Assault
Assault and Violent Offences Lawyer in Edmonton, AB
Assault is one of the more common charges laid by police in Alberta. The Criminal Code charge of Assault includes every form of physical contact on another person where they do not consent. This typically includes a push, a punch, and/or a kick. More serious forms of Assault include charges of Assault with a Weapon, Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Aggravated Assault.
Being convicted of Assault will almost always lead to a Criminal Record, and often will result in a jail sentence, even on a first offence. Common defences include self-defence, consensual fights, and flat-out proof that what was alleged did not occur.
At RG Defence Law, our Edmonton criminal lawyer have significant experience dealing with and defeating allegations of assault and violent offences, using defences such as:
- Self-defence (or defence of property)
- Consent (consensual fights)
- What was alleged did not occur (contradictory versions of events)
We will help you build a strong defence that will help you achieve a favourable outcome, whether it’s a reduced sentence such as probation or a fine, or an outright acquittal. If you’ve been charged with assault or any other violent offence, contact us to set up a meeting. Once retained, we will immediately begin working on your case.
Learn more about the different assault charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the penalties they carry below.
Assault Defined
Assault is one of the most common charges laid by police in Alberta. Under the Criminal Code, the charge of assault includes every form of physical contact with another person where they do not consent. This typically consists of a push, punch and/or kick.
More serious forms of assault include the following charges:
Assault with a Weapon
Assault with a weapon is a physical assault that involves an object used as a weapon, with the intention to cause harm. The following are some examples of items that can be considered weapons:
- Knives
- Baseball bats
- Hammers
- Glass bottles
Assault Causing Bodily Harm
Assault Causing Bodily Harm includes any any hurt or injury to a person that interferes with the health or comfort of the person
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated Assault is defined by section 268 of the Criminal Code as an assault that results in the wounding, maiming or disfigurement of the complainant, or that otherwise endangers their life.
The Most Common Sentences for Assault
Being convicted of any of the above assault offences in Canada will lead to a criminal record and will often lead to a jail sentence – even on a first offence.
The minimum and maximum sentences for the various assault charges are as follows:
Simple Assault
There is no minimum sentence for simple assault. As for the maximum sentence available for assault in Canada, if the Crown proceeds by Indictment, the maximum sentence that can be imposed is five years in prison. The maximum penalty is two years less-a-day if the Crown proceeds by way of summary conviction.
While this may sound alarming, rest assured that with a strong defence and an experienced Edmonton assault lawyer, we are able to keep many clients out of jail.
Assault Causing Bodily Harm
There is no minimum sentence for this charge. The maximum penalty that may be handed down is 10 years in prison for an indictable offence, or two years less-a-day for summary conviction.
Assault with a Weapon
The penalty for this charge is the same as assault causing bodily harm. There is no minimum sentence, with a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for an indictable offence, or two years less-a-day for summary conviction.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault is a serious charge that comes with more severe penalties. While there is no minimum sentence, anyone charged with aggravated assault will be indicted and faces up to 14 years in prison.
Edmonton’s Leading Assault and Violent Offences Lawyers
Have you been charged with assault in Edmonton? Don’t hastily plead guilty before contacting RG Defence. Our team of committed lawyers believe that the best defence is a good defence. No matter the type of assault you have been charged with, our assault lawyers in Edmonton will use their extensive legal knowledge and their experience dealing with Alberta Crown Prosecutors to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Call 587.982.8152 or complete our contact form to get started on your defence and protect your future.
