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Criminal Harassment Lawyer Toronto

January 2023

Defending a Criminal Harassment Case in Toronto

If you have been charged with criminal harassment in Toronto, then you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused. It can be difficult to navigate criminal charges in any province, but especially so in Ontario due to its complex criminal justice system.

Fortunately, a good criminal harassment lawyer knows your legal rights and understands the criminal court process which can help protect your future if charged with an offense.

This blog will provide an overview of criminal harassment charges in Toronto, what to expect throughout the criminal proceedings, and how to best defend yourself against criminal harassment allegations. With this knowledge at hand, you can take the necessary steps to ensure that your case is handled properly and with a successful outcome.

What is criminal harassment?

Criminal harassment sometimes referred to as stalking, is criminalized in Ontario under the criminal code. In Toronto, criminal harassment can occur when someone repeatedly follows or watches another person or communicates with them in a threatening way. It may also include threats of violence or harm against an individual or their family members and friends. It’s important to understand the criminal harassment laws in Toronto, as criminal harassment can lead to serious criminal penalties.

What are the penalties for criminal harassment in Toronto?

The penalties for criminal harassment in Toronto can be quite severe. Depending on the severity of the criminal harassment, a person may potentially face criminal charges such as assault causing bodily harm or uttering threats against another individual. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison and be placed on probation for up to three years.

How to defend against criminal harassment charges in Toronto?

If you are facing criminal harassment charges in Toronto, it is important to obtain legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced criminal lawyer will be able to provide you with a defence strategy that can best protect your rights. Your criminal lawyer will present evidence on your behalf and cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses to potentially weaken their case against you. Your criminal lawyer can also negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution to reduce your criminal charges in exchange for a guilty plea.

Additionally, if necessary, your criminal lawyer can take your criminal harassment case to trial and advocate on your behalf in court.

What must the prosecutor prove in a criminal harassment case?

In order for criminal harassment charges to be successful, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant acted with criminal intent. This means that they must have intended to cause fear or distress to another individual through their action. Additionally, criminal harassment may be more difficult to prove without evidence such as text messages, emails, or recordings of phone calls. It is important to know that criminal harassment charges in Toronto can carry serious criminal penalties.

What are the penalties for criminal harassment?

The criminal penalties for criminal harassment in Toronto can vary depending on the severity of the offense and criminal history. Penalties may include fines, probation, or even jail time of up to 10 years if convicted.

Additionally, criminal harassment convictions are considered serious criminal offenses and will be listed on your criminal record. Understanding your legal rights and understanding how to defend yourself against criminal harassment charges in Toronto is essential to protect yourself against potential future criminal charges.

Common defences for criminal harassment charges

If you are facing criminal harassment charges in Toronto, it is important to understand your legal rights and the defences available to you.

Common criminal harassment defences include:

  • You did not have criminal intent
  • The complainant’s allegations are false
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Mistaken identity
  • Self-defence or defence of another

What to do if you are charged with criminal harassment?

If you are charged with criminal harassment it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced criminal lawyer can help you build a defence strategy and protect your rights throughout the criminal process. Your criminal lawyer will advise you on your legal options and ensure that your case is resolved in the best way possible. No matter what criminal charges you are facing, getting the right advice and assistance from an experienced criminal lawyer is essential for obtaining the best outcome for your criminal case.

Criminal harassment charges can be quite severe, and it is important to understand your legal rights and the defences available to you if you are charged with criminal harassment. At Titan Defence LLP, we can help you build a defence strategy and protect your rights throughout the criminal process. Contact us today for your consultation.

Author: Titan LLP

NOTE: THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE AND THIS SHOULD ONLY BE RELIED ON FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. THIS BLOG IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVICE BY AN ACTUAL LAWYER. THE LAW ALSO DYNAMIC IS CHANGES OFTEN, AND AS A RESULT, THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE OUTDATED AFTER TIME. THIS BLOG MUST NOT BE RELIED ON AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ACTUAL LEGAL RESEARCH.