Sexual Exploitation Lawyers

If you’re being investigated for or formally charged with sexual exploitation, don’t make the mistake of navigating the criminal justice system alone.

Call (604) 669-6699 (available 24/7) or email info@penderlitigation.com to chat with an experienced lawyer ASAP.

Handled improperly, accusations of sexual exploitation can lead to jail time, placement on the sexual offender registry, reputational damage and a criminal record, impeding your ability to travel and secure gainful employment. But sexual exploitation cases can be won. Pender Litigation is specially equipped to examine the circumstances of your case and launch a tactical defence.

Our first consultation is privileged and confidential, with no obligation on you.

When we meet, we’ll discuss your case and any related documents you can provide; answer your questions; and provide you with the estimated cost of retaining our services.

Sexual exploitation cases can be won.

When you retain Pender Litigation, you’ll move forward with an experienced sexual exploitation lawyer by your side and our entire team of criminal defence lawyers ready to assist the lawyer handling your case. Our team-based approach means your defence is strengthened by the skill and insight of multiple lawyers whose backgrounds include both defending and prosecuting criminal cases.

 

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What is Sexual Exploitation?

Sexual exploitation occurs when direct or indirect sexual contact is initiated with a person between the ages of 16 and 18 by a person in a position of trust or authority, a person on whom the young person is dependent, or a person with whom the young person is in an exploitative relationship. 

Exploitation is inferred from the facts of the relationship, including the age of the young person, the age difference between the two parties, the evolution of the relationship, and the degree of control or influence by the older person over the young person. 

Sexual Exploitation in the Criminal Code of Canada

Regarding sexual exploitation, section 153 of the Criminal Code states

153 (1) Every person commits an offence who is in a position of trust or authority towards a young person, who is a person with whom the young person is in a relationship of dependency or who is in a relationship with a young person that is exploitative of the young person, and who

(a) for a sexual purpose, touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, any part of the body of the young person; or

(b) for a sexual purpose, invites, counsels or incites a young person to touch, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, the body of any person, including the body of the person who so invites, counsels or incites and the body of the young person.

Punishment

(1.1) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)

(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of one year; or

(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 90 days.

Inference of sexual exploitation

(1.2) A judge may infer that a person is in a relationship with a young person that is exploitative of the young person from the nature and circumstances of the relationship, including

(a) the age of the young person;

(b) the age difference between the person and the young person;

(c) the evolution of the relationship; and

(d) the degree of control or influence by the person over the young person.

Definition of young person

(2) In this section, young person means a person 16 years of age or more but under the age of eighteen years.