Sexual assault cases are rarely simple to prove or to defend against because: The defendant and the complainant are often the only two witnesses,
The two versions of events may be very different – he said/she said,
There may be complicated medical and DNA evidence to consider,
The defendant may deny that the incident ever happened,
The quality of witness defence or credibility of their evidence may be brought into question,
The defendant may believe reasonable steps were taken to ensure that consent was granted,
Drugs or alcohol may have been used before the alleged assault. The complexities mean that a successful defence requires an in-depth understanding of the specific laws and rules that apply to sexual assault charges, and considerable experience in defending them.
A skilled lawyer will be able to vigorously defend your Charter rights and attempt to limit the damaging effects on your future.
The Crown prosecution needs to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and this is rarely straightforward. Your defence may also be challenging. However, an experienced sexual assault lawyer will provide your best opportunity of avoiding the serious consequences of a conviction.