Robbery may be defined as the unlawful, forcible taking of a victim’s property from the person of the victim. Robbery is distinguished from other unlawful seizures of property, such as larceny and burglary.

The property seized is taken directly from the person who is the victim.

There is involved the use or threat of force. Thus theft of property that occurs while a victim is asleep’a hospital patient, for example would not constitute robbery because no force was used or threatened.

Similarly, when a pickpocket lifts a victim’s wallet in the hospital or in any other scene the crime committed is larceny, but not robbery.

According to the robbery lawyers in Burlington, they say a criminal charge of robbery may be elevated from simple to aggravated robbery if a deadly weapon is brandished during the crime or if the victim suffers serious injury during the crime scene.

Robbery is defined as the taking of another’s property by force or threat. It is sometimes also referred to as larceny by threat or force. Because robbery involves injury or the threat of injury, it is considered a more serious crime than many of the other theft crimes.

The crime of robbery involves:

The taking of the property of another from his or her person or in their presence by violence, intimidation or threat, With the intent to deprive them of it permanently.

Robbery is thus distinct from the crime of larceny in two important ways.

First, the theft occurs through the use of force and intimidation.

A perpetrator is not required to use significant force, or extreme threats, in order to commit a robbery.

All that is required is the amount of violence or fear necessary to cause the victim to give up his or her possessions. This may vary based on the value of the possession and the victim. For instance, less violence may be required to rob an elderly woman of her possessions than would be required to intimidate a strong young man. It is also important to note that the violence must occur as part of the theft in order for the crime to rise to the level of robbery. If an individual uses violence after the theft while trying to escape police, for instance, this will not make the crime a robbery.

Threats

Where a perpetrator does not harm a victim, but merely threatens the victim with harm, several additional requirements must be met in order to show that a robbery occurred. Threats during a theft only rise to the level of robbery if they are imminent threats that include a threat of death, bodily injury, or destruction of the victim’s home. If a criminal threatens to shame the victim or spread rumors about them, this will not turn a larceny into a robbery. Additionally, the victim must have an actual and reasonable fear based on the threats. For example, if a weightlifter is threatened by a small child who is trying to steal his wallet, it is doubtful that the weightlifter would be “reasonably” afraid of the child and this is probably not a robbery.

Aggravated Robbery

Many states provide for varying degrees of robbery depending on the level of violence exerted against the victim. Aggravated robbery is a robbery that occurs under the most serious of circumstances and usually requires either that a deadly weapon was used during the robbery or that the perpetrator inflicted serious bodily harm on the victim. For instance, if a criminal uses a gun or knife to commit the crime, or gravely injures the victim, he may be charged with aggravated robbery. Some of the areas also apply aggravated robbery to any robbery that occurs against special groups of victims, such as elderly persons or disabled individuals.

According to the news article from Kilj news, At 9:11 pm on Saturday, May 6th, police were called to a Cricket Wireless store in West Burlington, at 411 W. Agency Rd. Suite 3, for a reported burglary. When officers arrived, they found many cell phones had been taken, as well as money.

On Monday, May 8th, West Burlington Police were called to a Verizon Wireless store at 116 W. Agency Rd. Suite 7. Reportedly, an armed robbery took place where the suspect took many cell phones before leaving the store. The suspect had brandished a firearm according to the police.

Whenever such unidentified crimes takes place in which there is a threat to many of the people who did not even commit the crime are taken into custody in such cases the robbery lawyers in Burlington are best to get help with otherwise its really horrific for the person who did not even involve in such crime.

Sexual assault can take many different forms, but one thing remains the same: it’s never the victim’s fault.

What is sexual assault?

The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include:

• Attempted rape
• Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
• Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s body
• Penetration of the victim’s body, also known as rape

What is rape?

Rape is a form of sexual assault, but not all sexual assault is rape. The term rape is often used as a legal definition to specifically include sexual penetration without consent. For its Uniform Crime Reports, the FBI defines rape as “penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.”

What is force?

Force doesn’t always refer to physical pressure. Perpetrators may use emotional coercion, psychological force, or manipulation to coerce a victim into non-consensual sex. Some perpetrators will use threats to force a victim to comply, such as threatening to hurt the victim or their family or other intimidation tactics.

Who are the perpetrators?

The majority of perpetrators are someone known to the victim. Approximately eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as in the case of intimate partner sexual violence or acquaintance rape.

The term “date rape” is sometimes used to refer to acquaintance rape. Perpetrators of acquaintance rape might be a date, but they could also be a classmate, a neighbor, a friend’s significant other, or any number of different roles. It’s important to remember that dating, instances of past intimacy, or other acts like kissing do not give someone consent for increased or continued sexual contact.

In other instances the victim may not know the perpetrator at all. This type of sexual violence is sometimes referred to as stranger rape. Stranger rape can occur in several different ways:

• Blitz sexual assault: when a perpetrator quickly and brutally assaults the victim with no prior contact, usually at night in a public place
• Contact sexual assault: when a perpetrator contacts the victim and tries to gain their trust by flirting, luring the victim to their car, or otherwise trying to coerce the victim into a situation where the sexual assault will occur
• Home invasion sexual assault: when a stranger breaks into the victim’s home to commit the assault

Survivors of both stranger rape and acquaintance rape often blame themselves for behaving in a way that encouraged the perpetrator. It’s important to remember that the victim is a never to blame for the actions of a perpetrator.

Sexual Assault Defence

Sexual Assault charges are taken very seriously by law officials and the courts. It can lead not only to high fines and jail time but also result in social, work and travel consequences.

There are several types of sexually assault charges in Canadian law, all of which fall under the Criminal Code.

Sexual Assault – This can cover any unwanted sexual interaction that was allegedly forced on the victim.
Sexual Assault with a Weapon – If the alleged victim was forced into the act by the use or threat of a weapon, this charge will be laid.
Aggravated Sexual Assault – This is a charge reserved for the most serious incidents. When the alleged victim has suffered serious, deforming or even life-threatening injuries the Crown will apply an Aggravated Sexual Assault charge.

It is important to note that there is no time limit on these types of charges. In fact, we have experience handling cases where the alleged crime happened decades ago.

Because sexual assault is considered a serious crime, it is essential you have a skilled lawyer with a strong background in securing a withdrawal of the charges.

Sexual assault lawyer in Burlington are extremely skilled in defending clients during all stages of the case, including trials. We work hard to get the best results for you.

Criminal Lawyer in Burlington are aware that these charges can be quite sensitive, but we want you to know that we are not here to make your feel judged. We understand that sexual assault allegations can shatter your life, family and reputation. That is why we have dedicated our practice to helping those accused defend themselves and regain their lives.

If you need help defending yourself against sexual assault allegations, contact our offices. Our lines are open 24 hours every day of the week.

Introduction

Driving while drunk or intoxicated is a serious crime that can result in both immediate and long- term penalties. In case of an arrest it is wise to contact a lawyer who understands the complex laws against drunk driving.

A Dui Lawyer Burlington will challenge the arrest against an accused by:

• Reviewing arrest report to identify errors in the procedure.
• Questioning the reason for initial traffic stop.
• Studying maintenance record of blood and breathe test equipment.
• Interviewing any witness.
• Filing a suppression motion on behalf of the accused.

Two cases can be filed against an accused in the event of an arrest. One is a criminal charge that is resolved in court. The other one is the civil case whereby the state seeks to suspend the driving license of the accused. Prior alcohol-related traffic cases determine suspension length. A sanction of a minimum three months is given for the first time offenders. First-time offenders who refuse to take a test are given a period of 180 days. Second offense is 18 months while a third one is life suspension. An experienced lawyer works aggressively to win the separate cases and retains an accused’s license as well as freedom.

Drug-impaired driving is becoming a much more common issue on Canada’s streets, and the number of people driving after taking drugs is greater than those who drive after drinking. Regardless of public perception that drugs may be less harmful to drivers, evidence is growing that drug impairment contributes to collisions. Roadside saliva tests have become more accurate and cost-effective in recent years, particularly for the most commonly-used drugs. Drugs can cause you not to think through decisions before making them. When under the influence you have control over your body and who knows what would happen, it could be as extensive as waking up in the hospital or not waking up at all. The consequences are the same for drinking and driving pretty much.

Possible Penalties for Impaired Driving Crimes.

Registered blood alcohol content exceeding 0.8% or impairment by alcohol and other drugs are the two ways the state proves a drunken driving case. If an accused is found guilty, the following penalties may apply:

• Jail term
• Probation
• Fines
• Loss of License
• Community Service
• Alcohol Education Classes
• Alcohol Assessment and Further Treatment
• Surcharges for Anti- Drunk Driving Funds
• Loss of Auto Insurance
• In some cases vehicle might be seized.
• Record of a criminal record which may have a negative impact on one’s employment status.

Possible Defense Mechanism against Impaired Driving Crime.

Given the seriousness of the case, it is pertinent to have a dui lawyer in Burlington who is endowed with impeccable skills and experience on these charges. This attorney ensures that necessary expertise to execute an effectively prepared defense is provided to secure a win in the case. To avoid automatic loss of the license, one should have paperwork on file with the department of motor vehicles. The paperwork is done within seven days of an arrest. In case the request is not processed, one automatically loses the license.

An dui lawyer in Burlington can equip an accused with effective legal guidance during the hearing improving the chances of retaining their driving privileges.

1. File a claim with your identity theft insurance, if applicable.

If you have an identity theft protection plan, your provider should be able to guide you through many of the following steps. Companies such as LifeLock and Identity Force sell identity theft protection plans, but even if you haven’t purchased coverage, you may have it through an insurer or employer.

2. Notify companies of your stolen identity.

In cases of account takeovers, your credit card number might be compromised but thieves may not have access to your personal information. “That can be solved many times by picking up the phone and calling the credit card issuer,” Levin says.

However, if someone is opening up accounts in your name, impersonating you or using your Social Security number, you may want to proactively contact other companies and agencies. For example, you should notify the IRS if your Social Security number was used to file an income tax return; this can be done by submitting a Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit. Likewise, if someone is impersonating you, alert your health insurance company in case they attempt to obtain medical care under your name or policy number.

3. File a report with the FTC.

The FTC compiles information about identity theft cases. It doesn’t have the ability to pursue criminal charges, but its information may be used by law enforcement agencies such as the FBI to track down perpetrators.

To file a report with the FTC, visit www.identitytheft.gov. As part of the reporting process, you’ll receive a recovery plan and even prefilled letters and forms that can be used to file police reports and dispute fraudulent charges.

4. Contact your local police department.

The next step is to file a report with your local police department.

“The police report is to protect yourself,” Tanenbaum says. It creates a paper trail that could be useful in the future. For instance, if someone uses your information to commit a crime, having documentation of identity theft could make resolving the matter easier.

5. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.

Now it’s time to follow up with the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion – and request a fraud alert be placed on your account. The fraud alert stays on your credit report for a year, and it notifies any institution that pulls your credit report to the fact your identity may be compromised.

6. Freeze your credit.

For an added layer of protection, you can initiate a credit freeze which will completely cut off access to your credit report. That means the credit bureaus won’t share your report with anyone who requests it.

7. Sign up for a credit monitoring service, if offered.

If your information was accessed in a data breach, you may be offered complimentary credit monitoring. These services watch credit reports for suspicious activity and send alerts whenever a new account is opened.

If you aren’t offered free credit monitoring, you can sign up for a reputable service yourself. LifeLock, one popular provider, has plans ranging from a $9.99 per month standard plan for Social Security number and credit alerts to a $29.99 per month service that will watch bank and 401(k) accounts as well as look for any crimes committed in your name. Both come with reimbursement for stolen funds. Pricing is good for the first year and increases in the second year.

8. Tighten security on your accounts.

Cybersecurity experts are quick to point out that most people don’t practice what they call good password hygiene. “Most people never change their password,” Tanenbaum says. Even worse, they use the same passwords or a close variation on every site.

Other ways to avoid future instances of identity theft include shredding documents with personal information, not carrying your Social Security number in your wallet and not clicking on links in emails from suspicious or unknown senders. Delete any personal information such as addresses and phone numbers off public profiles on social media and other sites. Whenever offered, enable two-factor authentication, which will require both a password and a code delivered via email, text or phone for access to an account.

9. Review your credit reports for mystery accounts.

Whether you’re a victim of credit card fraud or a stolen identity, you need to check your credit reports for any accounts you may not recognize. By law, you’re entitled to at least one free credit report from each agency each year. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, people can now request a free credit report weekly from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion through April 2021.

Joining a gang or crew can give you a sense of belonging and acceptance, but often being associated with one can lead to dangerous consequences. Here are some ways to explore alternatives to gang membership and how to safely “leave” a gang if you’re already involved. Some of these steps can take time, but with dedication and the support of your family, you can change your life.

What is a Gang or Crew?

A Gang is a group of individuals that band together for a common cause and are involved in criminal activity. Many gangs are highly organized and operate across state lines. A crew is a more loosely-knit group, often based  on a neighborhood. These are usually individuals who grew up in or who have family roots in that neighborhood. Regardless of Gang or Crew affiliation, both groups are often associated with a variety of crimes, including narcotics trafficking, gun violations, assaults, and even homicides. Female gangs or crews are growing in DC as well. Gang violence is “a community problem.” Think about it!

Who Joins Gangs/Crews and Why?

• Young people who feel they are not respected by their peers, families or communities turn to gangs for the identity and respect that families normally provide. Youth who see themselves as “weak” or “powerless” may join gangs to become “stronger” and “protected.”  Often these individuals suffer from a lack of support from their family and therefore seek support within the gangs.
• Young people who crave excitement because gang members and the media often glamorize the gang life style.
• Young people who cannot resist peer pressure may join because their friends are in gangs. They may feel pressured to join to be part of the “in” crowd.
• Young people who are fearful often feel that being a gang member will keep them safe. If they are challenged by others, their gang/crew will help them retaliate because in the gang culture, no challenge goes unanswered. Perversely, this idea of “safety” leads to increased violence.
• Youth who do not understand the consequences do not fully understand the risks of being in a gang. Risks include arrest, physical assault and in some cases, death.
• Young people are often recruited by older gang members to commit their criminal acts, because the adults feel that laws are more lenient on juveniles. This, however, is a misconception.

What Can Parents Do?

• Talk to your children openly and honestly. Tell them you do not approve of gangs. Explain what might happen if they join a gang. Tell them that they could be physically harmed or pressured into committing criminal acts that could result in their arrest. Tell them that they could lose their lives.
• Make sure your children are involved in healthy, supervised activities, especially after school.
• Find out where your children go in their free time. Get to know your children’s friends and their parents.
• Get involved with your children’s education and their schools. Encourage them to study and stay in school.
• Set limits for you children and enforce them. Tell your children they are special and you are concerned about their safety.
• Get information about the gangs and crews in your neighborhood. Find out what gang members wear and what gang signs and symbols (such as tattoos, colors, hair and dress styles, etc.) mean. Ask about gang graffiti on walls and other places.
• If you see your children wearing gang-style clothing or using gang symbols, tell them you do not approve. If you suspect your child is getting involved with a gang, take action fast. A list of places to call is on the back of this brochure.
• Make sure your children know you will help them with their problems and not judge them unfairly. Encourage them to talk to you. If they won’t talk to you, ask them to talk to a relative, an older friend, their school counselor, a youth leader, your clergyman or any adult they trust.

1. If you are pulled over by a police officer under suspicion of driving under the influence, it is imperative that you cooperate with him or her at all times. Even if you are severely intoxicated, you should do your best to comply with the officer’s requests. Do not argue with a police officer under any circumstance. Remember that your lack of consent can affect you adversely later in court.
2. If you are charged with a DUI, the police officer will transport you to the police station in a patrol car. Your vehicle will probably be towed at your expense. You will be notified as to which company has towed your vehicle and will be given contact information to retrieve it. Contact the towing company that impounded your vehicle as soon as possible and arrange for it to be picked up and the towing costs to be paid.
3. After you arrive at the police station, you can expect to wait for up to several hours before being processed. If this is your first offense, the process will take longer. You fingerprints and mug shot will be taken by an intake officer. An investigator or other police office may ask you questions about the circumstances of your driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You will be given the opportunity to contact your attorney if you feel you are being wrongly accused.
4. The length of time you remain at the police station depends on the location of your DUI, your age, your criminal record, the severity of your intoxication, and other factors. If you are to be released on bond, you will be given the opportunity to contact a bondsman, friend, or relative to arrange for the amount to be paid and for your transport from the police station. In some cases, you will be incarcerated immediately. Nevertheless, be prepared to remain at the police station for a minimum of several hours before the logistics of your DUI charge are settled.
5. If charged with a DUI, you will likely have to appear in court to receive your sentencing. You will have the option of using your own attorney or being appointed one by the court. Remain calm and respectful during the court proceedings. Answer any questions truthfully. If you fail to appear in court the judge can issue a warrant for your arrest (karen_neoh)
6. Many people who are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol are required to complete community service or court referral programs. Complete such programs as soon as possible so that it can be reported back to the court that you have fulfilled your sentencing. Also, pay any fines in full as soon as you are able.
7. If you get a DUI, the charge will probably stay on your record for several years, if not permanently. Potential employers will be able to view these records before they hire you. If you are planning to look for a new job in the near future, be upfront and honest about your DUI charge. It is better to explain the situation beforehand than appear to be covering it up.

What Are Drug Charges?

Drug charges derive from an individual who has been caught manufacturing, growing, trafficking, distributing, or possessing illegal drugs or controlled substance. The legal penalties associated with drug charges can range from very simple traffic citations, to very serious punishments attached to felony charges. The federal Controlled Substance Act has classified drugs into five schedules based on the potential for abuse and whether the drug has been accepted for medical use. Each schedule is governed by different rules regarding drug production, sale, possession, and use. The punishment for each schedule varies as well.

drug crimes that are classified as traffic citations (for example, possession of a small amount of marijuana in some states) usually result only in a fine. Misdemeanor drug charges may result in criminal fees and jail sentences of no greater than one year.  Felony drug charges will result in very severe consequences, such as expensive criminal fines and time in prison for more than one year.

The seriousness of a drug charge can depend on many different factors. These include:

• The type of drug and amount of involved (these are classified according to the Controlled Substances Act, which places each drug into a “schedule” or class)
• Whether the drug was for personal use or for distribution of controlled substances
• Whether the charge is a first-time offense or a repeat offense
• Whether children were involved
• Whether there was dangerous weapons involved in any distribution of drugs
• In addition, possession or distribution of drugs that involves minors, or that occurs near a school zone, will result in more serious consequences.

What Are the Most Common Types of Drug Charges?

Drug charges can involve several different types of actions, not simply the possession of the substance. Examples of drug charges include:

• Distribution or sale of drugs: federal and state laws prohibit the sale of illegal drugs, or the illegal sale of prescription drugs. Oftentimes, possession of a certain amount of a substance includes an automatic presumption of an intent to sell or distribute the drugs.
• Manufacturing drugs:  Cultivating, growing, producing, and manufacturing illegal drugs is also a serious type of drug crime.
• Trafficking: Drug trafficking is a similar type of charge as distribution of drugs, except that it usually involves larger operations and more widespread distribution of the drugs. For example, trafficking charges can involve several other types of illegal conduct, such as smuggling drugs from outside of the U.S., and transportation of drugs across state lines.
• DUI:  A large number of criminal laws cover the illegal use of drugs. This can include driving while intoxicated or being intoxicated in a public place (especially where the intoxication leads places others in physical danger.

What Are Some Defenses to Drug Charges?

If you are charged with possession of drugs for personal use or with the intent to sell, there are many defenses that can be applied to your case. There are also many different types of defenses to drug crimes. Some common defenses include:

• Unlawful Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment guarantees that the right to due process of law, including lawful search and seizure procedures before an arrest can occur. The defendant can use this defense to state that the drugs that were found in his possession were seized illegally.
• Coercion – i.e., someone forced you to hold drugs under threat of violence
• Unwitting Possession – this is where the defendant didn’t know that they had drugs on their person or in their belongings (such as when drugs are planted on a person without their knowledge)
• Drugs Belonged to Someone Else
• Not Actually Drugs: The drugs can be sent to a crime lab to determine if the drugs in possession of the defendant was actually drugs
• Entrapment: Entrapment happens when police officers trick or induce a suspect to commit a crime he or she otherwise may not have committed
• Medical Marijuana Exception: The medical use of marijuana may be a defense in states that have legalized marijuana as long as the defendant can show proof of a medical marijuana license

Defenses to drug charges can often help the defendant obtain a reduced sentence.  In some cases, a strong defense can result in the charges being completely dropped, depending on the circumstances.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Assistance With Drug Charges?

Drug charges can sometimes be the most serious types of criminal cases under state and federal laws. If have any questions, or need legal assistance with drug charges, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your attorney can provide you with advice on how to proceed, and can represent you in court if you need to attend a court hearing.

The last place anyone wants to find themselves is in a jail cell. And if you’re unlucky enough arrive in one your first concern is getting out as quickly as possible. But how? First you will need to be “booked,” or processed into police custody. Then you may have to post “bail,” a set amount of money you pay in exchange for your release.

This article provides an overview of the booking procedure and the bail and bonds process.

What Does Booking Mean?

If you’re placed under arrest, normally you will be taken into police custody and booked, or processed. During booking, officers will generally:

• Record your personal information (name, date of birth, physical characteristics);
• Record information about the alleged crime;
• Record your fingerprints, and photographs;
• Check for any criminal background;
• Search your person and confiscates any personal property like keys, phone, or a purse (to be returned upon your release); and
• Place you in a police station holding cell or local jail.

If you’ve been arrested for a minor offense, you might be given a written citation and released, after signing the citation and promising to appear in court at a later date. If not, you will go through the bail and bond procedure.

Arraignment and Own Recognizance Release

After booking, the next step is the arraignment, where you will be read the formal charges and be given an opportunity to arrange for your release. The main concern authorities have is that you show up for your future court dates. In certain cases, you may be eligible to be released on your own recognizance. This means you promise in writing to appear in court later on. A judge deciding whether to grant own recognizance release normally considers:

• The seriousness of the crime;
• Your criminal record, if any;
• Whether you pose a danger to the community; and
• Your ties to the community (whether you are a risk to flee).

If you are released on your own recognizance and fail to appear for your court date as scheduled, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

What is Bail?

In some cases, a written promise to appear in court isn’t enough, and the court will want a financial guarantee that you will appear in court. Bail is a process by which you pay a set amount of money to obtain your release from police custody. As part of your release, you promise to appear in court for all of your scheduled criminal proceedings. If you show up to court as promised, the bail amount will be returned. If not, you will be subject to arrest and you will forfeit the bail amount.

The bail proceedings can vary from court to court, but generally the court will have a bail hearing to decide whether to grant bail (in extreme cases a court can deny your release altogether) and, if so, what amount is appropriate. The court will have a bail hearing, during which it will consider:

• Your physical and mental condition;
• Your financial resources;
• Your family ties;
• Any history relating to drug and alcohol abuse;
• Any criminal history;
• Any previous record concerning appearance at court proceedings; and
• The length of your residence in the community.

Along with the monetary bail determination, the court could also impose restrictions on your release like limiting your travel, enforcing a curfew, revoking gun ownership privileges, or requiring drug, alcohol, medical, or psychological testing or treatment.

Posting Bail and Bail Bond Agents

Once a court has set the amount of your bail, that amount, or a specified percentage, must be posted, or paid to the court. Generally you can pay in cash or an approved cash substitute, such as a money order or cashier’s check. Once you’ve posted bail, the court will issue a document or an order that shows you may be released.

If you can’t afford to post your own bail, you can contract a commercial bail bond agent (or bail bondsman) to pay and ensure bond. A bond agent will charge a nonrefundable fee, usually 10 to 20 percent of the total bail. In return, the bail bond agent agrees to pay the remaining amount to the court if you fail to appear for your court proceedings.

More Questions About Bail and Bonds? Contact a Lawyer

Finding yourself in jail and needing a bail and bond can be a scary experience. Posting bail, being released on your own recognizance, finding a bail bonds agent — the sheer amount of issues you will have to deal with can be overwhelming. If you’ve been arrested, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area to discuss your specific situation.

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes are a category of offenses that generally arise when violence occurs during a sexual act, when there is a lack of consent by one party to the sexual act, or when someone engages in sex with an individual who is legally incapable of consent, such as a child. Sex crimes have serious repercussions for those found guilty because they often require not only jail time, but also official registration as a sex offender, which can have an impact on job, housing, and social opportunities for the remainder of one’s life.

Crimes Involving Violence and Lack of Consent

Many sex crimes arise from circumstances when a sexual act is committed in a manner that is offensive to the ordinary individual. The most obvious of these is sexual assault, which occurs when an unwanted sexual act is performed on a victim without his or her consent and often with the use of force. Sexual assault may involve threats, battery, or other violent behavior and can occur with any form of sexual contact, including groping, kissing, penetration, or any other sexual touching. If the victim is threatened or forced into committing an act of sexual intercourse, this is the crime of rape. Rape requires that the victim did not consent to the sexual act, and prosecutions of rape often turn on whether or not the perpetrator reasonably believed that the sex was consensual. In certain circumstances, however, consent cannot be given because the victim is too young to legally provide it. This is called statutory rape.

Crimes Involving Children

Since children have not yet reached the age of maturity and are legally unable to consent to a sexual act, any form of sexual touching with a child is considered to be a crime. Not only do we find such acts legally reprehensible, they are morally offensive as well. Prosecution and investigation of sex crimes involving children can be challenging, however, since childhood trauma or confusion can lead to false reporting and erroneous allegations. For this reason, these crimes must be investigated thoroughly and sensitively. Most commonly, adults may find themselves facing charges of child molestation, which involves a sexual act committed with a child, including inappropriate touching and sexual conduct. Charges may also be brought when the individual is in possession of pornography involving children, for this is always illegal.

Sex Crimes and the Public

Finally, another category of sex crimes that arises is those acts inappropriately committed in a public space. For instance, the crime of public indecency arises when people expose themselves or act in a sexual way that is not appropriate for a public setting. Additionally, the crime of sexual misconduct may apply to sexual acts that offend innocent bystanders or members of the public. Finally, our laws also prohibit the soliciting of sex in public or for money. This is called prostitution. The prohibition of prostitution is a source of significant controversy. While prostitution sometimes occurs in situations that are quite obvious, such as soliciting someone from a street corner, individuals may also find themselves unwittingly propositioned in a situation that they originally thought was an innocent first date, bar hook-up, or other non-criminal circumstance.

One of the most lucrative business in Ontario today is the firearms business. Not only because Americans have always been obsessed with guns but because with this business you know you will have returning customers. People who buy firearms also need ammo and other gun parts or materials, so they will return to your gun store if you treat them as professionally as possible (true merchant).

In order to acquire a firearms license (also called FFL), that is the license to buy and sell guns, you need to file your application to the United States Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (also called ATF).

After you submit your FFL application it might take 6-7 weeks before your application is reviewed and processed by the ATF. If everything goes according to plan and all the requirements are met, then your application will be accepted and stored.

Finally you will be issued your firearms license and you are ready to buy and sell guns from then on. The basic license costs around $200 for the first 3 years as of writing this (pretty cheap). Then it’s around $100 for every 3 years.

Researching brands and prices can be very long and tedious. In general, the more you spend, the more the gun is worth, the more proven it is, the higher quality. Usually again, these are the manufacturers that perform more “tests” on their firearms which equates to a slightly higher price. They are going to go that extra little bit without cutting as many corners. They are going to use more expensive materials. One other decent reason to not worry so much about the higher expense, is that they hold their value really, really well. Of course, value also depends on what you have on the gun, night sights, finishes, grips, etc…

The first thing to keep in mind when shopping for a firearms is, no matter what anyone tries to sell you, the truth is… it is what YOU like, not what the dealer wants to get rid of because it has been in inventory too long. It is not what your colleague, acquaintance, or friend thinks is awesome. It is what you feel ergonomically comfortable, the size and caliber are for your needs, the action is what you want, and the look is great as observed by you. Ultimately, you are going to use, keep, and know your firearm. Make sure it is one YOU want. Learn it and use it. Get good at shooting it on a regular basis.

Alright, let’s get down to actual guide of purchase. There is no “set” way of what to do first, but there are important factors to consider. So many in fact that is really comes down to eliminating. The way I feel may be the best way to represent purchasing a firearm is to offer how I would select one. You can by all means choose a different order, but keep some of the factors in mind. The main factors are: manufacturer, action, caliber, ergonomics, safeties, and eye appeal. First and foremost of course is to figure out what your needs are. Are you going for concealed, open carry, short range, long range, competition, target, cowboy, personal defense? etc…