Assault Lawyer in Toronto

Assisting You With Assault Charges

Are you accused of committing an assault? Even charges of “simple assault” can lead to serious consequences. The penalties for assault are significantly increased when an assault causes injuries. When you face charges of assault in Toronto, consulting with a seasoned assault lawyer in Toronto is a crucial step before you make any critical decisions or answer questions from law enforcement about what occurred.

Assault Charges: Experienced Assault Lawyer in Toronto

At AR Law, our team of skilled legal experts brings a breadth of experience to every defence, which could significantly assist in reducing the risks associated with a conviction. There are scenarios where charges might be dismissed due to various factors, including self-defence, rights violations, or errors by the Crown Attorney. Even when the charges proceed to court, our commitment is to advocate vigorously to seek the most favourable outcome. We invite you to reach out to us to explore how we can help you pursue an outcome that avoids jail time, fines, and other consequences.

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Types of Assault Charges in Ontario

Canadian law does not explicitly use the term “battery” as a separate offence. The allegation that an assault led to bodily harm may be referred to as “battery.” Assault and battery may describe serious criminal charges such as assault with a weapon or assault causing bodily harm.

Simple Assault

An act of violence, or even the mere threat of it, can lead to a charge of simple assault. Physical harm or contact is not a requisite for this criminal charge. A charge of “simple assault” can be filed in cases in which no weapon was used, and no physical harm was caused to a victim. Charges of simple assault may be filed against an individual who threatens another person verbally or cases involving a slap, push, or other minor physical attack.

Assault Causing Bodily Harm

Injuries ranging from minor bruises to more severe physical harm can elevate a charge to assault causing bodily harm. The physical harm can include cuts, fractures, bruising, or other physical harm.

Domestic Assault

Assault charges in the context of a domestic or intimate relationship often carry more severe penalties. When the physical harm is alleged to have been inflicted on a domestic partner, the charges will be filed as domestic assault, with more severe penalties imposed in a conviction.

Assault With a Weapon

Using any object as a weapon can lead to more serious charges, including items such as a bottle or a stick. A charge of “assault with a weapon” is filed when it is alleged that another party was wounded, disfigured, or that the life of the victim was at risk in the assault. The injuries sustained by a victim can be permanent, and the penalties imposed reflect the grave nature of this offence. Aggravated assault is a felony offence and carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

Aggravated Assault

Assaults that pose a life-threatening risk or cause significant bodily injury are classified as aggravated assault. The penalties imposed can be up to 14 years in prison. Wounding, maiming, or disfiguring another person in a physical attack or altercation can lead to charges of aggravated assault being filed against you. Aggravating factors can include physical harm inflicted on a vulnerable individual, evidence that the attack was planned, the accused was motivated by bias or hate due to the ethnicity of the victim, or the assault is alleged to have been associated with any criminal group or activity, and some other influencing factors.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is considered extremely serious, with long-lasting consequences on one’s life and reputation. Being accused of sexual assault or violence against a stranger can have far-reaching implications. At AR Law, our assault lawyers have honed their defence strategies through years of practice. While no outcome can be guaranteed, our law firm is dedicated to seeking the most effective defence to help you fight back against sexual assault charges. The penalties imposed in a summary conviction can be up to 18 months in prison. When the alleged victim is under 16, the penalties can be up to 14 years in prison.

Penalties in Assault Charges in Toronto

The penalties for assault can be life-changing. It is imperative to ensure you have the support of a talented, experienced assault defence lawyer in Toronto to help you through the process, protect your rights, and seek the most favourable outcome possible. A consultation with our criminal assault lawyer in Toronto is crucial to understand the potential repercussions you could face if convicted.

Can You Defend a Charge of Assault?

Every assault charge has unique facts and evidence. The first step in developing a powerful case for the defence is a complete evaluation of the situation that led to being arrested and charged with an assault crime. The type of defence strategies that could be employed includes the following:

• Self Defence: When your actions were in response to a physical attack by another party, you have the right to defend against an attack when the act of self-defence is considered a “reasonable” response under the circumstances.
• Lack of Intent: The assault was in response to some external event or involved an unintentional degree of force. The accused individual had no intent to harm another in the incident.
• Defence of Property: Defending your property or that of another party can be a successful defence. You have the right to use reasonable force to protect your property.
• Consent: This defence may be necessary when accused of sexual assault, when consent was given, and the act was consensual, but the alleged victim later claims the act was an assault.

Given these serious potential repercussions, it is essential to prevent a criminal record of assault. Therefore, it is advisable to seek counsel from a Toronto-based assault lawyer.

Role of a Lawyer in Violent Crime Charges

An experienced Toronto assault lawyer can offer substantial assistance. Their primary role is to ensure the rights and interests of the accused are protected. Being arrested and charged with assault does not necessarily lead to a conviction, but the case must be fully evaluated to determine how to best proceed with a defence case. The investigation into the facts may reveal procedural errors that could allow a case dismissal.

Defence Against Assault Charges

Even if a conviction seems inevitable, legal expertise from a Toronto assault defence lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of the criminal charges. An adept lawyer can take action to reduce the charges or negotiate a plea bargain that allows you to avoid jail time. Don’t risk your freedom; seek the expertise of a Toronto assault lawyer.

What Is A Summary Conviction for Simple Assault?

A summary conviction allows for a faster resolution for a minor assault offence. The process involves a court appearance and a fast trial, with sentencing typically including fines, probation, or a short term in prison. These assault charges, also termed “common assault,” will not involve physical harm to the alleged victim in the assault. While a summary conviction can be an effective way to resolve a minor assault charge, it is important to note that the conviction will appear on your criminal record, potentially leading to difficulties with employment.

Seek Legal Guidance from a Toronto Assault Lawyer

Facing assault charges, regardless of the presence of physical contact, demands an appreciation of the seriousness of your situation. Allegations of simple assault leading to a summary conviction can result in jail time, and indictable offences could carry sentences of up to five years or more, depending on the severity of the charges.

Speak with Our Lawyers Today

Hiring AR Law for criminal defence in Ontario provides crucial benefits that can result in a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our team analyzes every detail of the charges against you, challenges any evidence that violates your rights, and crafts strong defence strategies tailored to your unique situation. We negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges and, when necessary, fight aggressively in court to defend your rights. With a deep understanding of Ontario’s criminal laws and years of experience, AR Law guides clients through every step of the legal process, protecting their future and reputation.

Your Assault Defence Lawyer in Toronto: AR Law

Our firm brings over two decades of service to the Toronto community. Our founder, Arvin Ross, is deeply committed to protecting the rights and interests of the individuals he represents. Mr. Ross is a talented, energetic defence lawyer known for his ability to present a well-supported, persuasive case in court. His breadth of knowledge, experience, and strategic approach have proven to benefit many of his clients throughout his years in practice. Your case will be under the care of a defence lawyer who offers a safe, supportive space, where you will be met with understanding, clear, honest, and open communication, and skilled criminal defence for assault charges.

This underscores the importance of having a dedicated assault lawyer in Toronto to guide you in these stressful criminal cases. At AR Law, we are committed to diligently pursuing the most positive outcomes for the people we serve. No matter the gravity of the charges, you deserve a robust defence from an assault defence lawyer you can trust to go the distance in defending you.

Contact us at (416) 960-0781 for a complimentary consultation to help you learn about the legal options that could help you resolve an assault charge.