What Happens If You’ve been Charged With Assault in Edmonton
Charges of assault are taken very seriously under Canada’s Criminal Code. Assault is committed when there is intentional use, attempt, or threat of non-consensual physical violence towards another person. This can also include threats or accosting someone with a weapon.
If you or a loved one has been charged with assault, the very first step you should take is to speak to a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Criminal law is incredibly complicated and requires many levels of mandatory procedures. Contact us at Verhaeghe Law Office today to schedule a consultation with our Edmonton criminal defense lawyers who may be able to help you.
Statistics on Assault Charges in Edmonton
According to the Edmonton Police Service, violent crimes went up 16.5% (per 100,000 people) in 2022 in Edmonton. Rates in 2023 also showed an upward trend, with violent crimes increasing up to 12% in just the first six months.
The violent crimes with the highest increase level between 2021 into 2022 were assault level 1, up 32%, and assault level 2 (includes a weapon/causing bodily harm), which was up 14%.
Types of Assault Charges
As detailed in the Canadian Criminal Code, there are three main types of assault charges. Each of them come with varying levels of conviction options based on the severity of the crime.
- Assault level 1: Known as common assault (s. 266), this is the least serious form of assault that you can be charged with in Canada. It often refers to assault where no weapon was used.
- Assault level 2: Assault causing bodily harm or assault with a weapon (s. 267). A weapon can refer to anything designed or intended to be used to hurt another person.
- Assault level 3: Is aggravated assault (s. 268). This is the most serious form of assault and may include all forms of injury short of death. It tends to be in reference to the consequences of the assault, not the manner in which the assault is carried out.
Other types of assault include assaulting a police officer (s. 270), assaulting a peace officer with a weapon or causing bodily harm (s. 270.01), aggravated assault of a peace officer (2. 270.02), sexual assault, and more.
What Should You Do If You Have Been Charged with Assault?
When you have been criminally charged, it is important to remember your rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly your right to remain silent and your right to a lawyer. Thus, you should contact an Edmonton criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Our Edmonton Criminal Lawyers
Having a criminal record can dramatically impact your life’s trajectory. When charged with any level of assault in Edmonton, there are many areas with which you may need a lawyer's help. This could include steps after your arrest, facing a charge, bail hearings, court proceedings, possible sentencing, and appeal options.
Our criminal defense lawyers at Verhaeghe Law Office may be able to assist or advise you through some or all of these processes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and go over the particulars of your case.
** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of criminal law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with an Alberta criminal lawyer.