Assault and Violent Offences Lawyers in Edmonton, AB

Assault is one of the more common charges laid by police in Alberta. Assault is legally defined as the application of force or the threat of using force against someone, without their consent. Assault includes strikes, pushes, punches and kicks. It can also include grabbing, holding, spitting and minor contact that might appear minimal. The Criminal Code of Canada has expanded the scope of liability for assault to include threatening acts and gestures, meaning that the actual application of force may not be necessary for a conviction.

Violent offences involve intentionally harming or threatening harm to another person. This category includes:

• Assault: When someone intentionally uses force on another person without their permission. 

• Assault with a Weapon: The application of force using a weapon. Under the Criminal Code, anything can be considered a weapon, this is not limited to 'actual weapons'.

• Assault Causing Bodily Harm: When the assault causes harm, but less serious than aggravated assault.
   
• Aggravated Assault: This happens when someone causes serious harm or injury during an assault.

Being convicted of a violent offence will almost always lead to a criminal record, and often will result in a jail sentence, even for a first offence. Common defences include self-defence, consensual fight, and flat-out proof that what was alleged did not occur.

Our Criminal Defence lawyers have significant experience dealing with and defeating allegations of assault and violent offences. Contact us before you plead guilty.