Areas of Practice

Strategy at every level

Assault & Violent Offence Defence

Assault charges span an enormous range — from a shoving match to allegations of serious violence — and the consequences scale accordingly. Context is everything: self-defence, consensual conflict, mistaken identity, and exaggerated allegations are all realities of these prosecutions.

We defend the full spectrum of violent offence allegations, including domestic matters where no-contact conditions can separate you from your home and family long before trial.

I

Defence of simple, weapon-related, and aggravated assault charges

II

Self-defence and consent-based defences under the Criminal Code

III

Early applications to vary no-contact and residence conditions

IV

Experienced handling of domestic allegations

Frequently Asked questions.

What are the levels of assault in Canada?
The Criminal Code sets out three principal levels: assault (s. 266), assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm (s. 267), and aggravated assault (s. 268), which involves wounding, maiming, disfiguring or endangering life. Maximum penalties rise from 5 years to 10 years to 14 years when prosecuted by indictment.
The complainant wants to drop the charges. Can they?
No. In Canada, charges belong to the Crown, not the complainant. Only the Crown prosecutor can withdraw or stay a charge. A complainant's wishes are a factor prosecutors consider, but defence counsel's advocacy with the Crown is often what actually moves a file toward resolution.
Is self-defence a valid defence?
Yes. Section 34 of the Criminal Code permits reasonable force to defend yourself or another person from force or threatened force. Whether the response was reasonable in the circumstances is the key question, and it is highly fact-specific — early legal advice is critical.
I'm charged with a domestic assault. Can I go home?
Typically not at first — release conditions in domestic matters almost always include no-contact and no-go conditions. These can often be varied as the case progresses, with the complainant's input and a proper application. We treat condition variations as a priority, not an afterthought.

The information on this page is general legal information about Canadian criminal law and Alberta procedure. It is not legal advice, and it does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Every case turns on its own facts — contact Snukal Law Office for advice about your specific situation.

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Facing a charge? Talk to us first.

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