Allen Goldin
Confidential Sexual Assault Defence in the Fraser Valley
Sexual Assault Lawyer in Abbotsford, BC
Allen Goldin is a criminal defence lawyer with an office on South Fraser Way in Abbotsford, British Columbia. He defends people in Abbotsford and across the Fraser Valley who are under investigation for, or charged with, sexual assault and related offences such as sexual interference, luring a child, child pornography and sharing intimate images without consent. Allen works on every file himself, from the first call from Abbotsford Police through bail, Crown disclosure and trial at the Abbotsford Law Courts on Veterans Way, and keeps each case confidential.
The Criminal Code is the same across Canada, but local steps shape how a case unfolds here. The Abbotsford Police Department, the city’s own municipal force rather than the RCMP, investigates most allegations. The Provincial Court and the Supreme Court of BC have shared one courthouse on Veterans Way since 2021. And no-contact conditions can change where you live, work and drive around the city. For every sexual offence charge Allen defends across the province, see our sexual offences defence page, and for other charges see his Abbotsford criminal defence practice.
The First Steps After a Sexual Assault
Allegation in Abbotsford
If Abbotsford Police want to interview you
You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer before you answer questions. Investigators often call to arrange an interview, and anything you say can be used as evidence, so get advice before you agree to one. Do not contact the complainant, even to explain, and keep your messages and photos rather than deleting them.
Released by police or held for bail
After an arrest, police can release you on an undertaking with conditions, or hold you for a bail hearing. If that happens outside court hours, a judicial justice at the Justice Centre hears the bail by video. Conditions in sexual assault cases often include no contact with the complainant and staying away from places they live, work or go to school.
When Crown counsel approve charges
Abbotsford Police send their file to Crown counsel as a Report to Crown Counsel. Crown approves a charge only if there is a substantial likelihood of conviction and a prosecution is in the public interest, and the case then proceeds at the Abbotsford Law Courts.
Sexual Assault Investigations by Abbotsford Police
Most sexual assault allegations in Abbotsford are investigated by the Abbotsford Police Department. A file can move quickly, with an interview request, a search of your phone or an arrest, or slowly over many months. Early advice helps you avoid statements and contact that strengthen the Crown’s case, and lets Allen deal with investigators for you.
Your First Court Date at the Abbotsford Law Courts
Your first appearance will be at the Abbotsford Law Courts, 32375 Veterans Way, at the corner of Trethewey Street. Many first appearances are brief: Crown provides initial disclosure and the case is usually adjourned so the evidence can be reviewed. Check your undertaking or release order for the exact date and time, and bring that paperwork with you. If anything stops you attending, speak to a lawyer before the date, because missing court can lead to a warrant for your arrest.
Provincial Court or Supreme Court: Choosing Your Trial
If the Crown proceeds by indictment, you can usually choose to be tried by a Provincial Court judge, or in the Supreme Court of BC by a judge alone or by a judge and jury. In Abbotsford both courts sit in the same Law Courts building, so the choice is about the kind of trial, not travel. Where the complainant was under 16, the maximum sentence on indictment is 14 years, which also gives you the option of a preliminary inquiry if you choose a Supreme Court trial. Allen explains the trade-offs, including timing and how the evidence will be tested, before you elect.
No-Contact Orders and Release Conditions
Release conditions can keep you away from a shared home in Clearbrook, a workplace on South Fraser Way or a family member’s address, and can bar contact through friends or social media. Allen works for conditions you can live with and applies to change them when circumstances change. A breach is a separate charge, so follow every condition exactly until it is changed. Related: domestic violence charges.
Historical Allegations from the Fraser Valley
Some allegations involve events from years or decades ago, in Abbotsford, Mission or elsewhere in the Fraser Valley. There is no time limit for the Crown to prosecute an indictable offence, so these cases rely on memory, earlier statements and records. School, counselling or medical records held by others can only be obtained through a court application, and Allen decides early whether one is worth bringing. He tests the timeline and each account for consistency.
Allegations Involving Young People or Online Contact
Charges such as sexual interference, luring a child and child pornography often begin with a complaint to Abbotsford Police or an online investigation, followed by a search warrant for phones and computers. Allen reviews whether the search was lawful and what the forensic evidence actually shows.
Evidence Rules That Shape a Sexual Assault Trial
Under section 274 of the Criminal Code, no corroboration is required for a sexual assault conviction, so the complainant’s testimony is tested closely. Section 276 bars using a complainant’s other sexual activity to suggest they were more likely to consent or are less worthy of belief, and evidence of it is allowed only after an application and a ruling by the judge. Separate rules govern access to a complainant’s private records. These questions are usually decided before the evidence is heard.
What a Sexual Assault Defence Costs in Abbotsford
Most cases start with an initial fee for detailed advice on your legal position and options, followed by a fee for the option you choose. Most clients prefer a fixed fee for each stage, such as a trial or a sentencing hearing. The fee depends on the volume of disclosure, the number of court days, any pre-trial applications, and whether the trial is in Provincial Court or the Supreme Court.
Why Choose Allen Goldin Criminal Lawyer
A Personal Approach to Your Case
When you choose Allen Goldin, you work directly with me, not a team or an associate. I handle every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive personalized attention and a strategy tailored to your unique situation. My clients benefit from a relationship built on trust, clear communication, and unwavering dedication.
Experienced and Focused Representation
With years of experience in criminal defence, I focus exclusively on representing individuals facing criminal charges, including sexual offences. This specialization allows me to stay informed on legal developments and deliver the knowledgeable representation your case demands. I approach every case with a commitment to securing the best possible outcome.
Clear and Practical Guidance
Legal matters can be intimidating, but I prioritize making the process straightforward for my clients. From explaining your options to outlining each step of the defense strategy, I ensure you feel informed and supported throughout your case. My direct and honest communication helps you understand what to expect and how we will address your concerns.
Our Process
Speak with
Allen Goldin
Call me, email me or fill out our form to discuss your case and get immediate guidance tailored to your situation.
Schedule a
free consultation
I prioritize meeting with clients quickly—often the same day or the next day. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, get immediate guidance, and begin exploring your legal options.
Work with
Allen Goldin
Partner with me to fight for your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
I am here to guide you through every step of the process with professionalism, dedication, and personalized support.
Sexual Assault Questions from Abbotsford Clients
Sexual Assault Charges in Abbotsford
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Which court hears sexual assault cases in Abbotsford?
Sexual assault charges laid in Abbotsford are heard at the Abbotsford Law Courts, 32375 Veterans Way. The case starts in Provincial Court. If the Crown proceeds by indictment and you choose a Supreme Court trial, the Supreme Court of BC hears it in the same building.
Can I choose a jury trial for sexual assault?
Usually, yes, if the Crown proceeds by indictment. You can elect a trial by a Provincial Court judge, by a Supreme Court judge alone, or by a Supreme Court judge and jury. If the Crown proceeds summarily, the trial is before a Provincial Court judge without a jury.
Who investigates sexual assault allegations in Abbotsford?
The Abbotsford Police Department, the city’s own municipal police force, investigates most allegations in Abbotsford. When investigators believe a charge is warranted, they send a Report to Crown Counsel, and Crown decides whether to approve the charge.
How long does a sexual assault case take?
It varies with the evidence and the court. Under the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in R v Jordan, delay is presumed unreasonable if a case takes longer than 18 months from charge to the end of trial in Provincial Court, or 30 months in the Supreme Court, after subtracting delay caused by the defence.
Defending a Sexual Assault Charge
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Do I have to give Abbotsford Police a statement about a sexual assault allegation?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer. Talk to a lawyer before any interview about the allegation, because your statement can be used as evidence at trial.
Can I contact the complainant to sort things out?
No. If you have a no-contact condition, any contact, including messages through friends or on social media, can lead to a new charge. Even without conditions, contact can be used as evidence against you, so let your lawyer handle any communication.
Can a no-contact order keep me out of my home?
Yes. If you live with the complainant, release conditions can require you to stay away from that address. You can apply to change the conditions if your situation changes, and Allen handles these applications.
What if the complainant no longer wants to go ahead?
The decision belongs to Crown counsel, not the complainant. Crown reassesses the case as it develops and can stay the charges if the charge approval standard is no longer met, so a complainant’s wishes can matter, but they do not end the case on their own.
Can I be convicted on the complainant's word alone?
It is possible. Under section 274 of the Criminal Code, corroboration is not required for a sexual assault conviction. That is why the complainant’s evidence, and any messages, timelines or records, are examined closely before and during trial.
Can the complainant's sexual history be raised at trial?
Only in limited circumstances. Section 276 of the Criminal Code bars using a complainant’s other sexual activity to suggest they were more likely to consent or are less worthy of belief. Evidence of specific instances may be allowed only after a defence application and a ruling by the judge.
Are sexual assault charges against a young person handled differently?
Yes. Young people aged 12 to 17 are dealt with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which has its own procedures, sentencing options and record rules.
Take Control of Your Case Today
Allen takes sexual assault cases from every part of the city, whether the allegation comes from Clearbrook or Mill Lake in the centre, Aberdeen on the west side, or the rural streets of Matsqui Prairie, Sumas Prairie and Sumas Mountain, and from neighbouring Mission across the Fraser River. If Abbotsford Police have contacted you or you have been charged with sexual assault, speak to a lawyer before you say anything. Allen Goldin’s Abbotsford office is at 32615 South Fraser Way 104 Office 1221, Abbotsford, BC V2T 1X8. Call 778-251-9391 to talk about your case, and see our criminal defence FAQs for more on bail and court.