Assault & Violent Crime Recent Case Summaries

Client faced charges of theft under $5,000, assault with intent to resist arrest, and possession of stolen property after an incident at a retail store. Store security alleged the client concealed items and assaulted a security officer during an attempted arrest. We negotiated with the Crown and secured a withdrawal of all charges before trial with no admission of guilt.

Two clients were jointly charged with failing to provide necessaries of life in relation to an elderly grandmother residing with them. Police responded to a noise complaint and described the residence as being in a deplorable state, with garbage, feces, urine, and bug-infested mattresses throughout. The grandmother, who depended on the clients for care, was allegedly found bruised, malnourished, disoriented, and suffering from physical injuries. The Crown initially sought a jail sentence. We prepared Charter applications to have the charges stayed due to police misconduct. A trial was avoided and we secured the withdrawal of all charges against both clients.

Client was charged with two counts of assault and one count of assault with a weapon. The complainant, the client’s former partner of one year, alleged multiple incidents of violence including punching, pushing her into a closet, squeezing her ankles, spanking, and holding a knife to her face. She also alleged a subsequent incident where the client shoved fingers into her mouth and banged her head on the floor. The complainant suffered bruising and a cut lip. The Crown initially refused to withdraw charges during pretrial discussions. Following a judicial pretrial where the judge agreed with our position, we persuaded the Crown to withdraw all charges without a peace bond, despite the complainant’s objection.

Client was charged with threatening bodily harm and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. The Crown alleged the client held a knife to the complainant’s face during an altercation and threatened to kill her. We successfully negotiated the withdrawal of all charges before trial.

Client faced multiple charges including uttering threats of death, being unlawfully in a dwelling house, and mischief. We negotiated with the Crown and secured a withdrawal of all charges in exchange for a common law peace bond.

Client was charged with assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. During pretrial negotiations, we successfully secured approval for mental health diversion. The charges were withdrawn without the need for a trial.