Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Lawyer in Edmonton, AB
Domestic Violence accusations sometimes arise in troubled relationships. With a zero-tolerance approach to domestic abuse, the prosecution and police often prioritize such cases.
A conviction carries serious consequences and can profoundly impact your life. Hiring a criminal defence lawyer to represent you in court is crucial if you’ve been accused of domestic violence.
At RG Defence, our exceptional and experienced team of domestic violence lawyers will provide quality representation as we fight these allegations.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence, also referred to as domestic assault, is violence between family members or persons in intimate relationships. It can involve spouses, common-law partners, dating couples, parents, guardians, children and in some cases, extended family. Domestic violence may include acts of:
- Kicking, hitting, punching, biting or pushing
- Stalking
- Throwing objects or causing another person bodily harm of any kind
- Threatening a person or their family members with injury or death
- Sexual violence
Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction
Domestic Violence charges are always aggravated by the existence of a relationship of trust between the parties. This is due to the special relationship between the alleged offender and victim and the domestic setting of the crime. If a court in Alberta finds you guilty of assault in a domestic context the punishment is often a significant jail sentence. First-time offenders represented by experienced counsel can often receive a more lenient sentence, including conditional or intermittent jail terms, fines or alternative measures.
Other potential consequences include:
- Orders to provide a DNA sample
- Restraining or protective orders, which can be issued whether or not a victim wants to maintain contact
- Weapons prohibition orders
- Immigration consequences, including travel restrictions to other countries
- Difficulty gaining employment or pursuing certain occupations
In Alberta, the victim has no actual authority to drop a domestic assault charge. The prosecution and police may still decide to pursue criminal charges even if the victim doesn’t want to proceed.
Factors That May Affect Your Domestic Violence Sentence
Generally, domestic violence convictions vary greatly depending on the specific violence that is alleged. Relevant information includes:
- The extent of physical injuries inflicted (if it was a case of aggravated assault)
- Presence or absence of sexual assault allegations
- If the offender has a prior police record or criminal convictions, particularly if it is domestic-related
- If the victim is a vulnerable person
Why Should You Hire a Criminal Defence Lawyer?
Representing yourself in court without experience or assistance can have disastrous results. If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, seek the advice of a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer has the skills, knowledge and emotional detachment to handle domestic assault cases. Ideally, you should consult a domestic violence lawyer before speaking to the police. Anything you say can be used against you as evidence.
Are You Looking for a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Alberta?
If you’ve been accused of domestic assault, contact our team of Edmonton Criminal Defence Lawyers.
Our domestic violence lawyers have successfully argued hundreds of domestic assault cases. They will thoroughly investigate your case and protect your legal rights throughout the proceedings.
Call us today at 587.982.8152 or fill out our contact form to speak to our experienced domestic violence lawyers and get started with your defence today.
