As sexual assault lawyers, having represented a significant number of clients accused of sexual assault charges, we understand better than anyone else what it can feel like to be in such a situation.
Being accused of sexual assault is a highly stressful and emotional experience. Facing such serious criminal charges can lead to feelings of fear, uncertainty, and confusion, especially when it comes to the legal process. In such situations, it is crucial to have a skilled and experienced sexual assault defence lawyer who can help you navigate the complex legal system and defend your rights.
The aim of the Canadian judicial system is to protect the public’s rights and you are apart of the public. So as long as you have hired a lawyer who knows how to navigate the system well, you should not have any fear.
Also Read: The Rights Of An Accused Person Under The Canadian Charter Of Rights And Freedoms
However, given the intensity of the circumstances and the nature of the charges, some people may be unsure about what to expect from or say to their chosen criminal lawyer. In all honesty, it is quite normal to feel tense or uneasy during your first meeting with your criminal defence lawyer. Your most likely source of concern may be the type of questions your lawyer will ask.
In this post, we will discuss the types of questions you can anticipate from your lawyer to help you prepare for your meeting. In order to make it easier, we shall begin with understanding the purpose of the meeting.
The Purpose Of The First Meeting With Your Sexual Assault Defence Lawyer
The purpose of the first meeting is to establish a foundation for your defence and provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect throughout the legal process. Your lawyer will explain the legal options available to you and help you determine the best course of action for your specific case.
For this, your lawyer may ask you questions about the alleged incident, including the relationship between you and the alleged victim, whether you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time, and any other relevant details. It is important to be honest, and forthcoming with your lawyer during this meeting so that they can fully understand the circumstances surrounding the allegations and develop an effective defence strategy.
The most crucial questions you may be asked include the following:
What Specific Charges Are You Facing?
This question is asked to help the lawyer understand the nature and severity of the charges that have been brought against you. It allows the lawyer to begin planning a defence strategy based on the charges that have been made against you.
What Happened?
This is a broad question to help your lawyer understand your version of events. Your criminal defence lawyer will want to know the specifics of what happened, including the circumstances surrounding the incident, any potential witnesses, and any evidence you may have to support your account.
What Were Your Intentions?
Your lawyer may ask this question to help establish the context of the incident. They may also ask about any prior interactions between you and the alleged victim to help understand your intentions.
What Evidence Does The Prosecution Have Against You?
This question allows the lawyer to understand the strength of the prosecution’s case against you. The lawyer can then determine the best defence strategy for the charges, whether it be by trying to discredit the evidence or by arguing that the evidence does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
What Was The Relationship Between You And The Alleged Victim?
The relationship between you and the alleged victim is an important factor in any sexual assault case. Your sexual assault defence lawyer needs to understand the history of the relationship to determine whether there was consent, whether there were any power imbalances, and whether there is any reason to doubt the credibility of the alleged victim.
Were You Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol At The Time?
Intoxication can be a factor in sexual assault cases. Your lawyer needs to know whether you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the alleged incident. This information can help the lawyer determine whether you were aware of what was happening.
Do You Have Any Prior Criminal History?
Your criminal history is relevant in any criminal case, and your lawyer needs to know if you have any prior convictions or charges. This information can help the lawyer determine how to approach the case, as well as the potential consequences of a conviction.
What Is Your Current Employment Status?
Your employment status can be relevant to your sexual assault case, especially if you have a position of authority or influence over the alleged victim. Understanding your current employment status can help the lawyer develop a defence strategy that takes into account any power imbalances or other factors that could have influenced the allegations.
About Slaferek Law
Whether you are facing trivial theft charges or more serious sexual assault charges, our team of experienced criminal defence lawyers can draft a defence strategy tailored uniquely to protect your best interests. Our lawyers have a deep understanding of the legal system and can help you navigate the complex process with confidence and ease. Learn more about Slaferek Law here.
Need a defence against sexual assault charges? Contact us now and get a free initial consultation.
