If you have been charged with sexual assault in Toronto, you are facing serious criminal allegations that can affect your freedom, reputation, and future.
What you do next matters.
At Goodman Berman, Barristers, our criminal defence lawyers have defended sexual assault and sexual offence charges at every level of court in Ontario — including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. We act quickly, we work directly with you, and we build a defence strategy from the moment you call.
Call now for a confidential consultation.
Charged with Sexual Assault in Toronto? Act Immediately
A charge does not mean a conviction, but the early stages of your case are critical.
Decisions made now can impact:
- Your bail conditions
- Your ability to work and travel
- The evidence the Crown will rely on
- The overall strength of your defence
If you have been charged, do not speak to police or investigators without legal advice.
Sexual Offence Charges We Defend
Sexual Assault
Under Canadian law, sexual assault includes any form of assault where the circumstances are of a sexual nature. Allegations can range from non-consensual touching to more serious claims.
Even less serious allegations can carry the same stigma and life-altering consequences.
- Indictable offence: up to 10 years imprisonment
- Summary conviction: up to 18 months imprisonment
In defending these charges, key issues include:
- Whether there was consent
- Whether there was an honest but mistaken belief in consent
- The reliability and credibility of the complainant
- The strength of the Crown’s evidence (including DNA, statements, or inconsistencies)
Aggravated sexual assault
Aggravated sexual assault is the most serious category of sexual offence under the Criminal Code. It involves sexual assault that wounds, maims, disfigures, or endangers the life of the complainant.
Section 273 – Aggravated Sexual Assault:
- Maximum sentence: life imprisonment
- Mandatory minimum penalties apply where a firearm is involved
- SOIRA registration is mandatory upon conviction
These charges require an immediate, experienced defence. The stakes are as high as any criminal matter in Ontario.
Sexual Interference
This charge typically involves allegations of touching a person under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose.
Section 151 – Sexual Interference:
- Indictable offence: up to 10 years imprisonment
- Mandatory minimum penalties apply
- Summary conviction: up to 18 months imprisonment
These cases often involve detailed scrutiny of communications, context, and investigative methods.
Facing multiple charges? See how we defend assault charges.
Invitation to Sexual Touching
This offence involves inviting or encouraging a person under 16 to engage in sexual touching.
Section 152 – Invitation to Sexual Touching:
- Indictable offence: up to 14 years imprisonment
- Minimum sentence: 1 year imprisonment
- Summary conviction: up to 2 years less a day
- Minimum sentence: 90 days imprisonment
Even a first conviction can result in jail time. These are serious charges that require an immediate and strategic defence.
Your Defence Starts with the Right Questions
If you have been charged, your lawyer must quickly assess the case by asking:
- Was there consent, or evidence supporting consent?
- Was there an honest but mistaken belief in consent?
- In age-related cases, did you take reasonable steps to determine age?
- Was evidence obtained lawfully (searches, phones, social media)?
- Are there inconsistencies or credibility issues in the allegations?
- What evidence will the Crown rely on (texts, Facebook, DNA)?
The answers to these questions shape your defence strategy.
The Consequences You Are Facing
Sexual offence charges carry serious and lasting consequences:
- Possible jail sentence (including mandatory minimums)
- Criminal record
- Registration requirements
- Restrictions on employment and travel
- Long-term damage to your reputation
Because of these risks, early legal intervention is critical.
Registration requirements explained
A conviction for a sexual offence in Ontario typically results in mandatory registration under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA). Depending on the offence and sentence, registration may last 10 years, 20 years, or life.
Registration requires you to report regularly to police, disclose your address, place of employment, and vehicle information, and notify authorities before traveling outside Canada. Failure to comply is itself a criminal offence.
Because SOIRA registration is automatic upon conviction — not a matter of judicial discretion — avoiding a conviction entirely is the only way to avoid registration. This is one of the most important reasons to retain experienced defence counsel immediately.
How We Defend Sexual Assault Charges in Toronto
At Goodman Berman, Barristers, we focus on building a strong defence from the moment you are charged.
Our approach includes:
- Immediate case review and strategic planning
- Protecting your rights during police and court processes
- Analyzing disclosure and identifying weaknesses in the Crown’s case
- Challenging unlawfully obtained evidence
- Testing credibility through cross-examination
- Preparing for trial where necessary
Our office has secured not guilty verdicts in sexual assault trials at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice — including cases involving domestic relationships and multiple accused.
Cases we have defended
Not guilty
CHARGE
Sexual assault
Domestic relationship
A second Superior Court trial involving a sexual assault allegation in a domestic context. The Crown’s case was challenged on credibility and evidence — the accused was found not guilty following a full trial.
R. v. R.S., [2015] O.J. No. 7212 SCJ
Not guilty — both accused
CHARGEs
Sexual assault & invitation to sexual touching
Our office represented two accused facing charges that carry serious prison time and profound personal consequences. Following a lengthy trial in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, not guilty verdicts were secured for both.
R. v. E.K.H., [2012] O.J. No. 1128 SCJ
Not guilty
CHARGE
Sexual assault
Domestic relationship
The accused faced a sexual assault charge arising in the context of a domestic relationship — a matter carrying serious personal and legal consequences. Following a full trial in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the accused was found not guilty.
R. v. D.M.C., [2015] O.J. No. 1324 SCJ
Not guilty
CHARGE
Sexual interference
The accused faced a sexual interference charge — an offence carrying mandatory minimum sentences and lasting personal consequences. Following a full trial in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the accused was found not guilty.
R. v. D.K., [2013] O.J. No. 6286 SCJ
Not guilty — both accused
CHARGE
Sexual assault & invitation to sexual touching
Our office represented two accused on charges carrying serious prison time and lasting stigma. Following a lengthy trial in the Ontario Court of Justice, not guilty verdicts were secured for both accused.
R. v. J.A.R., [2011] O.J. No. 1330 OCJ
Each case is unique — past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you have been charged:
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer
- Do not contact the complainant
- Comply with all bail conditions
- Preserve any evidence (messages, emails, timelines)
- Speak to a defence lawyer immediately
Speak to a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Toronto Today
You are not alone—but you do need to act quickly.
The right defence strategy starts now.
Contact Goodman Berman, Barristers for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve already been charged. Can the case still be defended?
Yes. Many cases are successfully defended by challenging evidence, credibility, and legal issues.
Will I go to jail?
Some charges carry mandatory minimum sentences, but outcomes depend on the facts and defence strategy.
Should I talk to police to explain my side?
No. You should speak to a lawyer before making any statement.
How long will my case take?
It depends on the complexity of the case and whether it proceeds to trial.
Will I be placed on the sex offender registry if convicted?
Yes. SOIRA registration is mandatory upon conviction for most sexual offences. Depending on the charge and sentence, registration lasts 10 years, 20 years, or for life. This is one of the most significant long-term consequences of a conviction and another reason why a strong defence from the outset is critical.
Can I be charged with sexual assault if I believed there was consent?
An honest but mistaken belief in consent can be raised as a defence, but the law sets a high bar. The accused must have taken reasonable steps to ascertain consent. This is a nuanced area of law that requires careful analysis of the specific facts of your case.
What happens at a bail hearing for sexual assault charges?
A bail hearing determines whether you will be released while your case proceeds or held in custody. The Crown may seek conditions or oppose release entirely. Having experienced defence counsel at your bail hearing is critical — conditions imposed at this stage can affect your work, travel, and daily life for the duration of the case.
Can sexual assault charges be withdrawn before trial?
Yes. Charges can be withdrawn by the Crown at any stage of the proceedings — including before trial — if the evidence is insufficient or if issues arise with witness credibility. An experienced defence lawyer will identify these opportunities early and pursue every avenue to resolve the case in your favour.
What is the difference between sexual assault and sexual interference?
Sexual assault under s.271 applies where the complainant is any person. Sexual interference under s.151 applies specifically where the complainant is under the age of 16 and involves touching for a sexual purpose. Sexual interference carries mandatory minimum sentences that sexual assault does not, making the specific charge laid a critical factor in your defence strategy.
Contact Us
Facing sexual assault charges in Toronto?
Contact Goodman Berman, Barristers for a free, confidential consultation. Your case will be reviewed directly by an experienced criminal defence lawyer.
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