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.
If you have been charged with domestic assault, you must contact an experienced domestic assault lawyer as soon as possible to discuss this very serious charge.
Being charged with domestic assault is a terrible and traumatic experience for anyone, but the stress involved in these cases is magnified when the alleged victim is your spouse.
Police and Crown Attorneys are directed to apply a rigorous “zero tolerance” approach to allegations of domestic violence. Even when the complaining spouse does not want to see charges laid or requests to have charges and bail conditions dropped, prosecutors are often extremely reluctant to agree. Although domestic assault counseling programs are often recommended by Crown prosecutors in exchange for leniency and improved bail terms, defendants are usually required to enter early guilty pleas to avail themselves of these options. A domestic assault lawyer will review the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
We can connect your spouse with an independent lawyer to advise them on their options while referring you to respected counselling programs that can help smooth the path to a withdrawal of the charges. When settlement is not an option, our domestic assault lawyers have the sensitivity, training, and skills to ensure that your case is meticulously prepared and scrupulously defended.
Additional Articles About Domestic Assault
Articles on Domestic Assault Law – By Edward Prutschi Domestic Assault Podcasts- Advice For People Charged With Domestic Assault– with Edward Prutschi
- What Happens After An Arrest For Domestic Assault– with Edward Prutschi
- What Happens After A 911 Call For A Domestic Assault– with Edward Prutschi
DOMESTIC ASSAULT LAW FAQ
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 Will my charges be withdrawn?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 Even if the complainant advises the Crown that he or she wants the charges to be withdrawn, the Crown may be concerned that the complainant is being pressured to say so or will change his or her mind.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.
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Our Lawyers!
We are a team experienced criminal lawyers ready to stand for you in court and challenge the evidence of the police and the complainants.
Boris Bytensky LL.B
Partner at Bytensky Shikhman Criminal Law Firm
Boris Bytensky received his LL.B from Osgoode Hall Law School and proceeded to summer, article and associate at a prestigious Bay Street firm before starting his private practice.
Sonya Shikhman LL.B
Partner at Bytensky Shikhman Criminal Law Firm
Sonya Shikhman holds an Hon B.A. in both History and Law & Society from York University and received her LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School.
Sara Little J.D.
Associate at Bytensky Shikhman Criminal Law Firm
Sara obtained her Juris Doctor from Windsor Law in 2020 and was called to the bar in 2021
Dylan Gold J.D.
Associate at Bytensky Shikhman Criminal Law Firm
A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, Dylan was called to the bar in 2025.
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What Clients Say About Us?
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.
