Toronto Domestic Assault Lawyers

Most people charged with domestic assault in Toronto spend the night in custody before a bail hearing. Judges usually impose strict conditions designed to protect the complainant, including:

• No contact with the complainant
• No return to the family home
• No alcohol or drugs

Even after release, these conditions can last for months and disrupt your life. An experienced lawyer can often help by modifying bail conditions later, allowing you to return home or restore contact with family.

📞 If you’re facing bail restrictions after a domestic assault charge, call 416-731-7113 today to discuss your options. For more details, visit our full page on Toronto Bail Hearings.

Being charged with domestic assault in Toronto does not mean you will be convicted. Our lawyers carefully review the evidence, challenge the Crown’s case, and build a strong defence tailored to your situation. Common strategies include:

• No assault occurred – exposing inconsistencies or lack of credibility in the complaint.
• Self-defence – showing that any force used was necessary to protect yourself or another person.
• Consent – in rare cases, both parties may have agreed to a physical confrontation.
• Accident or reflex – contact may have been unintentional, with no intent to harm.

Each case is unique, and success depends on a detailed review of the facts, the police investigation, and witness statements. Our goal is to raise reasonable doubt, challenge the prosecution’s narrative, and protect your record and reputation.

📞 If you’ve been charged, call 416-731-7113 to discuss defence strategies with an experienced Toronto domestic assault lawyer today.

The Crown Attorney’s office in Toronto follows Ontario’s Crown Policy Manual on domestic assault. This policy requires prosecutors to move forward with charges if there is enough evidence for a conviction, even if the complainant asks for the case to be withdrawn.

The reason is simple: the courts believe complainants may face intolerable pressure to drop charges. As a result, domestic assault cases are prosecuted more aggressively than many other offences.

What this means for you is that once charges are laid, the case almost always continues — regardless of apologies, reconciliations, or changes of heart by the complainant. That’s why having an experienced Toronto domestic assault lawyer is critical to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution’s case.

In some cases, people charged with domestic assault in Toronto may qualify for diversion programs or counselling instead of a criminal conviction. These options can show the court that you take the matter seriously and are willing to make positive changes.

• Partner Assault Response (PAR) program – a court-approved program that can lead to charges being withdrawn.
• Private counselling – such as anger management or therapy, showing proactive steps before trial.
• Peace bonds – agreements to stay out of trouble for a set period in exchange for charges being withdrawn.
• Conditional discharges – avoiding a criminal record while meeting specific court conditions.

These options are not an admission of guilt but a way to reduce risk and often return home sooner. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with the Crown Attorney to secure diversion or alternative resolutions that protect your future.

📞 Call 416-731-7113 to learn whether diversion or counselling programs could help resolve your domestic assault charge in Toronto.

When facing domestic assault charges in Toronto, choosing the right lawyer can make the difference between a criminal record and a second chance. The law offices of Charitsis Law bring over 20 years of criminal defence experience and a proven record of success in Toronto courts.

• Extensive experience – thousands of criminal cases defended since 2004, including domestic assault, sexual assault, and impaired driving.
• Local court knowledge – former Assistant Crown Attorney at Old City Hall, College Park, 1000 Finch, and 311 Jarvis courthouses.
• Proven results – countless clients have had their charges withdrawn, dismissed, or resolved without a criminal record.
• Trusted reputation – regularly interviewed by media and praised in Toronto client reviews.

📞 Call 416-731-7113 to speak directly with Nicholas Charitsis, a Toronto criminal lawyer who knows the courts and how to protect your future.

Q. Can a domestic assault charge be dropped in Toronto?

A. No. Once the police lay a domestic assault charge, the case is prosecuted by the Crown Attorney’s office. Even if the complainant asks to withdraw, the Crown will usually continue with the case. A lawyer can, however, work to have charges dismissed, resolved through diversion, or beaten at trial.

Q. What happens after a domestic assault arrest in Toronto?

A. Most people spend the night in custody and appear in bail court the next day. If released, strict conditions are often imposed, such as no contact with the complainant or not returning to the family home. A lawyer can later apply to change these conditions.

Q. Will I get a criminal record for domestic assault?

A. If you are convicted, you will receive a criminal record that can affect employment, travel, and immigration. However, with strong legal representation, many cases result in withdrawn charges, peace bonds, or other resolutions that avoid a conviction.

Q. What is the penalty for domestic assault in Toronto?

A. Penalties can include probation, counselling programs, or jail, depending on the seriousness of the allegation and any past history. Even first-time offenders may face strict consequences, as the courts treat domestic assault very seriously.

Q. How can a Toronto domestic assault lawyer help me?

A. An experienced lawyer reviews the evidence, challenges the Crown’s case, and explores defences such as self-defence, accident, or lack of credibility. They can also negotiate for diversion programs or peace bonds to protect your future.