Sexual Assault Charges in Guelph
If you have been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, historic sexual offences, and aggravated sexual assault in Guelph, the consequences are serious. Basic sexual assault (s. 271) has a maximum of 10 years by indictment. There is no mandatory minimum unless the complainant is under 16 (1 year minimum). Sexual assault causing bodily harm (s. 272) carries a maximum of 14 years. Aggravated sexual assault (s. 273) carries a maximum of life imprisonment.
The Guelph courthouse at 36 Wyndham Street South serves Wellington County, with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice sitting at 74 Woolwich Street for more serious matters. Guelph Police Service handles law enforcement within the city. The University of Guelph campus means the court regularly sees drug-related offences and assault charges. Guelph is also within proximity to Highway 401, where OPP enforcement contributes to impaired driving charges heard at this courthouse.
How We Defend Sexual Assault Charges
Every sexual assault case is different, but experienced defence lawyers look for weaknesses in the Crown’s case at every stage. Common defence strategies include:
- Consent — the complainant communicated voluntary agreement
- Honest but mistaken belief in communal consent
- Challenging credibility through prior inconsistent statements
- Section 276 applications regarding prior sexual history
- Section 278 applications for third-party records
- Charter challenges to police investigation techniques
The Court Process in Guelph
Criminal charges in Guelph are heard at the Guelph Courthouse. Your first appearance will typically be scheduled within a few weeks of being charged. At that appearance, your lawyer will receive disclosure (the Crown’s evidence against you) and begin assessing the strength of the case.