Invitation to Sexual Touching

If you or someone you know is facing charges for invitation to sexual touching in Edmonton, it is essential to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defence lawyer like Geoff Green.

With over 25 years of experience in criminal law, Geoff offers comprehensive legal services for individuals charged with sexual offences, including invitation to sexual touching and related charges under the Criminal Code of Canada. Geoff understands the serious consequences of these charges and is dedicated to providing a strong legal defence for his clients.

Release on Invitation to Sexual Touching Charges

Depending on your criminal history, if any ,with the criminal justice system, as well as the complexity of your matter, you may be released on an appearance notice or an undertaking. It is more likely however, that you will need to go before a Justice of the Peace to speak to bail. In these situations, it is very important that you retain senior counsel to assist you. Geoff Green can help you get release with conditions that can be suited to your needs. There are times when this charge will result in a reverse onus for bail, meaning that you will have the onus to show you are releasable. If it is a reverse onus situation, it becomes even more important to retain Geoff Green to assist you.

What is an Invitation to Sexual Touching?

Invitation to sexual touching is a serious criminal offence involving the encouragement of sexual contact with a person under the age of 16. This offence is governed by Section 152 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which makes it illegal for anyone to incite, counsel, or invite a person under the age of 16 to engage in any form of sexual activity. The law is strict in protecting minors from sexual exploitation and applies to both direct and indirect forms of invitation.

Even if no physical contact occurs, simply inciting or encouraging a minor to participate in sexual activity can lead to criminal charges. Geoff Green has the experience necessary to defend against these charges, ensuring that every aspect of your case is thoroughly examined.

Penalties for Invitation to Sexual Touching

Convictions for invitation to sexual touching carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences. If convicted of this crime, you may face:

• Imprisonment: A prison sentence that can range from a minimum of 90 days for a summary conviction to up to 14 years for an indictable offence.
• Mandatory inclusion on the National Sex Offender Registry, which can affect your life long after any sentence has been served.
• A permanent criminal record, which can limit future employment, travel opportunities, and personal relationships.

Geoff understands how devastating these penalties can be and fights to minimize the impact on your life. His goal is to secure the best possible outcome, whether that means avoiding a conviction, reducing charges, or achieving an acquittal.

Defending Against Invitation to Sexual Touching Charges

A strong defence against invitation to sexual touching charges requires a deep understanding of the Criminal Code and a strategic approach to discrediting the prosecution’s case. Geoff Green provides tailored defence strategies based on the specific circumstances of your case, and he challenges every element of the Crown’s evidence.

Some potential defence strategies include:

• Lack of intent: The prosecution must prove that the accused knowingly invited or incited the minor to engage in sexual activity. If there was no intent, this could form the basis of a defence.
• Mistake of age: In some cases, the accused may have reasonably believed the person was 16 or older. Geoff can present evidence supporting this belief.
• Coercion or manipulation: If there is any indication that the accused was coerced or manipulated into the act, this could affect the outcome of the case.

Geoff works closely with his clients to uncover all possible defences and navigate the complexities of the law. His extensive experience as a criminal defence lawyer ensures that you have the best possible legal representation.

Sexual Offences Involving Minors: Understanding the Law

Sexual offences involving minors are treated with utmost seriousness under Canadian law, and the penalties reflect the severity of these crimes. Invitation to sexual touching is just one of several offences that aim to protect individuals under the age of 16. Other related offences include:

• Sexual interference: This involves directly touching a person under 16 for a sexual purpose.
• Sexual exploitation: This occurs when someone in a position of trust or authority exploits a minor under 18 years old for sexual purposes.

These offences carry significant legal and social consequences. As a highly skilled criminal lawyer, Geoff Green provides expert guidance for those facing charges related to minors. His understanding of Canadian law allows him to defend clients effectively and protect their rights throughout the legal process.

The Impact of a Conviction on Your Future

A conviction for invitation to sexual touching can have long-lasting repercussions on your life. Beyond the immediate legal penalties, such as imprisonment or probation, you may face ongoing challenges, including:

• Mandatory registration on the National Sex Offender Registry, which can severely limit job opportunities, housing options, and travel.
• Social stigma and damaged relationships, as individuals convicted of sexual offences often face significant societal backlash.
• Restrictions on interactions with minors, including potential prohibitions on living near schools or working in certain professions.
• Immigration consequences.

Geoff Green is committed to helping clients avoid these devastating consequences. He understands the importance of preserving your future and works tirelessly to build a defence that challenges the prosecution’s case.

Age of Consent and Related Defences

In cases involving sexual offences, the age of consent plays a critical role. In Canada, the general age of consent for sexual activity is 16 years old, but there are specific rules for individuals in positions of trust or authority, or where the age difference between the individuals involved is significant.

If you are charged with invitation to sexual touching, one potential defence may be the mistaken belief of the complainant’s age. Geoff Green will carefully review all evidence and witness statements to determine whether this defence can be used in your case.

Legal Advice for Individuals Accused of Invitation to Sexual Touching

If you are accused of invitation to sexual touching, it is crucial to seek legal advice immediately. Geoff Green offers a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Whether you are facing false accusations or you need guidance on the next steps, Geoff will provide you with clear, practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your defence.

As an experienced sexual assault lawyer, Geoff knows how to handle the sensitive nature of these charges while ensuring that your rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Invitation to Sexual Touching Offences in Alberta

What constitutes “invitation to sexual touching” in Alberta?

In Alberta, “invitation to sexual touching” occurs when an individual incites or encourages someone under the age of 16 to engage in sexual activity, including the touching of any part of the body for a sexual purpose. This can involve the accused encouraging direct or indirect contact of a sexual nature, and it applies even if no physical contact actually takes place.

How is “consent” understood in the invitation to sexual touching cases?

In sexual touching cases involving minors under the age of 16, consent is not legally recognized. Even if the minor appears to agree, the law considers them incapable of providing valid consent. If the accused is less than five years older than the minor and within certain close-age exemptions, different rules may apply, but it is essential to consult a sexual assault lawyer for specifics.

What are the consequences if convicted of an invitation to sexual touching charge?

An invitation to sexual touching is a serious offence in Alberta, with penalties varying depending on whether it is prosecuted as a summary or indictable offence. Conviction can lead to a prison sentence, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and severe reputational damage. Seeking a seasoned criminal defence lawyer can help mitigate the consequences and provide a defence based on the specific circumstances of the case.

Can someone be charged with invitation to sexual touching without physical contact?

Yes, in Alberta, physical contact is not required for an individual to be charged with invitation to sexual touching. Simply inciting or encouraging a person under 16 to engage in sexual activity, including by gestures, words, or communication, can result in criminal charges. The intent behind the invitation plays a key role in these allegations.

How does the close-in-age exemption apply to an invitation to sexual touching cases?

In Alberta, a close-in-age exemption may apply to sexual offences involving minors if the accused is less than five years older than the alleged victim and the minor is at least 14 years old. For minors aged 12 and 13, the accused must be less than two years older. However, this exemption does not apply if the accused is in a position of authority or trust over the minor, such as a teacher or coach.

Support for Victims of Sexual Offences

Geoff Green also offers legal services to victims of sexual offences, providing compassionate support and legal advice on how to move forward with reporting the crime and navigating the legal process. If you or a loved one has been a victim of invitation to sexual touching or another sexual offence, Geoff can guide you through your legal rights and options for seeking justice.

Victims of sexual offences often face complex emotional and legal challenges. Geoff Green understands these difficulties and is here to help victims pursue justice with dignity and care.

Why Choose Geoff Green for Your Defence?

Geoff Green’s extensive experience in defending clients against sexual assault and related charges makes him the right choice for your legal defence. With over two decades of legal practice in Edmonton and a deep knowledge of Canadian criminal law, Geoff is well-equipped to handle the most challenging cases. He approaches each case with dedication, ensuring that you receive a personalized defence strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome.

• Over 25 years of criminal defence experience
• Expert knowledge of sexual offence laws
• Aggressive defence strategies aimed at protecting your rights
• Free initial consultations to discuss your case

Contact Geoff Green Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one is facing charges for an invitation to sexual touching, contact Geoff Green today for a free initial consultation. This is your opportunity to discuss your case with an experienced criminal lawyer who understands the complexities of sexual assault charges and how to build a strong defence.

Don’t let these charges define your future—Geoff Green is here to help. Call or contact Geoff online today.