Domestic Assault Lawyer Toronto

DON’T LET AN ASSAULT CHARGE AFFECT
THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

David Genis is a criminal defense attorney who represents his clients with expertise and employs an effective strategy during every phase of a case, both in and out of court. As a top Toronto assault lawyer, his unparalleled dedication to defending his clients sets him apart. He understands how important it is for a defendant to have an experienced criminal lawyer in your corner after you have been charged with assault. David works closely with his clients, discussing events and gathering details that open doors to uncovering vital evidence. A conviction and jail time can follow you for the rest of your life. Don’t take chances with your future.

David Genis has received strong recognition in the criminal law field and has been litigating at both the trial and appeal levels since 2006.

Learn more about the four types of criminal assault charges, listed below. For individuals being charged with domestic assault, there are additional considerations that apply. Contact us for more information.

ASSAULT, ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON, ASSAULT CAUSING BODILY HARM, AND AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES

1. ASSAULT

According to the Section 265(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada reads as follows:
265(1) A person commits an assault when

without the consent of another person, he applies force intentionally to that other person, directly or indirectly;
he attempts or threatens, by an act or a gesture, to apply force to another person, if he has, or causes that other person to believe on reasonable grounds that he has, present ability to effect his purpose; or
while openly wearing or carrying a weapon or an imitation thereof, he accosts or impedes another person or begs.

2. ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON

The use of a weapon in committing an assault or an assault resulting in bodily harm will attract higher penalties. The Criminal Code of Canada reads as follows:

Section 267 Every one who, in committing an assault,

carries, uses or threatens to use a weapon or an imitation thereof, or
causes bodily harm to the complainant,

3. ASSAULT CAUSING BODILY HARM

The Criminal Code of Canada reads as follows:

Section 269 Every one who unlawfully causes bodily harm to any person is guilty of

an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or
an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding eighteen months.

4. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES

Section 268 of the Criminal Code reads as follows:

268 (1) Every one commits an aggravated assault who wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant.
(2) Every one who commits an aggravated assault is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to conviction and imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
(3) For greater certainty, in this section, “wounds” or “maims” includes to excise, infibulate or mutilate, in whole or in part, the labia majora, labia minora or clitoris of a person, except where
- (a) a surgical procedure is performed, by a person duly qualified by provincial law to practise medicine, for the benefit of the physical health of the person or for the purpose of that person having normal reproductive functions or normal sexual appearance or function; or
- (b) the person is at least eighteen years of age and there is no resulting bodily harm.
- (4) For the purposes of this section and section 265, no consent to the excision, infibulation or mutilation, in whole or in part, of the labia majora, labia minora or clitoris of a person is valid, except in the cases described in paragraphs (3)(a) and (b).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the maximum jail sentence and penalty for an assault?

The maximum jail sentence for an assault is either two years less one day, if the Crown prosecutes the case by summary conviction. Whereas, if the Crown or prosecutor moves forward on indictment, it is five years’ imprisonment. The maximum jail sentence for aggravated assault is up to 14 years depending on severity. The maximum penalty for assault causing bodily harm is 10 years in jail.

Do Assault Charges Always Result in a Trial?

Depending on the allegations, charges can be disposed or dropped, if the accused agrees to participate in remedial programs. These could include therapy, anger management programs and addiction counselling. In addition to, agreeing to sign a peace bond stating that the accused promises to keep peace and remain on good behavior. The accused may then be granted contact and cohabit with the complainant, with prior written revocable consent.

What if I accidentally hit someone?

Accidentally hitting one person in an attempt to hit another is not a defence to assault. Self defense is the act that constitutes the offence committed, for the purpose of defending or protecting themselves or the other person from that use or threat of force. Likewise, a reflex hit is not considered an assault, as long as the intended victim was not attacked with intention. On the other hand, accidentally hitting someone during the course of an epileptic seizure would not constitute an assault. Another example is if touching occurs during a crowded area, the accidental application of force will not lead to getting convicted due to an assault. The application of force must be Intentional.

What is assault with a weapon?

Using a weapon to attack someone resulting in bodily harm will attract higher penalties.

The greater harm suffered, the more likely higher the penalty. A criminal trial for felony assault usually leads to a heavy conviction which results in a guilty verdict even with no criminal record. Make sure to contact a lawyer, don’t take chances and have your name cleared.

What is the difference between an assault, an assault with a weapon, an assault causing bodily harm and an aggravated assault?

The four types of assaults are known as assault, assault with weapon, assault causing bodily harm and aggravated assault. All four types are similar in the sense they are acted upon with force. The main difference is the application used in terms of force. Generally an assault is caused by force of “hands”, “legs” or “feet”. An assault with a weapon can involve an inanimate object.

WHY David Genis

An aggressive representation designed to get your charges dismissed or reduced.
Detailed explanations in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian and Ukrainian language.
Promptly quickly return all calls and emails.
A record of winning results.

Assault charges are considered very serious crimes, and it is essential to secure representation as soon as possible after you have been charged for the greatest opportunity to secure a positive result. Contact David Genis today!

WHAT OUR CLIENT SAYS ABOUT US

David will always be happy to give you a free consult if you were charged criminally.

David Genis, wins cases which seem impossible to win.

David will constantly evaluate the probability of success, and will advise you of it, so that you could plan your defence and at the same time minimize your expenses.

David will be showing up in court on your behalf on all the appearances where your presence is not essential, so that you can take care of your business while David is taking care of your case.

David Genis will carefully listen to your story and will make sure that all important decisions on the case are made by you.

David will always be happy to give you a free consult if you were charged criminally.

David Genis, wins cases which seem impossible to win.

David will constantly evaluate the probability of success, and will advise you of it, so that you could plan your defence and at the same time minimize your expenses.

David will be showing up in court on your behalf on all the appearances where your presence is not essential, so that you can take care of your business while David is taking care of your case.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Call us at 416-512-2345. You may also send us an email using the form below.
David is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and of the Criminal Lawyers Association