Sexual Assault Charges in Oshawa
If you have been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, historic sexual offences, and aggravated sexual assault in Oshawa, 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 Durham Region Courthouse at 150 Bond Street East serves all of Durham Region, including Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, and Clarington. Durham Regional Police handles law enforcement for the region. The courthouse handles both Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice criminal matters. Ryan Handlarski regularly appears at the Oshawa courthouse and is familiar with the local Crown Attorney's office and court procedures.
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 Oshawa
Criminal charges in Oshawa are heard at the Durham Region 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.