The Criminal Code defines sexual assault as any offence that has a sexual component. Sexual assault and other crimes of a sexual nature are considered serious crimes in Canada. The stigma of being accused and the nature of these crimes can have a lasting impact on someone’s reputation for the rest of their lives. Because of this, it is critical that you obtain a knowledgeable and skilled criminal lawyer to defend your case.
3 Levels of Sexual Assault
There are different factors that determine what level of sexual assault charge is given in Canada. By definition, sexual assault is assault that is committed in circumstances of a sexual nature such that the sexual integrity of the victim is isolated. The higher levels of sexual assault are defined in terms of the weapons used in the commission of the offence or the severity of harm to the victim.
There are 3 levels of sexual assault. The first level is sexual assault that involves minor physical injuries or no injuries to the victim. The second level is sexual assault with a weapon, threats or causing bodily harm. Lastly, the third level is aggravated sexual assault that results in wounding, maiming or disfiguring or endangering the life of the victim as defined in section 273 of the Criminal Code.
