Charges Defended: Assault

In Canadian law, assault covers a range of charges that involve intentionally hurting or threatening to hurt another person.

If you’re being charged with assault, you’ll be asked to attend court to defend against the charge. You may be asked to visit a police detachment for fingerprinting. If you are a client of RTG Law Group, we may be able to get this requirement waived in less serious summary proceedings.

In cases of spousal assault, the court is likely to ask that the accused have no contact with the victim.

If you have questions about an assault-related charge, call Rishi Gill and Team at 604.899.1436. Your initial consultation with Rishi is no charge and includes a review of your case, possible defences and courses of action. When you call, you will speak to Rishi Gill directly (not a paralegal or assistant), so you can be assured that the counsel you receive will be timely and discrete.

What’s the law on assault in Canada?

Generally speaking, assault refers to the application or threat of force against a person without that person’s consent.

Under the Canadian Criminal Code, there are three types of assault: simple assault (section 266), assault with weapon or causing bodily harm (section 267) and aggravated assault (section 268). A charge of simple assault is the least serious and the most common.

What’s the law on assault in Canada?

Generally speaking, assault refers to the application or threat of force against a person without that person’s consent.

Under the Canadian Criminal Code, there are three types of assault: simple assault (section 266), assault with weapon or causing bodily harm (section 267) and aggravated assault (section 268). A charge of simple assault is the least serious and the most common.

What happens if I get convicted of assault?

If you are charged and convicted summarily with simple assault, the maximum penalty is six months in jail. On the other end of the scale, if you are charged and convicted by indictment of aggravated assault, you could spend up to 14 years in jail.

What are common defences for assault?

Self-defence is a common justification for the use of reasonable physical force. This might include a situation where you incapacitate an intruder in your home.

You may also be able to argue that a fight was “consensual” if both parties were involved and no serious bodily harm was caused.

What should I do if I’m charged with assault? Do I need a lawyer?

Even the most common forms of assault are serious crimes. Such convictions can leave a serious black mark on your criminal record and limit future opportunities. You should definitely seek legal counsel if you are being charged with assault, and a good criminal defence lawyer can help fight or reduce these charges. If you are being charged with assault, call Rishi Gill and Team today at 604.899.1436 for a free consultation.