Canadian Criminal Sentencing/Offences/Sexual Interference

Sexual Interference
s. 151 of the Crim. Code
Election / Plea
Crown ElectionHybrid
JurisdictionProv. Court
SC Judge + PI (I)
SC Jury + PI (I) (536(2))
Summary Dispositions
Avail. Disp.Discharge (730)

Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a))
Fine (734)
Fine + Probation (731(1)(b))
Jail (718.3, 787)
Jail + Probation (731(1)(b))
Jail + Fine (734)

Conditional Sentence (742.1)
Minimum90 days jail
Maximum18 months jail or $5,000 fine
Indictable Dispositions
Avail. Disp.Discharge (730)

Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a))
Fine (734)
Fine + Probation (731(1)(b))
Jail (718.3, 787)
Jail + Probation (731(1)(b))
Jail + Fine (734)

Conditional Sentence (742.1)
Minimum1 year jail
Maximum10 years jail
References
Offence Elements
Sentence Principles
Sentence Digests
Comments
DNA primary designated offence

SOIRA designated offence

DO/LTO primary designated offence

Legislation

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Sexual interference
151. Every person who, for a sexual purpose, touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, any part of the body of a person under the age of 16 years

(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years[1] 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 18 months and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of 90 days.


...
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 151; R.S., 1985, c. 19 (3rd Supp.), s. 1; 2005, c. 32, s. 3; 2008, c. 6, s. 54; 2012, c. 1, s. 11.


CCC

Application

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For general principles for sexual offences see Canadian Criminal Sentencing/Offences/Sexual Offences

Principles

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It is an aggravating factor for the offender to have been in a position of trust. A position of trust is distinctive from a position of authority and will be determined on the specific facts including the conduct of the offender.[2]

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the range of sentence for sexual intercourse with a child by a person in a position of trust is 3 to 5 years.[3]


  1. http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/page-34.html#docCont
  2. Audet 1996 CanLII 198 (SCC), [1996] 2 SCR 171
  3. R. v. W.W.M., [2006] O.J. No. 440, 2006 CanLII 3262 (ON CA) at para 14

Factors

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Aggravating Factors

  • Youthful age of Victim
  • degree of vulnerability of victim (inarticulate, easily manipulated, disabled)
  • significant gap in age between parties
  • offender in a position of trust or authority to victim
  • manner of interference (attempted acts, kissing, touching outside of clothes, touching inside of clothes, digital penetration, oral sex, full intercourse)
  • number of instances of interference
  • duration of each instance

Mitigating Factors

  • Youthful offender
  • guilty plea (early or late, saved resources)
  • prior record (related or unrelated)

Ancillary Orders

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  • No contact with victim
  • No contact with persons under age of 16
  • Treatment/Counselling
  • No alcohol or drugs (if facts involve them)

History

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On August 9, 2012, the section was amended to increase the penalties from 45 days for indictable and 14 days for summary to one year and 90 days respectively.[1]