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.

A lawyer can ensure that you and any witnesses are fully prepared to testify at the hearing. A lawyer can also effectively cross-examine the opposing side’s witnesses. If you face domestic violence charges, the Calgary criminal defence lawyers at Bourdon Defence can help you make a good impression at your hearing while pursuing the best outcome possible in your case.

What Constitutes a Domestic Assault Charge?

The Criminal Code of Canada does not mention a specific offence for domestic assault. Instead, the Code incorporates domestic assault within the various assault sections listed. In a nutshell, domestic assault simply refers to an assault which occurs within the confines of a couple’s domestic relationship.

How a Lawyer Can Help at a Domestic Violence Hearing

In order to obtain the best possible outcome, it is essential that you have strong legal representation during your domestic violence hearing. Prior to and during the hearing, your lawyer can assist you in the following ways:

  • Making sure that you are fully prepared to testify at the hearing, if necessary. Prior to the hearing, your lawyer can coach you on your responses, helping to ensure that you tell a clear and convincing story in court. A lawyer can also help you prepare for cross-examination by the Crown prosecutor at the hearing and for the types of questions you should expect.
  • A lawyer can effectively cross-examine any witnesses called by the Crown prosecutor at the hearing in a way that will be favourable to your version of the case. An effective defence lawyer will use cross-examination as a means to emphasize holes or inconsistencies in the Crown prosecutor’s version of the case.
  • A lawyer can call favourable witnesses on your behalf who can attest to your version of the events that took place. A lawyer can make sure that any and all witnesses are fully prepared to testify and to respond to the Crown prosecutor’s cross-examination questions.

Call a Calgary Domestic Violence Defence Lawyer Today

If you are preparing for a domestic violence hearing, it is important that you hire a lawyer to represent you at your hearing as soon as possible. The Calgary domestic violence defence lawyers at Bourdon Defence can make sure that you and any witnesses are ready for trial when necessary. If you show up to trial without having a lawyer present, a judge can make you proceed forward on your own. Therefore, you should get in touch with a skilled defence lawyer as soon as you can, to ensure that you have proper representation when it comes time for your hearing. To set up a free legal consultation with a Calgary domestic violence defence lawyer, please give us a call today at (403) 474-4143, or contact us online.