Sexual Assault Charges in North York
If you have been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, historic sexual offences, and aggravated sexual assault in North York, 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.
North York criminal cases have historically been heard at the Ontario Court of Justice at 1000 Finch Avenue West, one of Toronto's busiest criminal court locations. Some matters have been consolidated to 10 Armoury Street in downtown Toronto. Toronto Police Service handles law enforcement, and North York sees a wide range of criminal charges including domestic assault, weapons offences, drug trafficking, and robbery. Ryan Handlarski has secured multiple acquittals and charge withdrawals at 1000 Finch Court.
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 North York
Criminal charges in North York are heard at the Toronto North Court (1000 Finch Ave W). 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.