Sentencing Guidelines for Sexual Assault Charges in Calgary

A sexual assault charge can be a life changing event, no matter what the circumstances of the case or the outcome of any trial or other proceeding in the Calgary courts. Simply being accused of sexual assault can cause deep rifts to form in interpersonal relationships, and can be emotionally, psychologically, and socially devastating.

The best way to combat the negative effects of a sexual assault charge that you believe is false or erroneous is to mount a legal defence against the accusations that have been made and the charges that have been laid against you. This is not just important in restoring your good name and ensuring you have a chance to tell your version of events, but is also the surest way to avoid potentially devastating legal consequences, including imprisonment and significant financial setbacks.

Make no mistake: even the most seemingly frivolous and insignificant sexual assault charge can have serious repercussion on your future opportunities, and your very freedom is quite literally at stake. The law at working Calgary's sexual assault cases does not take these charges lightly, and you should take your defence just as seriously.

How Those Convicted of Sexual Assault in Calgary Can be Punished

As noted elsewhere in this blog, criminal and sexual assault are both defined by the same section of the Criminal Code of Canada. The sentencing guidelines for sexual assaults are different from those for common assault, however, and it's important to know this difference.

Here's what Section 271 of the criminal code says regarding punishments for those found guilty of sexual assault in Calgary and throughout Canada:

Everyone who commits a sexual assault is guilty of
(a) an 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
(b) an 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.

Simply put, if you are convicted of a sexual assault against someone sixteen years of age or older, you are looking at a minimum of one year in jail. Depending on the specific circumstances of the charges laid against you, you could face up to ten years in prison. That's ten years away from your family, your community, and, your career, a stretch of time that cannot help by alter the course of your entire life.

Effective Defence for Your Calgary Sexual Assault Charges

If you've been charged with sexual assault in Calgary, you need a compassionate, confidential, and experienced criminal defence lawyer on your side. Contact Susan Karpa today to get the help you're entitled to, and put these charges behind you as quickly and completely as possible.