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Facing a Domestic Assault Charge in Oshawa?
Protect Your Freedom, Your Family, and Your Future.
Call Oshawa Criminal Lawyer Jeffrey Smart Today
You have options — and getting the right advice now can change everything.
✅ Free consultation available
✅ Clear, honest advice about your options
✅ Strategic defence focused on results
👉 Call Now: (705) 710-6038
Jeffrey Smart is here to stand with you, protect your best interests, and work toward the best outcome possible — no matter how tough things feel right now.
What You’ll Find On This Page
👉 What happens after you’re charged with domestic assault?
👉 Can you see your family, go home, or return to work?
👉 Will your relationship survive — and can you rebuild after charges?
👉 Could you end up with a criminal record or jail?
👉 What defences may apply to your case?
👉 How an experienced defence lawyer can help protect your future.
Charged With Domestic Assault? You’re Not Alone — And You Have Options
Being charged with domestic assault can turn your life upside down.
You might be feeling shocked, angry, confused — or completely overwhelmed.
Sometimes a call is made in the heat of the moment.
Sometimes things are taken out of context.
Sometimes the accusation is false.
But whatever happened, you're now in a situation where everything feels like it’s spiraling — and you're not sure what to do.
That’s why it’s so important to talk to someone who will listen without judgment, give you honest advice, and help you find a way forward.
Your next steps matter. And the right lawyer can make all the difference.
Why Facing Domestic Assault Charges Is So Serious
In Canada, domestic assault is treated with extra attention by police, prosecutors, and the courts.
That means even a minor incident can lead to:
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Strict release conditions (like no-contact orders)
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Damage to your reputation and relationships
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Loss of access to your home or children
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A permanent criminal record
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Jail time or probation
Even if the complainant wants to drop the charges, the Crown can still proceed.
👉 Don’t wait. Get legal advice now from someone who knows how to defend these charges — and win.
👉 Call Jeffrey Smart today at (705) 710-6038 for a free consultation.
When You Can’t Go Home or See Your Family
One of the hardest parts of being charged with domestic assault is being forced to leave your home and cut off contact with your family.
You may not be allowed to return home or speak to your spouse or children — even if they want contact.
These no-contact orders are common, but they're not always permanent.
In many cases, Jeffrey Smart can apply to change your bail conditions so you can return home or see your family again where appropriate.
When Relationships Continue After Charges
Domestic assault cases are complicated — not just legally, but emotionally.
Unlike other charges, these often involve people in long-term relationships. Many accused and complainants share homes, children, and lives together.
In some cases, both people want to reconcile. In others, both want to find a safe way to move forward — whether that means staying together or not.
But these decisions don’t always align with the legal process. The Crown’s job is to protect the complainant. Your lawyer’s job is to protect you, while also understanding how these real-world relationships work.
Jeffrey Smart understands that many people charged with domestic assault want solutions that protect both their future and their family relationships — and will work to help you find legal resolutions that respect both.
Will This Affect My Job or Reputation?
Even before trial, a domestic assault charge can cause serious damage to your career, professional reputation, and financial future — especially if you work in a regulated profession or hold a position of trust.
Jeffrey Smart understands what’s at stake — and works to protect your record and reputation at every stage of your defence.
What Is Considered Domestic Assault in Oshawa?
Domestic assault includes more than just physical violence. It can involve:
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Verbal threats or yelling
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Emotional or psychological abuse
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Controlling behaviour
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Pushing, grabbing, or blocking
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Any form of unwanted physical contact during a dispute
It applies to spouses, partners, exes, family members, and roommates.
If you’ve been charged — or are under investigation — you need to speak with a lawyer right away.
Strategic Defence for Domestic Assault Charges
Jeffrey Smart builds every defence based on the unique facts of your case. Depending on the situation, possible strategies include:
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Exposing false allegations or exaggeration
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Challenging the credibility of witnesses
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Raising reasonable doubt based on lack of evidence
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Arguing self-defence or mutual confrontation
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Uncovering police mistakes or Charter violations
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Negotiating for withdrawal, peace bond, or diversion
The goal is simple: Protect your record, your freedom, and your future.
Negotiation & Knowing When to Fight
A key part of defending domestic assault charges is knowing how — and when — to negotiate the best possible outcome.
The Crown takes these cases seriously. Their job is to protect the complainant and the public.
Your lawyer’s job is to protect you — your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Because Jeffrey Smart understands both the law and how domestic assault cases actually work in real life, they can often negotiate outcomes that balance everyone’s concerns — whether that means changing bail conditions, repairing family relationships, or resolving the case without a conviction.
But negotiation isn’t always enough.
Sometimes, the only way to protect your interests is to fully contest the charges and fight for you in court.
You want a lawyer who is ready for both — someone who knows how to negotiate from a position of strength, but isn’t afraid to fight when necessary.
Jeffrey Smart brings both experience and judgment to every case — knowing when to push for resolution, and when to take the fight into the courtroom.
What To Do After You’ve Been Charged
If you’ve been charged with domestic assault, here’s what to do right away:
❌ Don’t contact the complainant — even if they reach out.
🤐 Don’t explain yourself to police — what you say might be misunderstood or misinterpreted, and anything you say can be used in court.
✅ Call a criminal defence lawyer immediately — time is critical.
📲 Save any messages, photos, or evidence.
🗓️ Show up to every required court appearance.
The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of success.
💬 What People Say
“I thought my life was over. I wasn’t allowed to go home or talk to my kids. I felt like nobody was listening to me. But my lawyer explained everything clearly and fought to get the conditions changed. I finally felt like someone was on my side.”
🔍 Real Example
A man was charged with domestic assault after an argument with his spouse escalated. He was released with no-contact conditions and banned from returning home. The complainant didn’t want to press charges, but the Crown still proceeded.
After reviewing the disclosure and presenting a plan of counselling and accountability, Jeffrey Smart negotiated a peace bond — with no criminal conviction and no criminal record. The client was later allowed to return home.
🔗 Need a Bit More Information?
Every situation is different. If you're looking for more information while you consider your next steps, these pages may help:
Worried about pleading guilty too soon?
See our Never Plead Guilty page to understand why rushing into a plea can often create bigger problems than you realize.
Wondering how serious the penalties might be?
Visit our Criminal Penalties page to see what’s really at stake.
Concerned about how much a lawyer might cost?
Check out our Legal Fees page — legal help may be more affordable than you think.
Thinking about representing yourself?
Visit our "Can I Represent Myself?" page for a clear explanation of the risks involved.
Want to learn more about how we help clients facing criminal charges?
Visit our Criminal Defence Home Page to see all the charges we handle.
Every Situation Is Different — That’s Why You Need Reliable Legal Advice
No website can give you advice tailored to your exact situation.
The real answers come after you speak with an experienced criminal defence lawyer who can review your facts, explain your options, and help you protect your future.
👉 Call Jeffrey Smart today at (705) 710-6038 for a free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens after I’m charged with domestic assault in Oshawa?
You’ll likely be released on bail with strict conditions — including a no-contact order. A court date will be set. Speak with Jeffrey Smart as soon as possible to understand your conditions and start building your defence.
Q: Can the complainant drop the charges?
Not directly. In Canada, it’s the Crown Prosecutor — not the complainant — who decides whether the case proceeds. Even if your partner wants to withdraw the complaint, the Crown may continue. A lawyer can help you navigate this and advocate for resolution where possible.
Q: Will I go to jail for domestic assault?
It depends on the facts of the case. For first-time offences, alternatives may be available — like diversion, counselling programs, or a peace bond. But every situation is different. Jeffrey Smart will explain your options and fight for the best possible outcome.
Q: Will this stay on my criminal record?
Only if you’re convicted. That’s why building a strong defence is critical. In many cases, Jeffrey Smart can help avoid a conviction — protecting your record and your future.
Q: Can I go home or see my kids?
Maybe. If your bail conditions say you can’t return home or have contact with certain people, Jeffrey Smart can apply to change those conditions where appropriate. Every case is different — but this is one of the first issues we’ll discuss with you.
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