Sexual offences against minors lawyer
Sexual offences against minors lawyer & child sexual abuse lawyer
Although crime rates are down in general, sexual offences against minors are on the increase. Because of the proliferation of the Internet, new crimes now exist. Conviction for a sexual offence against a minor carries a particularly egregious societal stigma and condemnation. In fact, child sexual abuse charges are amongst the most devastating a person can face.
Allegations of sexual offences against minors, such as the possession or distribution of child pornography, can threaten your entire life. Not only are the potential criminal penalties severe, but these allegations can also damage your reputation amongst friends, family members and co-workers. Your access to the internet and even your ability to see your own children may be in jeopardy.
Child Pornography Charges
Child pornography charges may involve the possession, distribution, production, or promotion of any obscene pictures or video involving minors engaging in sexually explicit content. This could range from cases involving two or three photographs to thousands of online photos. A person who is 21 and takes a naked picture of a 16-year-old boyfriend or girlfriend could also face these charges. Furthermore, recent amendments to the Criminal Code have introduced mandatory minimum jail sentences for such offences.
In many cases, child pornography charges stem from police sting operations where web sites are monitored by law enforcement. Police will generally seize the computer of the accused to view the files and sites that have been accessed. They will work with computer experts to determine how the files were accessed, who accessed them, and whether there was really an intent to commit a crime.
It is a criminal offence (often punishable by severe prison terms) to make, distribute, possess or even access child pornography. But what exactly is child pornography?
Essentially four types of child pornography exist. Child pornography can be:
- a visual representation, for example, a video, which shows a person who is or is depicted as being under the age of eighteen years and is engaged in or is depicted as engaged in explicit sexual activity, or, where the dominant characteristic of which is the depiction, for a sexual purpose, of a sexual organ or the anal region of a person under the age of eighteen years;
- written material, visual representation or audio recording that advocates or counsels sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under the Criminal Code;
- written material whose dominant characteristic is the description, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under the Criminal Code; or
- an audio recording that has as its dominant characteristic the description, presentation or representation, for a sexual purpose, of sexual activity with a person under the age of eighteen years that would be an offence under the Criminal Code
Other Sexual Offences Involving Minors
In addition to child pornography, there are several other sexual offences involving minors. Below is a short summary of some of them.
Sexual interference
Sexual interference is touching, for a sexual purpose, any part of the body of a person under the age of 16.
Invitation to sexual touching
Invitation to sexual touching is the inviting, counselling, or inciting a person, under the age of 16, to touch, the body of any person.
Sexual exploitation
Sexual exploitation can summarily be explained as someone who is in a position of trust or authority towards a young person, who sexually interferes or invites to sexual touch a young person.
Luring a child
Luring a child is telecommunication with a person under the age of 18 for the purpose of committing a sexual offence.
Sexual interference, Invitation to sexual touching, Sexual exploitation, and Child luring carry in the least serious cases, an obligatory minimum prison sentence of 90 days, and in more serious cases, a prison term that can be for many years.
What a Sexual Offences Lawyer Like Steven Slimovitch Can Offer You
When you or someone you know has been charged with an offence of this nature, it is important to retain the services of an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Steven Slimovitch is dedicated to confidentiality and professionalism and is capable of navigating the complexities of such cases. He is adept at mounting a defence in every available way that can include attacks on the legality of search warrants among others. Where a client admits to being involved in a sexual offence involving minors, he works with the best and most experienced psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors who assist his clients in diagnosing and treating paedophilia. Often, this expertise and his attention to every detail, is the difference between a crippling prison sentence, and a genuine opportunity for rehabilitation. Steven Slimovitch will defend your rights and protect your interests after being investigated for, or arrested on, sex related offences against minors. He understands that these charges essentially put life as you knew it, on the line. Steven Slimovitch is a highly skilled and experienced criminal defence lawyer with a very impressive track record in this area. He has defended many people accused of sexual offences against minors and has successfully supported them throughout the legal process and enabled them to get their lives back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am accused of a sexual offence involving a minor?
Do not make any statements to the police or anyone else without speaking to a lawyer first. Even if you think you can explain the situation, anything you say can be used against you.
Never attempt to contact the alleged victim. This could aggravate the situation and lead to further offences, such as obstruction of justice or intimidation.
An experienced child sex offence attorney is essential from the very beginning.
What is child pornography under the Canadian Criminal Code?
Child pornography includes any representation, whether visual, written, or audio, of a real or imaginary sexual activity involving a person under the age of 18. This includes:
- Images, videos, or drawings of a sexual nature,
- texts of a pornographic nature describing activities with children and young people,
- and even the mere possession of such content.
This is a serious matter, regardless of whether you have ever shared or created the content in question.
What are the penalties if convicted?
Penalties vary depending on the nature of the sexual offence committed, but may include:
- Mandatory prison sentences, often lasting several years,
- mandatory registration on the National Sex Offender Registry and
- prohibitions on communicating with or being in the presence of children and young people, including online or in certain public places.
Certain sexual offences against children, such as sexual exploitation of children, carry severe minimum penalties.
Will I still be able to have contact with children?
If you are accused or convicted of a sexual offence, the court may impose strict conditions, even before the end of the trial:
- Prohibition from frequenting certain places (schools, parks, libraries),
- prohibition from using the Internet or means of telecommunication to communicate with persons under the age of 16,
- obligation to inform your employer or avoid certain types of employment.
This applies even if the alleged sexual offence did not occur in a professional or family setting.
How can a lawyer help me in this type of case?
A lawyer specializing in sexual offences against children can:
- Analyze the evidence gathered by the police,
- identify violations of your rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,
- challenge the credibility of witnesses,
- contest elements such as the age of the victim, the absence of real or presumed consent, or possible tampering with evidence.
In some cases, a strong defence can lead to an acquittal or dismissal of charges.
Can this type of offence be removed from my criminal record?
Sexual offences committed against children are extremely difficult to remove from a criminal record.
Even after the sentence has been served, some convictions exclude the possibility of a pardon or record suspension.
In addition, registration on the sex offender registry can last for 10 years, 20 years, or for life, depending on the severity of the sexual offence and the number of prior convictions.
Can I contact you at any time if I am arrested or charged with a crime?
Yes. Steven Slimovitch is available 24/7 for urgent criminal matters. If you are arrested or charged, you can call at any time to receive immediate legal assistance. Acting quickly can be critical to protecting your rights.
Will you represent me immediately if I contact you after an arrest?
Absolutely. Steven Slimovitch can act on your behalf right away. Having a lawyer present from the earliest stage helps ensure that your rights are respected and can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Do I need to meet you in person to start working with you?
Not necessarily. In urgent cases, initial consultations can often be done over the phone or by videoconference. Steven Slimovitch will work with you to find the fastest, most efficient way to begin your defence.
How quickly can you start working on my case?
Immediately. Upon your first contact, Steven Slimovitch will start assessing your situation and advising you on the next steps to take. Early intervention often makes a major difference in criminal matters.
Do you handle cases outside of Montreal?
Yes. Although based in Montreal, Steven Slimovitch regularly represents clients across Quebec and can discuss handling cases elsewhere depending on the circumstances.
LEGAL FEES
Steven Slimovitch offers a free initial consultation in order to properly assess your particular situation and circumstance.
Legal fees are determined either on a per-hour billing rate or a flat fee basis. We will always provide you with an accurate estimate of the potential financial costs associated with your file.