How to Choose the Right Sexual Assault Lawyer in Alberta

If you or someone you care about has been charged with Sexual Assault in Alberta, you are likely feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to do next. These cases move fast and carry serious consequences — from jail time and sexual offender registry requirements to long-lasting damage to your reputation, career, and personal life. The Supreme Court of Canada has given direction to lower courts that convictions for these offences will carry significant consequences, particularly if the complainant is a child. See: R. v. Friesen, 2020 SCC 9.

The Supreme Court affirms that these offences are inherently violent, exploit vulnerability, and warrant stiffer penalties in line with repeated legislative direction from the Parliament of Canada. The Courts must consider such issues as likelihood of re-offending, abuse of trust/authority, the duration/frequency of abuse, the age of the victim, and the degree of physical interference inflicted.

These are high-stakes cases involving complex legal, statutory and Charter litigation, and may take a very long time to resolve. It is in your best interests to do your research, and hire the right lawyer who has the requisite experience and know-how to defend you or someone you know.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is who you hire to defend you.

Here is what to look for when choosing the right Sexual Assault Defence lawyer in Alberta — and why it matters more than ever to have the right person on your side.

1. Experience With Sexual Assault Cases (Not Just Criminal Law)

Not all criminal lawyers handle sexual assault cases — and not all who do are equipped to defend them well. Sexual assault cases are highly sensitive, technical, and emotionally charged, and the stakes are extremely high.

Look for a lawyer who:

• Has handled many sexual assault cases before

• Understands consent law, credibility assessments, and cross-examination of complainants

• Knows how to navigate section 276 and 278 applications (related to prior sexual history and private records). See R. v. Kinamore, 2025, SCC 19; R. v. J.J., 2022, SCC 28. This covers the underlying legal framework which starts at the governing guideline that it is prohibited to use a complainant’s sexual history to suggest consent or diminished credibility.

If a lawyer does not mention this work clearly on their website — or avoids discussing it at all — you may want to keep looking, or make sure to ask the necessary questions about their level of experience handling these cases.

2. Comfort With Trials and Complex Litigation

Many criminal cases end in guilty pleas or peace bonds. But in sexual assault cases, especially if you are innocent or the case lacks evidence, your lawyer needs to be ready to fight it out in court.

Ask:

• Do they regularly argue constitutional issues?

• Are they comfortable and experienced in challenging credibility in sensitive matters, and conducting pre-trial motions?

You want someone who will fight for you when it matters most.

3. Respects Confidentiality and Builds Trust

Being accused of Sexual Assault, or any sexual offence is incredibly isolating. You may be dealing with:

• The loss of your job

• Ruined relationships

• No-contact orders that prevent you from seeing family or children

Your lawyer should not only understand the legal battle — they should help you feel like a human being in the process, and assist in mitigating the stigma until the matter is properly resolved in Court.

At the very least, you want someone who:

• Takes your calls or gets back to you promptly

• Keeps your case confidential and professional

4. Understands the Long-Term Impacts of a Conviction

A sexual assault conviction in Canada carries life-changing consequences:

• Mandatory inclusion on the Sex Offender Registry (SOIRA)

• A permanent criminal record

• Problems with travel, employment, and custody rights

The right defence lawyer will explain what’s at stake, and help you understand every option you have — from pre-trial motions to Charter arguments to outright trial defence.

5. Based in Alberta — But Accessible Province-Wide

Laws are federal, but the courts, Crown prosecutors, and judges vary across Alberta. You want a lawyer who knows how Alberta courts work, who has a local reputation, and who can appear in places like:

• Calgary

• Red Deer

• Edmonton

• Medicine Hat

• Lethbridge

• Fort McMurray

• And rural or circuit court locations

Why Patmore Defence May Be the Right Fit for You

At Patmore Defence, Sexual Assault defence is a major part of what we do.

Ryan Patmore has been defending clients charged with sexual offences for over 15 years. He understands the stigma, the legal complexities, and the emotional toll these charges can take.

We treat every case with:

• Complete confidentiality

• 24/7 accessibility

• A trial-focused approach that aims for the best outcome — not the easiest one

If you’ve been charged — or think you might be — don’t wait.
Call us now for a free, no-pressure consultation.

📞 403-909-4822
🌐 www.patmoredefence.com