What You Must Understand About Consent and Sexual Assault in Canada

Sexual assault is not synonymous to rape, though many people may have that false understanding of what constitutes sexual assault. In Canada, sexual assault refers to an umbrella of actions of a sexual nature that violates a parson’s sexual integrity. This means that in Canada, sexual actions without the other party’s consent may fall under sexual assault.

Factors in Sexual Assault

Aside from consent, other relevant factors that are considered in sexual assault are:

• The accompanying words and gestures surrounding the act
• The nature of the contact
• What part of the body was touched
• What was the situation when the contact transpired
• Threats with or without force
• And any other circumstances surrounding what happened

Is Rape a Criminal Offence in Canada?

Canada’s Criminal Code doesn’t have rape listed as an offence. Rape is classified under the broad category of offences named as ‘sexual assault’. To differentiate between the types of sexual assault, additional terms are attached to the term to describe the nature or the circumstances of the offence.

Why is Consent Important in Determining Sexual Assault?

Because sexual assault is a violation of someone’s sexual integrity in Canada, consent is a crucial factor if someone was indeed violated. When someone consents, then it means that that person is making an informed decision to voluntarily participate in a certain sexual act.

Key things to remember about consent include:

• Consent can be limited to specific acts only
• Consent can be retracted, even in the middle of the act
• Consent has to be given again if the act is to be repeated
• Consent is still required between married couples and people in a relationship

Please note that the information shared in this article are not meant to be interpreted as legal advice and should only be taken as educational information. Should you need help from a Criminal Lawyer in Toronto, Calvin Barry is your best option. Calvin Barry Law has extensive experience and years of practice in Criminal Law including handling sexual assault cases. Contact Calvin Barry right away!

Domestic Violence Allegations in Canada Are More Common Than You Think

Domestic violence allegations are not typical conversation topics but knowing what to do when accused should be something that everyone must read about if living in Canada.

The 101 on Domestic Violence

Believe it or not, allegations related to domestic violence are as common as drinking and driving cases when it comes to which criminal allegations are the most common in Canada. Contrary to popular belief, domestic violence do not just occur between spouses, partners, boyfriend and girlfriend relationships, or common law spouses. It can encompass violence between siblings, those occurring between parent and child, and also include violence between grandchild and grandparent.

What Charges Fall Under Domestic Violence Allegations?

The following broad array of charges are under domestic violence allegations:

• Aggravated Assault
• Assault
• Assault Bodily Harm
• Assault with a Weapon
• Attempted murder
• Criminal Harassment
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Sexual assault
• Utter Threats
• What Happens After a Domestic Violence Charge?

A domestic violence charge will be followed by an arrest and a bail hearing. After bail, the accused will be barred from contacting the complainant to avoid the possibility of further abuse and witness tampering. This can be very distressing for both parties as trial usually isn’t scheduled until many months after.

Note that a trial will still take place even when the complainant decides not to pursue the case because a domestic allegation charge is a criminal offence . This means that the decision to pursue will be under the Crown Attorney’s Office once the police filed a case. .

Were you or someone you know involved in a domestic violence allegation? You must immediately seek the help of a professional Criminal Lawyer to do everything you can for the outcome to be favourable for you. Calvin Barry Law will be able to help. Contact Calvin Barry today to discuss what steps are next best to take legally. 

Driving While Impaired By Drugs – Must Know Changes to the Law

The recent changes in how cannabis is allowed to be sold and used caused a change in how our government handles cases related to the use of substances before and during driving. Read below to find out what the latest changes are and what they mean.

The Changes

The new stand on the law states the following:

•      An oral fluid sample may be demanded by a peace officer from a driver suspected of driving under the influence
•      The peace officer will have reasonable grounds to believe that the driver committed an offence should the oral fluid sample test positive for a drug, and validates an arrest
•      An evaluating officer will demand a drug evaluation or a blood sample from the detained driver

New Guidelines

Furthermore, a new criterion for determining the level of cannabis in the driver’s body has been established. This is based on the level of THC in the body of detained person.  Full details are at: https://www.canada.ca/en/healthcanada/news/2017/04/backgrounder_changestoimpaireddrivinglaws.html

•      2 nanograms (ng) but less than 5 ng of THC per milliliter of blood measured at within 2 hours of driving will be punishable by fine of up to $1,000  and be treated as a separate summary conviction criminal offence
•      5 ng or more of THC per milliliter of blood measured at within 2 hours of driving can be treated as a summary conviction or an indictment depending on severity because it is classified as a hybrid offence
•      Combined THC and Alcohol wherein the blood alcohol level is over 50 mg per 100 milliliter of blood combined with a THC of more than 2.5ng per milliliter of blood measured within 2 hours of driving is also a hybrid offence

Note that the maximum penalties for those found to be driving under the influence of alcohol is the same as those who were caught driving under the influence of drugs.

Need help from a DUI lawyer in Toronto? Calvin Barry is a veteran of handling drug charges, Over 80, and impaired driving charges in Canada. If you or someone you know have an issue with driving under the influence contact DUI Lawyer Calvin Barry today!

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