Allen Goldin
Personalized Defense You Can Rely On
Sexual Assault Lawyer in Abbotsford and Vancouver, BC
Allen Goldin is a criminal defence lawyer with offices in Abbotsford and downtown Vancouver. He defends people charged with sexual assault and other sexual offences under the Criminal Code, including sexual interference, child pornography, luring a child, voyeurism and sharing intimate images without consent. Allen handles every file himself, from the first contact with police through bail, Crown disclosure and trial at the Abbotsford Law Courts and other courts across the Lower Mainland, with strict confidentiality throughout. If your case is in the Fraser Valley, read about working with a sexual assault lawyer in Abbotsford.
Sexual assault law is one of the most complicated and fast-changing areas of criminal law. Courts recognise the harm these offences cause and that many go unreported, and the law has grown increasingly concerned with protecting the rights of complainants. That makes early advice important: what you say to police, and how you handle release conditions such as a no-contact order, can shape the whole case.
How a Sexual Assault Case
Works in BC
What counts as consent
Under section 273.1 of the Criminal Code, consent means the complainant’s voluntary agreement to the specific sexual activity. There is no consent if someone else agrees for the complainant, if the complainant is unconscious or incapable of consenting, if agreement comes from abusing a position of trust, power or authority, or if the complainant says or shows they do not agree, or no longer agree, to continue.
Who decides whether charges go ahead
In BC, police send a Report to Crown Counsel, and Crown counsel approve charges only if there is a substantial likelihood of conviction and a prosecution is in the public interest. Crown must keep applying that test for the life of the case, so the evidence is reassessed as it develops.
What to do if police contact you
You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer before answering questions. Do not contact the complainant, directly or through others, and follow every release condition exactly, because a breach can lead to a new charge. Keep your messages, photos and records and give them to your lawyer rather than deleting anything.
Sexual Assault Charges
Allen defends sexual assault at every level, including sexual assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm and aggravated sexual assault, as well as related charges such as incest and indecent acts. Most cases turn on consent and credibility, so he reviews the full disclosure, statements, messages and timelines before trial. See also assault charges and domestic violence charges.
Sexual Interference, Invitation to Sexual Touching and Sexual Exploitation
These offences involve allegations about children and young people and are prosecuted seriously. Allen looks closely at how the allegation came forward, how statements were taken and whether the evidence supports the specific offence charged.
Child Pornography and Luring Charges
Charges for possessing or accessing child pornography, often called indecent images, and for luring a child online usually depend on evidence from phones, computers and online accounts. Allen reviews how devices were searched and seized, whether the search was lawful, and what the forensic evidence actually shows.
Historical and Disputed Allegations
Some allegations come forward years after the events. Allen tests these cases through the timeline, earlier statements, records and the consistency of each account, so weaknesses in the Crown’s case are brought out at trial.
Online Offences and Sextortion
Allegations that start online, including sextortion and cases involving people in other provinces or countries, rely heavily on account records, messages and digital forensics. Allen examines how that evidence was gathered and whether it reliably links the account to you.
Sex Offender Registry Orders
A conviction for a designated sexual offence can lead to an order under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act. In many cases the court must make the order unless the person shows there is no connection to the Act’s purpose or that the impact would be grossly disproportionate, so registration has to be addressed at sentencing.
Bail, No-Contact Conditions and Breach Charges
Release conditions after a sexual offence charge are often strict, including no contact with the complainant and limits on where you can go. Allen works for conditions you can live with, applies to change them when they no longer fit, and defends charges for failing to comply. More on bail in our criminal defence FAQs.
Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent and Voyeurism
Section 162.1 of the Criminal Code makes it an offence to publish or share an intimate image of someone without their consent. Allen defends these charges and voyeurism allegations by testing the digital evidence and how the images were obtained and shared.
Why Choose Allen Goldin Criminal Lawyer
A Personal Approach to Your Case
When you choose Allen Goldin, you work directly with me, not a team or an associate. I handle every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive personalized attention and a strategy tailored to your unique situation. My clients benefit from a relationship built on trust, clear communication, and unwavering dedication.
Experienced and Focused Representation
With years of experience in criminal defence, I focus exclusively on representing individuals facing criminal charges, including sexual offences. This specialization allows me to stay informed on legal developments and deliver the knowledgeable representation your case demands. I approach every case with a commitment to securing the best possible outcome.
Clear and Practical Guidance
Legal matters can be intimidating, but I prioritize making the process straightforward for my clients. From explaining your options to outlining each step of the defense strategy, I ensure you feel informed and supported throughout your case. My direct and honest communication helps you understand what to expect and how we will address your concerns.
Our Process
Speak with
Allen Goldin
Call me, email me or fill out our form to discuss your case and get immediate guidance tailored to your situation.
Schedule a
free consultation
I prioritize meeting with clients quickly—often the same day or the next day. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, get immediate guidance, and begin exploring your legal options.
Work with
Allen Goldin
Partner with me to fight for your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
I am here to guide you through every step of the process with professionalism, dedication, and personalized support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Offences
Understanding Sexual Assault Charges
Hidden
What is considered sexual assault in BC?
Sexual assault is touching of a sexual nature without consent. It does not have to involve intercourse, and the touching can be direct or indirect. Consent means voluntary agreement to the specific activity and can be withdrawn at any time, and the Criminal Code lists situations where there is no consent, such as when a person is unconscious or someone else agrees on their behalf.
What happens after someone is charged with sexual assault in BC?
Crown counsel decide whether to approve charges after reviewing the police report. You may be released on an undertaking or release order with conditions, often including no contact with the complainant, or held for a bail hearing. In Abbotsford, your first appearance is at the Abbotsford Law Courts on Veterans Way. Crown then provides disclosure and the case moves toward resolution or trial.
What is the sentence for sexual assault in BC?
It depends on how the Crown proceeds and on the facts. Sexual assault can be prosecuted by indictment, with a maximum of 10 years in prison, or 14 years with a one-year minimum if the complainant is under 16. On summary conviction the maximum is two years less a day, with a six-month minimum if the complainant is under 16. Sentences are set case by case.
How long after an assault can charges be laid in Canada?
For offences prosecuted by indictment there is no time limit, which is why historical sexual assault allegations can be charged years later. If the Crown proceeds summarily, proceedings must start within 12 months of the events unless the Crown and the accused agree otherwise.
Building Your Defence
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What is the most common defence to a sexual assault charge?
Most defences fall into three groups: the activity did not happen, the accused was not the person involved, or the activity was consensual. A defence of honest but mistaken belief in consent is narrow. Under section 273.2 it is not available if the accused did not take reasonable steps to confirm consent, or if there is no evidence the complainant agreed by words or conduct.
Can sexual assault charges be dropped in Canada?
The complainant cannot drop the charges; only Crown counsel can stay or withdraw them. In BC, Crown must remain satisfied throughout the case that there is a substantial likelihood of conviction and that prosecution is in the public interest, so new evidence or gaps in the Crown’s case can lead to charges being stayed or withdrawn.
Will I go to jail for a first-time sexual assault in Canada?
Not every first-time offender goes to jail, but the risk of a jail sentence for sexual assault is high, even with no record. The outcome depends on the facts, how the Crown proceeds and any minimum sentence that applies. Alternatives such as probation may be possible.
What is the most important evidence in a sexual assault case?
Sexual assault allegations often involve only two witnesses, the accused and the complainant, so the most important evidence is usually their testimony in court. Medical reports, photographs, text messages and forensic findings can support or contradict what each witness says happened. Speak to a lawyer before deciding whether to give evidence.
Do all sexual assault cases go to trial?
No. A case can end with the charges stayed or withdrawn, a guilty plea to the original or a lesser charge, or a trial. Which route makes sense depends on the strength of the Crown’s evidence, which is why a full review of disclosure comes first.
What happens if you are found guilty of sexual assault?
The judge sets a sentence based on the facts, the harm caused and your circumstances. A conviction creates a criminal record and, in many cases, an order to register under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act. It can also affect travel, work and immigration, so these issues should be raised before any plea or sentencing.
What should I not tell my lawyer?
Conversations with your lawyer are protected by solicitor-client privilege, so don’t hold back. Give your lawyer the full picture, including messages and anything you already told police. What you should avoid is discussing the case with anyone else, including friends, family or the complainant, or posting about it online.
Take Control of Your Case Today
Facing a sexual offence charge can feel overwhelming and isolating, with your future, reputation and relationships at stake. Allen Goldin provides focused, personal defence from his Abbotsford and Vancouver offices. Call 778-251-9391 to talk about your case.