Experts in sexual assault cases in Quebec City and Montreal
Sexual assault charges are serious. According to the type of charges pressed against you and in the case of a conviction, you may be subject to a long imprisonment sentence.
Besides, you could be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registry Act. Consequently, you must consult with an expert lawyer in this area to make sure that you get a full answer and defence. We ensure that your rights are protected.
Frequently asked questions.
We answer your questions in term of sexual assault charges.
Sexual crimes and the #metoo movement have made a lot of noise. Below are the most frequently asked questions regarding that matter.
Concept of consent
The concept of consent requires a subjective analysis which can only correspond to the plaintiff’s point of view. Deep down, did she consent to the acts in question?
The flaws of consent
It is possible that a person has consented to sexual touching, but that their consent is flawed and, therefore, invalid. For example:
The person is unable to consent;
Consent is not free;
Consent is not informed;
The purpose of the consent is illegal.
Silence is most definitely not consent!
In 2011, the Supreme Court determined that, in addition to being real, consent must be active, that is, conscious consent at all times during sexual activity.
Age of consent in Canada
Professor Julie Desrosiers summarizes the situation in her treatise:
a child under the age of 12 can never consent to sexual activity;
a child between the ages of 12 and 14 (less a day) may consent, but only with a person with whom they do not share more than two years age difference;
a child between the ages of 14 and 16 (less a day) may consent, but only with a person with whom they do not share more than five years age difference.
These are examples where even if the plaintiff consents, the law declares them unfit to consent.
Non-disclosure of one’s state of health
Depending on the case, a person may have to disclose their state of health (i.e. STBBI) to their partner so that they can make an informed decision before consenting to the sexual act.
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