Consequences for the perpetrator of intoxication or assault

Intoxicating a person without their knowledge, or committing sexual assault, can have major consequences.

An individual who is convicted of administering or arranging for the administration of a destructive or harmful substance (drug, alcohol, poison, etc.) to another individual may receive the following prison sentence:

• Maximum of 2 years, when their intention was to distress or torment the other individual;
• Maximum of 14 years, when their intention was to endanger the other individual's life or cause them bodily harm.
• Life imprisonment, where the intention was to commit a criminal act or to enable others to do so.

The sentence could be even harsher if the accused is also convicted of sexual assault.

A sexual offence can take many forms, such as touching or taking sexual photos. Assault of a sexual nature can therefore be committed with or without physical contact. Persuasion, use of force or lack of consent are all elements that constitute an offence leading to a criminal charge.

An individual who is the subject of a report of intoxication without the knowledge of the other individual or of a sexual assault is at risk of the following:

• Undergoing an often lengthy and costly legal process;
• Having a criminal record ;
• Being placed on probation for a certain period of time (e.g., no contact, community service, therapy, etc.);
• Being required to make a donation or pay a fine;
• Serving a prison sentence (or being sent to a rehabilitation center for young people with behavioural problems);
• Being required to provide a DNA sample;
• Being registered on the National Sex Offender Registry  for several years.

These crimes also result in numerous physical and psychological repercussions for the persons who are victims of intoxication or victims of sexual assault. The families and loved ones of those involved can also be greatly affected.

Organizations that provide assistance to perpetrators of sexual assault are active in many regions of Québec.