03 / 12 · Criminal Code, ss. 264.1 – 268, 343
Assault & Violent Offences
Violent-offence allegations carry serious consequences and are often more complicated than the police synopsis suggests. We investigate witness accounts, video, and the full context, including self-defence.
- Assault
- Assault causing bodily harm
- Assault with a weapon
- Uttering threats
- Robbery
What is at stake
Why this charge needs a real defence.
These charges range from a simple assault to aggravated assault, which carries up to 14 years, and robbery, which carries up to life. A conviction usually brings a weapons prohibition and a DNA order, and a record for violence is among the hardest to live with at work, at the border, and in family court.
How it is done
How we build your defence.
- 1
Preserve evidence quickly
Surveillance footage is overwritten within days and memories fade within weeks. We identify cameras, witnesses, messages, and medical records early, while they can still be secured.
- 2
Take the Crown's case apart
We compare each witness's statements against one another, against the video, and against the physical evidence. Inconsistencies about who did what, and when, matter a great deal when the standard is proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- 3
Build the defence
Self-defence, defence of another person, defence of property, consent, accident, and mistaken identity are all recognized in law. We develop the evidence needed to put the right one before the court.
- 4
Resolve or try the case
Some cases are best resolved through a peace bond, diversion, or a discharge that leaves no conviction. Others should be tried. You will get a candid assessment of both paths.
What we look for
The issues that decide these cases.
- 01
Self-defence
If you reasonably believed force was being used or threatened against you and responded reasonably, the Crown must disprove self-defence beyond a reasonable doubt.
- 02
Credibility and reliability
Many assault cases come down to competing accounts. Careful cross-examination is often the whole defence.
- 03
Identification
Eyewitness identification is a well-known cause of wrongful convictions, especially in fast, chaotic events.
- 04
Statements to police
A statement that was not voluntary, or was taken in breach of your right to counsel, may be excluded.
Possible outcomes
What a good result can look like.
- Charges withdrawn in exchange for a peace bond
- Acquittal on the basis of self-defence or reasonable doubt
- Reduction to a less serious offence
- An absolute or conditional discharge instead of a conviction
Every case turns on its own facts. These are examples of results that may be available, not a prediction or guarantee of the outcome in your matter.
Questions
What people ask us first.
No. Once police lay a charge, the decision to continue belongs to the Crown, not the complainant. The complainant's wishes are considered, but they do not control the outcome.
Police often charge based on the first account they hear, or charge both people. Self-defence is decided by the court on all of the evidence, and it is a complete defence when it applies.
Next step
Talk to us about your assault & violent offences matter.
A short conversation now can prevent mistakes that are hard to undo later. What you tell us is confidential.
