Assault is considered a significant crime in Alberta. If you or a loved one are being charged with domestic assault, you need to get legal help as soon as possible.
If you find yourself fighting charges, there’s an experienced criminal defence lawyer to help guide you through the system and represent you.
Edmonton’s professional criminal defence lawyer, such as Slaferek Law, knows the seriousness of domestic assault charges and is committed to providing our clients with the most aggressive and forceful defence.
What To Expect In The Legal Process For Domestic Assault?
Domestic assault is a crime that involves violence or threats of violence against a spouse, partner or family member. It can take various forms, including:
1. Physical Assault
Intentional physical harm is physical assault, such as hitting, punching, kicking, or pushing.
2. Emotional Assault
Emotional assault occurs as a result of verbal or physical acts of intimidation, the control, or humiliation of a victim. It’s verbal abuse, threats and intimidation.
3. Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is any forced sexual contact, sexual touching, sexual intercourse and sexual exploitation.
Potential Outcomes Of A Domestic Assault Convicting
A conviction for domestic assault can have severe consequences, including:
- Jail time: The severity of the crime for which an individual is convicted will determine how long they can serve in jail.
- Fines: The court may decide on jail time and substantial fines.
- Restraining orders: Additionally, the court can order that the accused is permitted not to contact or walk near the victim.
- Loss of custody: If the accused has children, they may lose custody rights.
- Criminal record: A criminal record is a result of having a domestic assault conviction.
The Legal Process In Domestic Assault Cases
Domestic assault cases can be a complex and overwhelming legal process. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:
- Arrest: The police will arrest the accused if he believes there is enough evidence to support a charge of domestic assault.
- Charges: Evidence will be reviewed by the Crown prosecutor, who will then decide whether to lay charges.
- Court Appearance: The charges will be read to the accused in court, and the accused will respond.
- Plea: Our accused can plead guilty or not guilty.
- Trial: A trial will be held If the accused pleads the indictment.
- Sentencing: The court will then sentence the accused if found guilty.
Why You Need A Criminal Defence Lawyer?
Can dealing with domestic assault charges be daunting? Seeking an experienced criminal defence lawyer is a good idea.
They can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the legal process. Here are some of the key reasons why you should consider hiring a lawyer:
1. Protecting Your Rights
A criminal defence lawyer will protect your rights at every step of the legal process. They will ensure you aren’t violating your rights and get a fair trial. This includes:
- Understanding Your Rights: Your rights and responsibilities will be explained by a lawyer.
- Challenging Evidence: An attorney can attack evidence that was either obtained or unreliable.
- Negotiating Plea Deals: In fact, a lawyer can negotiate with other people, like plea deals, to minimize potential penalties.
- Representing You in Court: They will represent and argue for your case.
2. Building A Strong Defence
A skilled criminal defence lawyer has built a robust defence on your behalf. This may involve:
- Investigating the Case: In investigating the case thoroughly, the lawyer would seek out evidence and possibly question the weakest part of the prosecution’s case.
- Interviewing Witnesses: Witnesses will be interviewed by a lawyer, and information will be gathered that may help them assess the witness’s credibility.
- Developing a Defence Strategy: Your lawyer will construct a solid defence case unique to your case.
- Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence: A lawyer will challenge any unreliable or inadmissible evidence.
3. Minimizing Penalties
An expert criminal defence lawyer can assist in reducing the penalties as a result of a domestic assault conviction. This may involve:
- Negotiating a Plea Deal: You can also talk a lawyer into negotiating a fair deal with the prosecution to lessen the charges or reduce the potential sentence.
- Arguing for a Lenient Sentence: If your case ever goes to trial and you are convicted, your lawyer can try to get a lenient sentence.
- Appealing a Conviction: A lawyer can appeal a conviction to a higher court if you are convicted.
Choosing The Right Lawyer In Edmonton
If you are facing domestic assault charges, choosing suitable legal representation is critical. Look for a lawyer with:
- Proven Experience: Find a lawyer with a track record for dealing with domestic assault cases.
- Strong Reputation: The best lawyer to consider is one with a solid, positive reputation and positive client reviews.
- Effective Communication: Clear and efficient communication is a lawyer’s most powerful resource for building trust and adequate representation.
Conclusion
If you find yourself charged with domestic assault, you must contact a lawyer as soon as you possibly can.
If you don’t have an experienced criminal defence lawyer, they will protect your rights, build a strong defence and lessen penalties to the maximum possible.
Don’t fight these charges alone. Contact Edmonton’s professional criminal defence lawyer today for a consultation.