A sexual assault conviction can have a significant effect on nearly every aspect of a person’s life. More than nearly any other type of a crime, sexual assault carries a stigma that can linger long after the case has resolved.
Many people facing a sexual assault charge worry that they will be required to register as a sex offender if they are convicted. If you have been charged with sexual assault, it is important to speak to a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible, as a conviction can result in prison time as well as sex offender registration.
The National Sex Offender Registry
Certain sex offences require registration on Canada’s National Sex Offender Registry, which was created by the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) of 2004. As of 2011, judges no longer have discretion when it comes to requiring a convicted offender to register as a sex offender. If the individual is convicted of an offence covered by SOIRA, he must register as a sex offender.
Unlike the sex offender registry law in the U.S., which makes the registry available to the public, the National Sex Offender Registry in Canada is only viewable by the police.
Individuals required to register as a sex offender must do so annually as well as each time they relocate. They must provide police with their name, birthdate, address, photograph, vehicle information, employer information, and type of offence. They must also provide police with information about any identifying marks, such as tattoos, scars, or body piercings. In some cases, they may even be required to provide a DNA sample.
People required to register as sex offenders must remain registered for varying periods of time, depending on the nature of the crime and their conviction. Registration periods can be for 10 years, 20 years, and even an individual’s lifetime.
Offences that Require Sex Offender Registration
There are many offences that require registration as a sex offender. Sexual assault, sexual exploitation, child pornography, sexual interference, and sexual offences against children are among the many offences that require an individual to register as a sex offender if convicted.
Furthermore, there is no statute of limitations for sexual assault, which means that prosecutors can charge an individual for sexual assault long after the alleged crime has occurred.
Ottawa, Ontario Criminal Defence
Criminal defence lawyer Bruce Engel has represented individuals and businesses charged with hundreds of different offences throughout Canada for more than two decades. From the start of a criminal investigation to the close of a trial, we will take a balanced and forceful approach to your defence. We have the experience and know-how to effectively navigate the constantly changing justice system in Canada.
