{"id":5691,"date":"2025-03-12T22:14:40","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T22:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oykhmancriminaldefence.com\/toronto\/?page_id=5691"},"modified":"2026-09-18T05:29:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T05:29:30","slug":"sexual-assault-lawyers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/toronto\/sexual-assault-lawyers\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexual Assault Lawyers in Toronto"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1440px + 50px );margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>A sexual assault charge is one of the most serious situations a person can go through. Our skilled and discreet defence lawyers can help protect your name and your future.<\/p>\n<p><b>Dylan Finlay and his team offer:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Experience in over 1,000 criminal cases.<\/li>\n<li>25 years of combined criminal defence service.<\/li>\n<li>Over 120 five-star Google reviews.<\/li>\n<li>24\/7 availability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering what could happen next, speak to us as early as possible, as we may need to act quickly.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><h2>What should you do right now if you\u2019re accused of sexual assault?<\/h2>\n<p><b>Take these four steps first before doing anything else:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b>Do not contact the complainant. <\/b>Don\u2019t try to explain your side, as this can be used against you later.<\/li>\n<li><b>Say nothing to the police. <\/b>Once you\u2019ve identified yourself, remain silent.<\/li>\n<li><b>Ask for a lawyer right away. <\/b>This is your right under the Canadian Charter.<\/li>\n<li><b>Preserve any messages, photos, or records connected to the incident. <\/b>Timing and context often matter a great deal.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:var(--awb-color8);padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;color:var(--awb-color1);\"><h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> for a free, no-obligation consultation.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-1{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-1 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><h2>What is sexual assault in Canada?<\/h2>\n<p>Sexual assault means touching someone in a sexual way without their consent. Canadian law splits it into three levels. <b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Each charge depends on what happened:<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><style>\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .scd-table thead { display: none; }\n  .scd-table tr { display: block; margin-bottom: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; }\n  .scd-table td { display: block; padding: 10px 14px; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #dddddd; text-align: left !important; }\n  .scd-table td:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .scd-table td::before { content: attr(data-label); display: block; font-weight: bold; color: #c12127; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: 4px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<table class=\"scd-table\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 16px; font-weight: bold; width: 25%; text-align: center;\">LEVEL<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 16px; font-weight: bold; width: 45%; text-align: center;\">WHAT IT MEANS<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color: #c12127; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 16px; font-weight: bold; width: 30%; text-align: center;\">MAXIMUM PENALTY<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Level\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0;\">Sexual assault<\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-271.html\">s.271<\/a><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"What It Means\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Non-consensual touching of a sexual nature.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">10 years (indictable), or 18 months (summary conviction)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Level\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0;\">Sexual assault with a weapon, threats, or bodily harm<\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-272.html\">s.272<\/a><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"What It Means\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Sexual assault involving a weapon, a threat to a third party, injury, or more than one person.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">14 years (indictable only)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-label=\"Level\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\"><p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0;\">Aggravated sexual assault<\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/section-273.html\">s.273<\/a><\/td>\n<td data-label=\"What It Means\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Sexual assault that wounds, maims, disfigures, or endangers someone's life.<\/td>\n<td data-label=\"Maximum Penalty\" style=\"padding: 16px; border: 1px solid #dddddd; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;\">Life imprisonment (indictable only)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\"><p>A mandatory minimum sentence applies where the complainant is under 16. Other mandatory minimums apply if the offence involves a firearm.<\/p>\n<p>With such harsh penalties, seeking legal advice as early as possible is advisable, even before you\u2019re charged. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/toronto\/pre-charge-legal-advice\/\">Pre-charge legal advice<\/a> from a sexual assault lawyer can prevent you from saying anything that could harm your case.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><h2>What could happen to you if you\u2019re convicted?<\/h2>\n<p>There is no non-serious sexual assault offence. <b><br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>A conviction can bring:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Years in prison (up to life in prison for aggravated sexual assault).<\/li>\n<li>Mandatory registration on the National Sex Offender Registry (under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/on\/laws\/stat\/so-2000-c-1\/latest\/so-2000-c-1.html\">Christopher\u2019s Law<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>A DNA order.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[<b>NOTE:<\/b> Rulings under Christopher\u2019s Law are changing. A court found in Jan 2026 that some parts of Ontario\u2019s registry law go too far and breach the Charter. The law may still apply for now, but this is an unsettled area worth discussing with a lawyer.]<\/p>\n<p>A conviction also has other long-term effects. It can affect your job, hurt your immigration status and your ability to travel, and even impact your education and housing.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><h2>How can a Strategic Criminal Defence lawyer help you?<\/h2>\n<p>Most sexual assault cases start with a report to Toronto police. Sometimes this happens long after the alleged incident. These cases are delicate, and your conduct during an investigation and after the police lay charges will be on the record. Having a seasoned lawyer by your side can ease the stress of the situation.<\/p>\n<p><b>If the police have already charged you, we will work to secure your release from detention if you\u2019re held:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Toronto South Detention Centre (for men), or<\/li>\n<li>The Vanier Centre for Women in Milton.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>What happens at your bail hearing?<\/h3>\n<p>We can represent you at your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/toronto\/bail-hearing\/\">bail hearing<\/a>. This will be at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on Finch Avenue West. We will argue for the least restrictive bail conditions possible for your case. <\/p>\n<p><b>However, you will likely need to follow some conditions until your case resolves, including:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Regular reporting to a bail supervisor.<\/li>\n<li>No contact with the alleged victim or their family.<\/li>\n<li>Travel restrictions.<\/li>\n<li>Restrictions on the use of drugs and alcohol.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Bail may not be granted if the court believes the risk of flight or threat to the public is too high. That can make building your defence more challenging, but it doesn\u2019t prevent us from doing the work necessary.<\/p>\n<p>We can examine the Crown\u2019s evidence. This includes gaps or inconsistencies in the story and how the police obtained evidence. These cases depend heavily on detail and preparation. We build your defence around exactly what happened in your case.<\/p>\n<h3>Which court will hear your case?<\/h3>\n<p>Most sexual assault cases start at the Ontario Court of Justice on Armoury Street. More serious charges may be indictable offences. This gives you the option of a trial by judge and jury. That trial would be at the Superior Court of Justice on University Avenue.<\/p>\n<h3>Will you have a criminal record?<\/h3>\n<p>You will have a criminal record if you\u2019re convicted of sexual assault. <\/p>\n<p><b>However, our lawyers will work to prevent a conviction through:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Challenging the Crown&#8217;s evidence. If it&#8217;s weak or your Charter rights were breached, the Crown Prosecutor may withdraw your case.<\/li>\n<li>Fighting for a full acquittal at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/toronto\/trial-process\/\">trial<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>In rare cases, arguing for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/toronto\/discharge\/\">discharge<\/a>, which avoids a formal conviction even after a finding of guilt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Unlike some other charges, sexual offences <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/document\/crown-prosecution-manual\/d-4-community-justice-programs-for-adults\">do not qualify<\/a> for diversion programs or peace bonds under Ontario\u2019s Crown policy. This is why building the strongest defence matters from the very start.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><h2>What defences can we use against sexual assault charges?<\/h2>\n<p>Sexual assault charges often come down to consent and credibility. <\/p>\n<p><b>Common defences include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Honest but mistaken belief in consent.<\/b> This only works if you took concrete steps to determine whether the other person was consenting. Assuming consent is not enough.<\/li>\n<li><b>Challenging credibility.<\/b> Many of these cases rest on one person\u2019s word against another. Small inconsistencies in the story can matter a great deal.<\/li>\n<li><b>A Charter breach.<\/b> Evidence gathered or a statement taken improperly can lead to a reduced or dismissed charge.<\/li>\n<li><b>Identity.<\/b> Sometimes, whether you were actually involved is genuinely in dispute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In some cases, we will need expert witness testimony to support your defence, a step we won\u2019t hesitate to take if necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><h2>Testimonials<\/h2>\n<p><b>While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, here\u2019s what some of our recent clients have said about us:<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-2 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cCare, attention, knowledge, expertise and professionalism\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hired Justin because he displayed a tremendous amount of care, attention, knowledge, expertise and professionalism. This man delivered on his promise! The case was resolved in a big WIN for us. and charges were withdrawn. I can confidently say the impact of this resolution has brought me peace, a sigh of relief.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong>C.H.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-2{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-2 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-3 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cOutstanding legal representation\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would like to give a review for the outstanding legal representation from Mr. Dylan Finlay. He is an exceptional, dedicated and a very honest lawyer. I am glad with the outcome of my case, and I truly cannot thank you enough.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong>N.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-3{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-3 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-4 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#000000;padding: 48px 60px 40px 60px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14 expandable-text\" style=\"color:#ffffff;margin-right:20px;\"><p><b>\u201cAchieved a phenomenal resolution\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u201cDylan Finlay was really good to me. Took the time to explain things in words\/terms I understood and I never felt like he was baiting me with hope during our initial consult. He didn&#8217;t disappear after collecting his retainer fee + achieved a phenomenal resolution.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15 fusion-text-no-margin\" style=\"font-size:16px;letter-spacing:-0.53px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c22127;margin-top:15px;\"><p><strong>J.W.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 48px !important;padding-right : 60px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 60px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 30px !important;padding-right : 30px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 30px !important;padding-left : 30px !important;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-4{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-4 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-16\"><h2>FAQs about sexual assault charges<\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-5691-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-5691-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-5691-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-5691-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-5691-1\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-6607b7e479480bbeb .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-6607b7e479480bbeb .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-6607b7e479480bbeb fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"6607b7e479480bbeb\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5691-1\" data-target=\"#6607b7e479480bbeb\" href=\"#6607b7e479480bbeb\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Is it a defence if I believed the other person consented?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"6607b7e479480bbeb\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>No. The law requires you to take concrete steps to determine whether the other person was consenting. Just believing consent existed, without checking, is not enough on its own.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-d730560f98008fa6c .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-d730560f98008fa6c .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-d730560f98008fa6c fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"d730560f98008fa6c\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5691-1\" data-target=\"#d730560f98008fa6c\" href=\"#d730560f98008fa6c\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What if the alleged incident happened years ago?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"d730560f98008fa6c\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>There is no time limit on sexual assault charges in Canada. You can be charged many years after an alleged incident. Older cases are not automatically weaker.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-3b16e24f7f21d4306 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-3b16e24f7f21d4306 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-3b16e24f7f21d4306 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"3b16e24f7f21d4306\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5691-1\" data-target=\"#3b16e24f7f21d4306\" href=\"#3b16e24f7f21d4306\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Can I be convicted based only on the complainant's word, with no other evidence?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"3b16e24f7f21d4306\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Yes. Canadian law does not need any other evidence to convict you. The judge cannot even tell the jury that they need more than the complainant\u2019s word. That said, weak or inconsistent testimony can still be challenged and can weaken the Crown\u2019s case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-2a656e24481975575 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-5691-1 .panel-2a656e24481975575 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-2a656e24481975575 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"2a656e24481975575\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-5691-1\" data-target=\"#2a656e24481975575\" href=\"#2a656e24481975575\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Can the complainant\u2019s name be made public?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"2a656e24481975575\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>A court will almost always place a publication ban. This protects the complainant\u2019s name. If you represent yourself, you generally cannot question the complainant directly in court.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-5 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:var(--awb-color8);padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-17\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;color:var(--awb-color1);\"><h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> for a free, no-obligation consultation.<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;margin-top : 20px;margin-bottom : 20px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-5{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-5 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 30px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A sexual assault accusation is frightening and isolating. The penalties for different sexual assault offences vary under Canadian law, but they can follow you for life. You don\u2019t have to face the stress alone. A sexual assault lawyer from Strategic Criminal Defence in Toronto can work to protect your rights from the start.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":52914,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5691","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Sexual Assault Lawyers In Toronto | Strategic Criminal Defence<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you have been charged with Sexual Assault in Toronto, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. We will fight for your rights!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/toronto\/sexual-assault-lawyers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Sexual Assault Lawyers In Toronto | Strategic Criminal Defence\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you have been charged with Sexual Assault in Toronto, contact our experienced and dedicated legal team. 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