Sexual Assault Charges in Newmarket
If you have been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, historic sexual offences, and aggravated sexual assault in Newmarket, 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 Newmarket courthouse serves all of York Region — one of Ontario's most populous regions. Criminal charges arising in Newmarket, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Aurora, Georgina, and surrounding communities are all heard here. York Regional Police is one of Ontario's largest police services, and the Newmarket court handles a substantial volume of criminal matters. Ryan Handlarski regularly appears at this courthouse and has secured acquittals after trial in sexual assault, drug trafficking, and other serious matters.
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 Newmarket
Criminal charges in Newmarket are heard at the Newmarket 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.