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Simple Assault Lawyers Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Were you charged with simple assault and are in need of a criminal defence lawyer in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)?
Defending a Simple Assault Charge in the GTA
Being accused of simple assault is a stressful and confusing experience. However, you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Contact our criminal lawyers at Lawyers From The Six with a proven track record of legal representation in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
We know the ins and outs of Canada’s criminal law. Schedule a free initial consultation with our simple assault lawyers in the GTA to help you identify the best possible defence strategy.
What is a simple assault charge?
Simple assault, also known as common assault in Canada, is one of the most commonly charged violent crimes in the country. You can face a simple assault charge for getting involved in a physical altercation, bar fight, fistfight, or even simply pushing another person.
Typically, defendants are charged with simple assault when the victim’s injuries are minor. If the assault resulted in severe or life-threatening injuries, the offence could be elevated to “aggravated assault.”
In fact, you can be found guilty of simple assault in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) even if the other person was not hurt. Under Section 265 of Canada’s Criminal Code, a simple assault occurs when a person:
- Uses force, directly or indirectly, against another individual without their consent;
- Attempts to apply force to another person;
- Threatens to use force against another person, who has a reasonable fear that the threat could be carried out; or
- Approaches the victim while openly carrying or wearing a firearm or an object that can be construed as a weapon and threatens or stops the victim.
What are the penalties for simple assault charges?
Depending on the circumstances of the offence, simple assault can be classified as either an indictable offence or a summary conviction. Penalties for a simple assault charge vary depending on the conviction:
- Up to five years in jail (if classified as an indictment)
- A maximum of three years of probation
- Fines
- A weapons prohibition order effective for up to 10 years
Defences to simple assault charges in the GTA
A skilled criminal lawyer in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) can help you pick the best defense to simple assault charges in your case. Some of them include:
- 1. Consent to the use of force (or consent to fight)
- 2. Accident
- 3. Self-defence
- 4. You were defending your property
- 5. You were defending another individual
- 6. Lack of intent
- 7. Mistaken belief in consent
- 8. Your constitutional rights were violated
- 9. Plea bargain for reduced charges
- 10. Factual innocence
While simple assault may not be as serious as other assault charges in Canada’s Criminal Code, being guilty of this type of assault could still carry severe penalties and haunt you for the rest of your life. Our GTA simple assault lawyers at Lawyers From The Six are committed to protecting your legal rights. Call or text 647-830-3083 and schedule a free consultation.
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