Violent Crimes

Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Aggravated Assault

In Canada, an assault charge can arise from any unwanted physical contact, even if no injury results. Assault covers situations ranging from minor altercations and heated arguments to more serious allegations involving weapons or injuries. A conviction can result in fines, probation, or jail, and always leaves you with a criminal record.

The consequences of an assault conviction extend well beyond the courtroom. A criminal record can affect your employment, limit professional licensing, and create difficulties with international travel. Even a first offence may result in probation conditions, restraining orders, or mandatory counselling, all of which can disrupt your daily life.

Because assault cases often involve conflicting versions of events, defences such as self-defence or consent may apply. Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that the court hears your side of the story.

Criminal Harassment

Criminal harassment often arises in the context of strained personal relationships, breakups, or workplace disputes. It includes conduct like repeatedly contacting someone, following them, or making them fear for their safety. A conviction can bring probation, restraining orders, or jail, depending on the seriousness of the allegations.

The impact of a harassment charge goes far beyond penalties. It can jeopardize employment, especially in positions requiring trust or professional accreditation. It may also limit your ability to contact family members, including children, while proceedings are ongoing.

Because these charges often stem from misunderstandings or emotionally charged situations, a strong defence can focus on intent, credibility, and whether the conduct truly met the threshold for harassment. Skilled representation is essential to minimize the damage.

Uttering Threats of Death or Bodily Harm

A charge of uttering threats means the Crown alleges you threatened to cause death, bodily harm, or damage to property. These cases are taken seriously even if no physical harm occurred. A conviction can result in probation, fines, or jail, and leaves you with a criminal record that may restrict employment and travel.

Threats charges often arise during moments of anger, heated arguments, or text message exchanges. Words spoken in frustration can have lasting legal consequences if they are perceived as threats. Courts frequently impose no-contact orders or strict bail conditions, which can complicate family life and employment.

An experienced defence lawyer can examine the context of the allegation, the credibility of the complainant, and whether the words were truly intended as threats. This is crucial to protecting your future.

Forcible Confinement

Forcible confinement is the criminal offence of preventing someone from moving freely, even for a short time. It is often charged in connection with domestic disputes or workplace altercations, and it carries serious penalties — including the possibility of jail.

A conviction for forcible confinement can have devastating personal and professional consequences. Beyond the sentence itself, it marks you with a criminal record for a violent offence, which can affect employment, child custody arrangements, and international travel.

These cases are often complex, with disputes about whether a person was truly prevented from leaving or whether the incident arose from misunderstanding. A skilled defence lawyer can challenge the evidence and ensure that your rights are protected.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual contact, ranging from unwanted touching to serious allegations of sexual violence. These charges are among the most serious in Canadian criminal law, carrying the possibility of lengthy jail sentences, mandatory registration on the Sex Offender Registry, and life-altering social consequences.

The impact of a sexual assault conviction goes far beyond sentencing. Employment opportunities, professional licensing, and the ability to travel internationally can be permanently affected. Accused persons often face immediate bail conditions that restrict contact with partners, children, or workplaces, adding further strain.

Defending against sexual assault allegations requires careful attention to credibility, consent, and the specific evidence presented. Given the stakes, having experienced criminal defence counsel is critical to ensuring a fair process and the best possible outcome.