Jan 18
When you are charged with a sexual offence against a child, you can face charges of sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, sexual exploitation, luring a child, or child pornography.
These charges always contain complex evidentiary issues which difficult to understand. Hiring counsel of choice is the first step towards fighting these serious allegations, and a lawyer who is trained in this area will be the difference between an acquittal and finding of guilt.
The lawyers at Lockyer Zaduk Zeeh have built a track record of providing exceptional representation to their clients. If you are charged with an offence in Toronto, Barrie, Newmarket, Hamilton, or anywhere in Ontario, please contact us at 416-613-0416 or at info@lzzdefence.ca to schedule a consultation.
Why Do False Accusations of Child Molestation Happen?
Although experts agree that most sexual abuse allegations are true, false accusations do happen. False allegations can result from honest mistakes, or much less commonly, deliberate lies.
- Misunderstanding: Mistaken accusations can happen when a child misunderstands something the accused person did, or an adult misinterprets a child’s description of it. In some situations, sexual abuse did occur, but the child identifies the wrong person because that person reminds them of the actual offender.
- Improper adult influence: A child can also make false allegations unintentionally when a well-meaning adult suspects abuse and repeatedly asks the child if they were touched inappropriately. Young children can be very susceptible to the power of suggestion and usually want to please adults, so they might give the answers they think the adult wants to hear.
- Perceived benefit: According to researchers, deliberately false accusations, though rare, typically result when an adult (or sometimes a minor) lies about sexual abuse because they have something to gain by making the allegation.
- Divorce and custody situations: Intentionally false allegations can also arise in divorce and custody cases.
- Mental Illness: Some people have falsely reported abuse due to a mental illness. For example, some mothers have made up allegations of abuse because they have a mental condition that causes them to seek attention by claiming their children are ill or suffering.
Should I Hire a Lawyer if I did Nothing Wrong?
The Canadian Criminal Justice System is not infallible. Innocent people have been convicted and sentenced to substantial jail time for crimes they did not commit.
Not only will hiring a lawyer help you navigate the Criminal Justice System, but your lawyer will also help you build your defence, and they will help represent you at your trial. Representing yourself, even if you are innocent, will not be in your best interest. To be charged, the police believe and rely on the complainant’s statement. If your matter has made it to trial, the Crown, who plays the role of a Minister of Justice, must also believe the complainant’s evidence. A lawyer who represents your interest will help you defend yourself against the resources of the state.
