AREAS OF PRACTICE

The Vancouver Criminal Defense Law Practice of Emmet J. Duncan defends clients charged with any criminal and quasi-criminal offence. Some of the main criminal, drug and provincial offences which Mr. Duncan defends his clients against include:

SEXUAL OFFENCES

SEXUAL ASSAULT

In its most basic form, sexual assault is an unwanted touching of a sexual nature.  The most common defences to are that the incident did not happen; that the alleged victim consented to what did happen; or that the Accused made a mistake, but honestly believed that the alleged victim consented to what happened.

Defending against such charges becomes more complicated when there is an allegation that a young person (under 16 years of age) was involved, as the Criminal Code removes most defences of consent.  The assistance of a lawyer is therefore even more important.

The defences are technical, both legally and in terms of the facts of any specific case.  They usually require delicate but nevertheless effective handling of the alleged victim, some of whom can be young or otherwise vulnerable.

Recent amendments to the Criminal Code require many people convicted of sexual offences to be registered on a national Sex Offenders Registry.  This can have a profound and long-lasting impact on a person’s life and before a Court orders such registration, people should be represented by an experienced lawyer who can make sure their rights are being respected.

For a sampling of recent successes that Vancouver Criminal Defence Lawyer Emmet J. Duncan has enjoyed for his Clients, browse his Recent Successes in Defending Sexual Offences.

** Please be advised that these definitions and information are not comprehensive legal definitions.  They are designed to provide a brief and basic description of some of the most common criminal charges.  As with all criminal charges, available defences will vary depending on the individual circumstances of each case.   As such, the content of this website is not legal advice.   Do not use or otherwise rely on any of the following content without first seeking proper legal advice.**