practice area
Aggravated Assault Lawyers Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Were you charged with aggravated assault and in need of a criminal lawyer in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)?
Defending an Aggravated Assault Charge in the GTA
Aggravated assault is a serious criminal offence that carries severe penalties, including a sentence of life imprisonment. A defendant can face aggravated assault charges when the victim suffers significant injuries.
Because an aggravated assault charge can lead to devastating penalties, it’s essential to contact an aggravated assault lawyer in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as soon as possible.
If you were charged with aggravated assault, you need an experienced criminal lawyer at Lawyers From The Six to help you build a strong defence.
What is an aggravated assault charge?
Section 268 of the Criminal Code states that a simple assault charge is elevated to aggravated assault when the defendant “wounds, maims, disfigures,” or puts someone else’s life in jeopardy.
A person can face assault charges when they use force intentionally and without the victim’s consent. Force can be applied directly or indirectly. Typically, a defendant can be charged with aggravated assault when the victim has suffered life-threatening or severe injuries or disfigurement.
What are the penalties for aggravated assault charges?
The Criminal Code states that an aggravated assault is an indictable offence. Because it’s a strictly indictable offence, a person convicted of aggravated assault is sentenced to a maximum jail sentence of 14 years.
Under certain circumstances, a defendant can be imprisoned for life upon conviction. Other penalties associated with aggravated assault charges include:
- Probation
- Fines
- A ban from possessing weapons or firearms for life or no less than 10 years
- A mandatory DNA order
- A dangerous offender designation
Due to the serious nature of the offence, a conditional sentence is not available for aggravated assault charges. In other words, when found guilty of aggravated assault, the defendant almost always goes to jail.
Defences to aggravated assault charges in the GTA
Depending on the facts of your case, typical defences to aggravated assault charges include:
- Self-defence
- Defending another person or property
- Accident
- Mistaken identity
- Violation of constitutional rights
- Factual innocence
- Lack of severe or life-threatening injuries
If the victim’s injury was foreseeable as a probable result of the defendant’s actions, and the defendant was aware of the potential consequences of their actions, the Crown may not need to prove that the defendant was intentionally trying to wound, maim, or disfigure the victim.
If you are facing aggravated assault charges, it is essential to contact a criminal lawyer. The penalties for aggravated assault can ruin your life and damage your future. That’s why you need a lawyer to work diligently on your case to minimize the negative impact of the charge or avoid a criminal conviction altogether.
Contact our criminal defence lawyers at Lawyers From The Six to discuss your case today. Call or text 647-830-3083
WE OFFER FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATIONS
Looking to work with the GTA's Top Lawyers?
Contact us today to find out how we can help bring you the justice you deserve!
