, you will likely need to:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Regularly report to a bail supervisor.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid all contact with the complainant, witnesses, or their families.<\/li>\n<li>Surrender your passport or accept travel restrictions.<\/li>\n<li>Agree not to consume alcohol and non-prescribed drugs.<\/li>\n<li>Stay at a specific address, sometimes with a surety who agrees to supervise you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A judge at the Victoria Law Courts on Burdett Avenue will likely hear your case. We can request the Crown\u2019s disclosure at your first appearance.<\/p>\n<p><b>This contains the evidence against you, including:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Witness statements.<\/li>\n<li>Communications.<\/li>\n<li>Forensic evidence.<\/li>\n<li>Any recorded evidence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We can scrutinize this and start building your defence.<\/p>\n<h3>Can we prevent a criminal record?<\/h3>\n<p>Your case can sometimes be resolved through negotiation with the Crown. Otherwise, it proceeds to trial in the Provincial Court of British Columbia. If you\u2019re convicted of sexual assault, you will have a criminal record.<\/p>\n<p><b>However, our lawyers will work to prevent a conviction by:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Identifying weak evidence or Charter rights violations, which can lead to withdrawal of the charges.<\/li>\n<li>Fighting for an acquittal at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/trial-process\/\">trial<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Aggravated sexual assault does not qualify for diversion programs or a peace bond in Victoria. For the other levels of sexual assault, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/diversion-program-resolutions\/\">diversion program<\/a> may be possible, but only with senior Crown approval. A discharge may also be available in less serious cases without a mandatory minimum sentence.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s essential to build the strongest defence from the start. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/julia-hunter\/\">Julia Hunter<\/a> previously worked inside the Crown Prosecution Service. That has given her insight into how the Crown builds sexual assault cases and how best to challenge them.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><h2>What defences apply to a sexual assault charge?<\/h2>\n<p>With sexual assault charges, it can often feel like the court of public opinion has already found you guilty. In the BC courts, that\u2019s not the case.<\/p>\n<p>The Crown must prove every element of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes that the contact happened, it was sexual in nature, and you knew the complainant was not consenting.<\/p>\n<p><b>Most of the time, we use one of the following defences:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Consent.<\/b> The complainant agreed to the contact freely and without pressure. Consent must be given in the moment and cannot be assumed from silence or a past relationship.<\/li>\n<li><b>Honest but mistaken belief in consent.<\/b> You genuinely believed the complainant was consenting, based on clear words or actions, not assumptions.<\/li>\n<li><b>Identity.<\/b> In cases involving strangers, parties, or poor lighting or memory, evidence may support a claim of mistaken identity.<\/li>\n<li><b>Charter violations.<\/b> Evidence is thrown out because the police failed to follow proper procedure during your arrest, questioning, or search.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We will decide on the best defence for your case once we know the facts.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><h2>Testimonials<\/h2>\n<p><b>Here\u2019s what clients have said about us. Remember that past results do not guarantee future outcomes.<\/b><\/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\"><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: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cThe services are the best\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe services provided by Strategic Criminal Defence Victoria are the best. Prompt, courteous and professional services. I highly recommend and thank them for their services.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong>S.B.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !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-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .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-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><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\"><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: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cMade my very stressful situation a lot easier\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cSuper professional, very easy to talk to and made my very stressful situation a lot easier for me! The open communication line was very helpful and made me very confident with my case.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong>B. <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !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-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .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-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><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: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cHelped me every step of the way\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cRight to the point, honest and professional. Never left me in the dark and helped me every step of the way with my case. Don&#8217;t know where I&#8217;d be without her help. Thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong>L.M.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !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><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15\"><h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-5818-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-5818-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-5818-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-5818-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1.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-5818-1\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-7babee1f8adaab76f .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-7babee1f8adaab76f .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-7babee1f8adaab76f fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"7babee1f8adaab76f\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5818-1\" data-target=\"#7babee1f8adaab76f\" href=\"#7babee1f8adaab76f\"><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\">Will a sexual assault charge ruin my life?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"7babee1f8adaab76f\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>A sexual assault charge alone is not a conviction. Cases can end through Crown withdrawal. Sometimes, a reduced charge or an acquittal at trial is possible. The earlier you get legal advice, the more options remain open to protect your record and your reputation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-b61a741573269d737 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-b61a741573269d737 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-b61a741573269d737 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"b61a741573269d737\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5818-1\" data-target=\"#b61a741573269d737\" href=\"#b61a741573269d737\"><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 I be charged if the complainant does not go to the police right away?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"b61a741573269d737\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Yes. There is no time limit for reporting a sexual assault in Canada. Charges can follow months or years after the alleged incident.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-fb149575bf33e1c68 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-fb149575bf33e1c68 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-fb149575bf33e1c68 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fb149575bf33e1c68\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5818-1\" data-target=\"#fb149575bf33e1c68\" href=\"#fb149575bf33e1c68\"><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\">Do I need a lawyer if I have not been charged yet?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"fb149575bf33e1c68\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Yes. Speaking with a lawyer before any charge is laid can sometimes prevent charges altogether. It can also protect you from saying something that could be used against you later.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-640c0301b9b2a80ce .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5818-1 .panel-640c0301b9b2a80ce .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-640c0301b9b2a80ce fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"640c0301b9b2a80ce\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5818-1\" data-target=\"#640c0301b9b2a80ce\" href=\"#640c0301b9b2a80ce\"><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 if the allegation involves a former partner?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"640c0301b9b2a80ce\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>These cases often turn on consent and credibility rather than physical evidence. A lawyer can help you preserve messages, timelines, and other evidence before it is lost. That can be the basis of your defence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/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-5 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:var(--awb-color8);padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-16\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;color:var(--awb-color1);\"><h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> for a free, no-obligation consultation.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .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-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/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-6 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: 25px 50px 25px 50px;\"><div ><style>.fusion-imageframe.imageframe-1{ margin-bottom : 25px;}<\/style><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\" style=\"border-radius:8px;max-width:100px;\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"254\" height=\"300\" title=\"Julia Hunter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/Julia-Hunter-254x300.jpg\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-53248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/Julia-Hunter-200x236.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/Julia-Hunter-400x473.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/victoria\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2026\/04\/Julia-Hunter.jpg 550w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 254px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-17\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p><strong>Verified By: <b>\u00a0Julia Hunter, Criminal Defence Lawyer<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><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:15px!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-two\" style=\"margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:15px;margin-left:0px;\"><div class=\"title-heading-left title-heading-tag fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:18;line-height:1.618;\">Last Modified: September 14, 2026<\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-18\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p>Julia Hunter is a senior criminal defence lawyer at Strategic Criminal Defence in Victoria, BC. She has appeared at every level of court in British Columbia and has defended clients on assault, impaired driving, theft, break and enter, and sexual offence charges. Before moving to defence work, she trained with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service and the Specialized Prosecutions Branch, giving her direct insight into how the Crown builds its case. Julia holds a Law Degree with Honours from Queen\u2019s University Belfast.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;margin-top : 25px;margin-bottom : 25px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 25px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 25px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-6{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-6 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/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>A sexual assault accusation can quickly impact everything from your work and relationships to your freedom. However, it doesn\u2019t have to define your future. Our Victoria sexual assault lawyers can examine the evidence early and work to keep a conviction off your record.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":53252,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5818","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Sexual Assault Lawyers Victoria | Strategic Criminal Defence<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you have been charged with Sexual Assault in Victoria, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. We will fight for your rights!\" \/>\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\/victoria\/sexual-assault-lawyers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Sexual Assault Lawyers Victoria | Strategic Criminal Defence\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you have been charged with Sexual Assault in Victoria, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. 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