Sexual Assault (and Assault)
Our Approach
At Purser Law, we know that preparation is the key to a successful trial. We begin preparing our clients to testify at least one month in advance of the trial, with weekly testimony preparation sessions. This gives you sufficient time to think about the questions that are going to be asked at trial so that you are comfortable testifying and can best present your side of the story. To date, we have never had a client convicted of sexual assault when they have prepared in this fashion.
Evidence in Sexual Assault Charges Canada
Sexual assault allegations in Canada are very easy to make. Contrary to popular opinion, no additional “evidence” other than the Complainant’s testimony is required for the Crown to obtain a conviction. Similarly, there is no statute of limitations for bringing such a complaint. As such, we have seen sexual assault allegations brought decades after the incident was alleged to have occurred. In these cases, it is even more important to get advice from a knowledgeable Edmonton sexual assault lawyer.
Admissibility of Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
In recent years, and following the “me too” movement, defending against sexual assault charges has become much more complicated. Recent changes to the Criminal Code have narrowed what evidence is and is not admissible. If you are charged with sexual assault, it is extremely important that you hire an experienced Edmonton Sexual Assault Lawyer.
Sexual Assault Jury Trials
At Purser Law, due to the highly political nature of sexual assault charges, we frequently recommend that our clients elect to be tried by Judge and Jury, where available. While jury trials are not recommended for every case, they are recommended in most cases. Therefore, it is important that your Edmonton Criminal Lawyer also have experience running jury trials, which are very different from Judge alone trials.
Experienced Edmonton Sexual Assault Lawyer
Purser Law has been successful in defending individuals against sexual assault charges before both a Jury and Judge alone. Additionally, Purser Law has been very successful assisting individuals with sexual assault conviction appeals.
Free Consultation
If you have been charged or convicted of sexual assault, call an Edmonton Criminal Lawyer at Purser Law now at 1-800-523-6202 for a free 30-minute consultation or book online now.
Read Our Reviews
Purser Law is a highly regarded Criminal Defence & Appeals law firm based in Edmonton.
When it comes to criminal law, Purser Law stands out as a reliable and experienced choice for anyone in need of an experienced Edmonton Criminal Lawyer. Take a look at our Google reviews to see for yourself what makes Purser Law one the most highly rated Criminal Law firms in Edmonton.
Notable Cases
R v A.F., 2023 ABKB (Unreported)
After filing an application to cross-examine the Complainant on text messages that were inconsistent with her previous version of events, the Crown stayed (i.e., dropped) charges of sexual assault against our client, saving him the stress of a Jury Trial.
R v A.K., 2022 ABQB (Unreported)
After having successfully defended against a Crown Pre- Trial Application to admit prejudicial evidence against her client, Stacey and Cateline’s client was acquitted of sexual assault.
R v G.R., 2022 ABQB (Unreported)
After weaving together an irrefutable theory of the defence in relation to child sexual assault allegations, the trial judge found that she could not discount the Complainant's motive to fabricate the allegations and acquitted her client of all charges.
R v M.C., 2021 ABQB (Unreported)
After arguing that her client's right to adequate interpretation was breached at his trial, the Crown agreed to overturn a conviction for sexual assault, saving Stacey's client and his family from being deported.
R v C.W., 2021 ABQB (Unreported)
After almost certainly being wrongfully accused, Stacey convinced 12 jurors to unanimously agree that her Black client was not guilty of sexually assaulting a White woman.
R v G.T., 2021 ABCA 75
At the Alberta Court of Appeal, Stacey successfully obtained substituted verdicts of acquittals for a client convicted of two counts of sexual assault on a minor. As such, the client was NOT required to incur the stress and expense associated with a re-trial.
R v B.M., 2020 ABQB (Unreported)
A conviction for sexual assault was successfully substituted to a simple assault, with the sentenced reduced from 12 months to 5 months, so that her Permanent Resident client would not be deported.
R v G.B., 2019 ABQB (Unreported)
On summary conviction appeal, Stacey had a conviction for child sexual assault overturned on the basis that the trial judge applied different standard of scrutiny to the accused’s evidence when compared to the complainants.
R v J.C., 2018 NWTCA 5
In the Northwest Territories Court of Appeal, Stacey convinced the Court of Appeal to overturn a conviction for a youth sexual assault because the verdict was unreasonable (a notoriously difficult ground of appeal to argue).
R v F.E., 2017 ABQB (Unreported)
Stacey was able to convince the Crown prosecutor to agree to overturn a conviction for sexual assault (and not to further prosecute her client) on the basis that the trial judge gave insufficient reasons for the conviction.