A restraining order is a type of court order that is issued by a family court judge. The order spells out what you can and cannot do, where you can and cannot go, and with whom you can communicate. The person requesting the restraining order is oftentimes a spouse or significant other who is alleging abuse or harassment.

At Bourdon Defence, we understand that domestic violence charges are extremely serious and that a conviction can have significant long-term ramifications.

Even though domestic violence hearings are relatively short legal proceedings with each side calling only a few witnesses, it is still extremely important that you have an experienced criminal defence lawyer representing you in the courtroom.

 Violence is violence. Simple, right? Yes and no. The law considers assault against someone you are in an intimate relationship with as more serious. This is because the law views these relationships as ones wherein the individuals trust one another.

Domestic violence covers a wide range of offences under the Criminal Code of Canada. Those offences can include both physical abuse as well as sexual abuse. Domestic violence cases often go to court, and a judge or jury decides the outcome. Not having legal representation in your corner throughout a domestic violence case can be a serious mistake.

Being arrested for a crime of domestic violence in Calgary can be a truly scary experience. The arrestee may have never been arrested or charged with a criminal offence under the Calgary Criminal Code before.

Domestic violence laws under the Criminal Code of Canada exist for one purpose: to protect victims of abuse from dangerous situations and people. If you are found guilty or convicted of domestic violence in Calgary, a court could issue a restraining order or protective order against you.

Canada’s Criminal Code contains no specific offence that is termed “family violence” or “domestic violence.” This seems like a significant omission when the Criminal Code makes domestic violence an “aggravating factor” for sentencing purposes if the crime involves abuse—physical or sexual, and probably psychological or emotional—of a spouse or common-law partner, abuse of a person younger than 18 or abuse of a position of trust or authority.