× Home Our Services   About Us   Recent Successes Testimonials News And Videos   Contact Us 中文 فارسی
Contact Our Firm

Supporters say racial bias a factor in conviction of Halifax lawyer

Book Your Free Consultation

The criminal justice system can be daunting, but you don’t need to go through it alone. Our Criminal lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Our Firm

 

The conviction of a Halifax lawyer accused of sexual assault continues to be a controversy. The Crown argued that the 29-year-old defence lawyer sexually assaulted a 19-year-old woman while she was too impaired to consent to sex. The accused, however, said that the pair had consensual sex. A victim impact statement was apparently not filed by the woman.

The man was charged with sexual assault and administering a stupefying substance, but the jury found him guilty only of sexual assault. He was acquitted of the other charge.

The verdict sparked protests in June. For his recent sentencing, a crowd of the lawyer’s supporters, including family members, filled the courtroom. The lawyer is black, and his supporters believe that racial bias was a factor in his conviction. Those present at the sentencing shouted their disapproval as the lawyer was taken into custody.

The Crown and the man’s defence recommended a three-year prison sentence, and that was the punishment handed down. He will also have to file as a sexual offender, and he is prohibited from owning a firearm for 25 years.

The lawyer, who expressed embarrassment and remorse at the sentencing, indicated that he intends to appeal the conviction. His supporters called for a retrial in another province.

A sexual assault conviction, even if successfully appealed, can have long-term repercussions. Generally, the strongest defence in these cases begins with early intervention in the pretrial phase. An effective criminal defence also requires a custom strategy that is appropriate for the specific circumstances of the case. Not every person accused of a sex offence is guilty, and everyone facing criminal charges has a right to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Source: Toronto Sun, “Halifax lawyer gets three years for sexual assault,” Kris Sims, July 30, 2014

Source: Toronto Star, “Halifax lawyer gets 3-year jail term in race-tinged sex assault case,” July 30, 2014

Leave a Reply

CONTACT INFORMATION


PHONE: (416) 364-3111
FAX: (416) 364-3271