Calgary assault charges are fact-specific. If you were charged with an assault crime, time may be of the essence, and you need experienced legal counsel on your side who can safeguard all your legal rights.

At Bourdon Defence, we understand that assault charges are extremely serious—and that a conviction can lead to significant long-term consequences with the potential to hinder your long-term personal and professional goals.

Our criminal defence attorneys may assist you in formulating good legal defences to your assault charge, obtaining a dismissal of your assault charge in court, or obtaining a favorable plea deal. They may also help you obtain a lighter penalty or sentence upon conviction.

Grounds for Assault Under Canada’s Criminal Code

Under the Canadian Criminal Code, to be charged with or convicted of assault, one of the following must be true:

• The accused, without the consent of the other person, intentionally applies force against that other person—either directly or indirectly.
• The accused attempts or threatens to apply force against another person. The accused must also have a reasonable means of carrying out this threat, or the victim must believe that the accused has a present ability to carry out this threat.
• The accused, while openly wearing or carrying a deadly or dangerous weapon, accosts or impedes another person, placing that person in fear of imminent bodily harm.

Variations on these assault charges, such as an assault on a police officer, correctional officer, or prison inmate, all carry additional penalties.

Defences Against Calgary Assault Charges

Canadian law provides various legal defences against assault charges incurred in Calgary. A knowledgeable criminal defence attorney may help you formulate a good legal defence against your pending assault charge. Common defences to assault charges include:

• Alibi
• Mistake of fact
• Lack of criminal intent
• Coercion by someone else
• Duress
• Self-defence (that is, using force or a threat of force against someone else for self-protection or self-preservation)
• Defence of another
• Falsification of an alleged victim’s story (usually in cases where child custody is involved)

Contact a Calgary Assault Defence Attorney Today for a Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

Never take an assault case lightly. An assault charge or conviction may result in a criminal record and can keep you from pursuing your personal and professional goals, such as getting an education or keeping a good job. A knowledgeable Calgary criminal defence lawyer can analyze all of the facts and circumstances of your case and help formulate good legal defences against your assault charge, which may help you in court.

A criminal defence lawyer can represent you throughout your case, from beginning to end. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a Calgary criminal defence lawyer, please call us today at (403) 474 4143 or contact us online.