Surrey Online Sexual Offence Lawyer In BC Canada

CSAEM (Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material) Defence Lawyer

 

The internet has made sexually explicit material more accessible than ever before. Although adults may generally possess lawful sexually explicit material involving consenting adults, the Criminal Code of Canada sets out a number of serious offences involving child sexual abuse and exploitation material. It also addresses obscenity, voyeurism, and the non-consensual distribution of intimate images.

 

Allegations involving child sexual abuse and exploitation material are among the most serious criminal charges prosecuted in Canada. Although many people continue to use the term "child pornography," the Criminal Code of Canada now uses the term "child sexual abuse and exploitation material" (CSAEM). Effective October 10, 2025, Parliament replaced the former terminology to better reflect that the material involves the sexual abuse or exploitation of children rather than lawful adult pornography.

 

Investigations frequently involve computers, smartphones, tablets, cloud storage accounts, social media platforms, messaging applications, peer-to-peer networks, and other digital technologies. These cases often require sophisticated digital forensic examinations and may involve complex legal issues concerning search warrants, electronic surveillance, digital privacy, the admissibility of electronic evidence, and protections guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

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​Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material Offences Under the Criminal Code

 

Section 163.1 of the Criminal Code sets out the statutory definition of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and establishes offences relating to its production, possession, access, distribution, transmission, advertising, importation, exportation, and making it available.

 

The Criminal Code includes offences involving:

• Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material

• Accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material

• Making child sexual abuse and exploitation material

• Making child sexual abuse and exploitation material available

• Distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation material

• Transmitting child sexual abuse and exploitation material

• Advertising child sexual abuse and exploitation material

• Importing or exporting child sexual abuse and exploitation material

 

Whether particular material falls within the statutory definition depends on the specific facts of the case, the available evidence, and the applicable law. Every allegation requires a careful analysis of the evidence and the legal requirements that the Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

Contact a Surrey Online Sexual Offence Charges Lawyer in Surrey, BC

 

If you have been charged with a child pornography offence, child sexual abuse and exploitation material offence, or believe you are under investigation, contact our Surrey office to arrange a confidential consultation.

 

With more than 25 years of criminal defence experience, Paul E. Briggs represents clients throughout British Columbia facing serious criminal allegations. We will explain the charges, carefully review the evidence, protect your constitutional rights, and advise you regarding the legal options available in your particular circumstances.

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