Sexual Offence Lawyers in London, Ontario
Few charges carry the weight of a sexual offence allegation. Before anything has been proven, you may already be worried about your job, your family, and your reputation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, that’s normal — but there are two things you need to do immediately: don’t give a statement to police, and talk to a criminal defence lawyer.
Dominion Criminal Defence represents people charged with sexual offences across London, Kitchener, Brantford, Guelph, Woodstock, and Cambridge. Consultations are free and completely confidential, and our urgent line is monitored 24/7. Call or text (226) 984-7637 any time, day or night.
What Counts as a Sexual Offence in Canada?
A sexual offence in Canada is an assault committed in circumstances of a sexual nature, as set out in sections 265 and 271–273 of the Criminal Code. Charges range from sexual assault to sexual assault causing bodily harm, aggravated sexual assault, and voyeurism — and some carry mandatory minimum jail sentences on conviction.
Sexual assault can be alleged between strangers, acquaintances, or spouses, and by or against a person of any gender. Physical contact isn’t always required — a threat or attempt can be enough to support a charge.
- Sexual assault (s. 271) — the most common charge, covering any assault of a sexual nature without consent.
- Sexual assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm (s. 272) — a more serious version of the charge involving a weapon, threats to a third party, or injury.
- Aggravated sexual assault (s. 273) — reserved for the most serious allegations, where the complainant is wounded, maimed, disfigured, or their life is endangered.
- Voyeurism (s. 162) — secretly observing or recording someone where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Allegations involving people under 18 are handled differently under the law. Visit our Child Offences page for more on those charges.
What the Crown Has to Prove
To convict someone of a sexual offence, the Crown must prove two things beyond a reasonable doubt: that the act happened (the physical element), and that the accused knew the complainant wasn’t consenting — or was reckless or wilfully blind about it (the mental element).
Consent is at the centre of most sexual assault trials. Under Canadian law, consent must be voluntary, ongoing, and clearly expressed through words or conduct. Silence is not consent, and the law limits when a mistaken belief in consent can be raised as a defence — for example, it can’t be based on self-induced intoxication or a failure to take reasonable steps to confirm consent.
These are complicated, fact-driven cases. The right defence depends entirely on the evidence, which is why speaking with a lawyer before you say anything to anyone is so important.
Why You Shouldn't Talk to Police First
Police may tell you they just want “your side of the story.” Be careful — anything you say can be used to support the charge, and well-meaning explanations often do more harm than good. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Use both. If you’ve never been through this before, our First Time Charged? page walks you through what happens next.
Your Privacy, Publication Bans, and Bail
Sexual offence cases almost always involve publication bans that protect the identity of the complainant, and courts take privacy seriously on all sides. We can explain what will and won’t become public in your case, deal with your bail conditions, and — where conditions are unworkable — apply to have them varied so you can keep working and living your life while the case proceeds.
How Dominion Criminal Defence Helps
From your first free consultation, a lawyer — not an assistant — reviews the disclosure, identifies weaknesses in the Crown’s case, and builds a defence strategy around the facts. We’ll be with you at every court appearance, explain each step in plain language, and make sure you never face the process alone.
FAQS
Common Questions About Sexual Offence Charges
What is considered a sexual offence in Canada?
Any assault committed in circumstances of a sexual nature, including sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm, aggravated sexual assault, and voyeurism, as defined in the Criminal Code.
Can I be charged if there was no physical contact?
Yes. An attempt or threat of a sexual assault can support a charge, and voyeurism involves no contact at all.
What is the penalty for sexual assault in Ontario?
Sexual assault is a hybrid offence. Prosecuted by indictment, it carries up to 10 years in prison — more where the complainant is under 16, which also triggers a mandatory minimum sentence. Prosecuted summarily, the maximum is up to two years less a day.
Is being drunk a defence to sexual assault?
No. The Criminal Code specifically excludes self-induced intoxication as a basis for a mistaken belief in consent.
Can the complainant drop the charges?
No. Once police lay a charge, only the Crown prosecutor can withdraw it. The complainant’s wishes are considered, but they don’t control the case.
Should I explain my side to the police?
Not before speaking with a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent, and statements made early — even honest ones — are often used against you later.
Will my name appear in the news?
Publication bans in sexual offence cases protect the complainant’s identity, not usually the accused’s. In some cases, though, publishing the accused’s name would identify the complainant, which limits what can be reported. We can explain how this applies to your situation.
What is consent under Canadian law?
Consent is a voluntary, ongoing agreement to the sexual activity in question, expressed through words or conduct. It can be withdrawn at any time, and it can’t be given by someone who is unconscious or incapable.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. Your first consultation is free and confidential, and our urgent line at (226) 984-7637 is answered 24/7.
Speak With a Criminal Defence Lawyer Today — It’s Free
If you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal offence in London, Kitchener, Brantford, Guelph, or anywhere in Southwestern Ontario, don’t wait. The sooner you have legal advice, the better.
Call or text our 24/7 urgent line at 226-984-7637, or fill in the contact form below. Your first consultation is free and confidential.