Sexual Assault Charges in Toronto
If you have been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, historic sexual offences, and aggravated sexual assault in Toronto, 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.
RH Criminal Defence is based in Toronto at 130 Spadina Avenue, Suite 606 — minutes from Old City Hall and the Toronto Region courthouse. Ryan Handlarski defends individuals charged with criminal offences across every category: murder, sexual assault, impaired driving, domestic assault, drug trafficking, weapons offences, fraud, robbery, and more. He has secured acquittals after trial at both Old City Hall and 361 University Avenue in cases ranging from first-degree murder to cocaine trafficking to firearms possession. Toronto is where the firm's practice is concentrated, and familiarity with the local Crown Attorney's offices, court scheduling, and judicial preferences is a meaningful advantage in every case.
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 Toronto
Criminal charges in Toronto are heard at the Old City Hall. 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.