Domestic Assault Charges Lawyer in Toronto
Bytensky Shikhman Criminal Law Firm is committed to assisting clients with experienced criminal lawyers that are available on short notice when a bail hearing arises.
About Bytensky Shikhman Barristers
Bytensky Shikhman Barristers Toronto Criminal Law Firm
Exceptional Criminal Defence
We represent individuals and corporations facing criminal charges. Our boutique Toronto-based firm is dedicated to providing high-quality, strategic defence for complex cases across Ontario and beyond.
Experienced Trial & Appeal Lawyers
We’ve appeared at every level of court — including the Supreme Court of Canada. The BSB team has decades of experience handling trials, appeals, and high-profile cases that require strategic legal insight.
Recognized Leadership in Criminal Law
Our firm helps shape the Canadian criminal law landscape. Boris Bytensky serves as President of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association — the largest criminal defence organization in the country.
Committed to Legal Education
We share our knowledge with the next generation of defence lawyers. Sonya Shikhman and Boris Bytensky teach trial advocacy at Osgoode Hall Law School and mentor aspiring legal professionals.
Charged with Domestic Assault? Act Quickly
If you’ve been charged with domestic assault, it is crucial to consult an experienced domestic assault lawyer immediately. These charges are serious and can have long-term personal and legal consequences.
Why Domestic Assault Charges Are So Stressful
Being accused of domestic assault is traumatic for anyone, but the emotional burden is especially heavy when the alleged victim is your partner.
Zero Tolerance Policy:
Police and Crown Attorneys are required to enforce a strict “zero tolerance” approach in domestic violence cases.
No Dismissal by Request:
Even if the spouse does not want charges laid or asks for them to be dropped, prosecutors rarely comply.
Legal Process and Plea Pressure
Counselling in Exchange for Leniency:
Crown prosecutors often suggest domestic assault counselling programs as part of a resolution.
⟶ However, to access these benefits, the accused is usually expected to plead guilty early.
What Your Lawyer Will Do:
A skilled domestic assault lawyer will:
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
- Help you avoid premature decisions.
- Protect your rights throughout the process.
Support for Both Parties
Legal Advice for Your Spouse:
We can connect your spouse with an independent lawyer to help them understand their options.
Referral to Reputable Counselling:
We can guide you toward respected programs that may help facilitate withdrawal of charges.
When Settlement Is Not Possible
If the case goes to trial, our lawyers offer:
Sensitivity to the complex dynamics of domestic cases
Specialized training in handling emotional and family-related charges
Meticulous preparation and strategic defence
Frequently Asked Questions
My partner does not want the charges to proceed. Will my charges be withdrawn?
Not necessarily. Only the Crown can decide to withdraw charges and Crown attorneys take domestic allegations very seriously. Even if the complainant advises the Crown that he or she wants the charges to be withdrawn, the Crown may be concerned that the complainant is being pressured to say so or will change his or her mind. The Crown may decide that there is a public interest in pursuing the charges even where the complainant is unlikely to cooperate. In these cases, the Crown will consider its ability to prove the charges without the complainant’s testimony and may proceed if there is other evidence that could lead to a conviction.
My charge has been screened for the PAR program…what does that mean?
PAR stands for Partner Assault Response (PAR). The PAR program is a government-run domestic violence program. Crowns will sometimes offer that individuals charged with domestic violence complete the PAR program in exchange for a more lenient sentencing position such as a peace bond or a discharge. Individuals who enter the PAR program are expected to complete 12 group education and counselling sessions dealing with topics such as substance abuse, respectful communication, dealing with conflict, and taking responsibility for actions.
I have been offered a peace bond…should I take it?
Peace bonds are often preferred to taking charges to trial because they avoid the uncertain outcome of the trial and remove the risk of a criminal conviction. Although a peace bond is an excellent outcome in many cases, there are still consequences that should be considered. A peace bond, will, for example, show on a vulnerable sector record check, which can impact your ability to work or volunteer in certain fields. It is best to speak to a criminal lawyer to ensure that you understand all the consequences before agreeing to enter into a peace bond.
Our Lawyers!
Boris Bytensky LL.B
Sonya Shikhman LL.B
Kathryn Doyle J.D.
Sara Little J.D.
Dylan Gold J.D.
Get 1 Hour Consultation
Our Service Areas:
Aurora
Barrie
Brampton
Georgetown
Guelph
Halton Hills
Hamilton
Markham
Milton
Mississauga
Toronto
We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours by email. For immediate assistance, feel free to call us directly — we’re here to help.
Appeal Services at Bytensky Shikhman
Challenging a Conviction
If you’ve been found guilty of a criminal offence, our lawyers can help you appeal the conviction or reduce your sentence. We handle:
- Bail applications pending appeal
- Summary conviction appeals (Superior Court of Justice)
- Indictable appeals (Ontario Court of Appeal)
- Appeals to the Supreme Court of Canada
Trusted by Other Lawyers
We are often retained by other counsel seeking a second opinion or new representation after an unjust trial outcome.
Realistic Legal Guidance
Appeals are complex and courts show strong deference to trial judges. We provide honest assessments so you can make an informed decision before committing to the appeal process.
Important Timing
Appeals must be filed quickly—often within 30 days. Contact us as soon as possible after your conviction to protect your rights.
The Justice System and Our Approach
In our justice system a person can be charged pursuant to any offence in the Criminal Code of Canada. The Criminal Code provides definitions of the types of conduct that constitutes a criminal offence. It also sets out the range of punishment that may be imposed for an offence if found guilty. In addition, the Criminal Code sets out the specific procedures to be followed by the prosecution and the permissible Orders that can be made by a Judge.
Call us 24/7. Let’s start fighting together.
Don't Let A Criminal Charge Destroy Your Life
Don’t delay – contact an experienced criminal defence lawyer with decades of experience to have the best chance of winning your case.
Our team is available and ready to assist you.
Our Lawyers In The Media
The partners and lawyers at Bytensky Shikhman Barristers are regularly called upon by the media to provide commentary and legal opinion. Mr. Bytensky and Ms. Shikhman are the official legal analysts for CTV News and Newstalk 1010.
Sonya Shikhman at CTV NEWS
Boris Byensky at NewsTalk10101’s The Jerry Agar Show
What Clients Say About Us?
When you hire our firm to manage your case, you have hired a team of legal advocates who care, who will keep you informed, who will fight for you
Marya Mohamed2024-02-07Ms. Sonya is just an absolute incredible lawyer. I would say the best. We worked with her for my brother’s bail. Where we were scared and full of anxiety, she made everything just so simple and easy for us. She got bailed him out and everything worked out perfectly. Felt really comfortable with her because she made ensure we are comfortable. Her work I would say is amazingly exceptional. Thank goodness for her and her whole team!
Hussain Chaudry2023-08-03Great team
Gurkirat Rai2022-11-20Spoke with Mr. Boris on the phone, with respect to a appeal And I got to say he's a very honest professional individual, very unique in nature. He will tell you straight up if you have grounds of appeal or merits. If you will win or lose. Great personality to work with, someone who cares about Justice over money. Thank you
Sabrina Conliffe2022-11-09Brittany Smith is a very professional and hard-working lawyer. She dealt with my case quickly and effectively. Also, she explained everything along the way. Everyone should have this type of lawyer in their corner. Thank you very much!
Danielle West2022-11-09A family member of mine used Ms. Shikhman as their lawyer. From the beginning of the process, she was absolutely fierce in looking after his interests. She secured the most reasonable bail conditions that we were told by other lawyers would be impossible to get. After a complicated long trial we got a “NOT GUILTY” from the jury! We could not be more grateful for all of her hard work.
TA2022-10-21Brittany Smith is more than an excellent Criminal Lawyer! She put all her effort on my case, days and nights. I can’t thank you enough Brittany. You nailed it..
Nesf1232022-10-04Sonya is an excellent lawyer who provided the best outcome for my case. I consulted with many lawyers before deciding to work with Sonya. She is honest, professional and delivers on her word.
Chris Gove2021-06-23Very knowledgeable and easy to reach.