Standing Up for Your Side of the Story

Assault Lawyer in Brampton

Facing an assault charge in Brampton can turn your life upside down. Maybe it started with a heated argument. Maybe someone took things out of context. Whatever brought you here, one thing is clear: this is serious, and you need someone in your corner.

I’ve defended everyday people charged with assault across the Peel Region for years. You don’t have to face this alone.

What Is Assault Under Canadian Law?

Assault doesn’t always mean someone was hurt. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, even the threat of unwanted physical contact can lead to an assault charge. If the other person feared they were about to be harmed, that could be enough.

Key elements include:

  • Intentional application of force
  • Without the other person’s consent
  • Threatening gestures that cause someone to fear harm
It could be a push during a shouting match, or an angry text interpreted as a threat. Every case is different.

Types of Assault and What They Mean for You

Assault charges vary in severity, and the penalties reflect this variation. Here are the main types of assault and their potential consequences:

Each type of assault carries different consequences. Here’s what you might be facing:

1. Simple Assault
This is the most basic form—and often a first-time charge. Maybe a neighbour filed a complaint after a verbal argument turned physical. Penalties can include probation, fines, or even jail time if the charge is treated as an indictable offence.

2. Aggravated Assault
This charge involves serious bodily harm, like broken bones or injuries needing surgery. You could be looking at up to 14 years in prison. It’s always treated as an indictable offence.

3. Sexual Assault
Any non-consensual sexual touching, even without violence, can fall under this. Penalties range from 18 months to 10 years, and convictions can come with lifetime consequences like registration on the sex offender registry.

4. Domestic Assault
When assault involves a spouse, partner, or family member, it brings added complications. Bail conditions often prohibit contact with your own household, including kids. The impact on your home life can be devastating.

5. Assaulting a Peace Officer
Even during a heated moment, pushing or resisting a police officer can lead to this charge. Judges treat these cases very seriously, often resulting in jail time.

Real-Life Situations That Turn Into Charges

  • A father grabs his teenage son’s arm during an argument. Police get involved. He’s charged with domestic assault.
  • Two coworkers get into a shoving match. One ends up pressing charges.
  • A woman confronts a partner over cheating. Tempers flare. A phone gets thrown. The police lay charges.

These aren’t hardened criminals. These are regular people caught in a moment that got out of hand.

Legal Defences: What Might Apply to You?

Not every charge leads to a conviction. There are many possible defences, depending on the facts:
  • Self-Defence: Were you trying to protect yourself or someone else?
  • Consent: Was the action misinterpreted? Did the other person agree to physical contact (like in sports)?
  • Lack of Intent: Did it happen accidentally?
  • False Allegations: Is someone trying to manipulate the system?
We look at everything—police conduct, witness statements, surveillance footage, texts, and more.

What Happens After You’re Charged?

1. The Arrest
You may be taken into custody or given a promise to appear.

2. First Court Appearance
You receive your disclosure documents.

3. Negotiations and Pre-trial
Your lawyer talks with the Crown.

4. Resolution or Trial
The case could end in a peace bond, diversion, plea deal, or trial.

Alternative Resolutions: Keeping Your Record Clean

If you’re a first-time offender, we can often pursue options like:
  • Peace Bonds: Stay away from the complainant, follow conditions, and the charge is withdrawn.
  • Diversion Programs: Attend anger management or counselling in exchange for dropped charges.

Impact on Your Life

Assault charges can affect:
  • Immigration Status: Could lead to deportation or prevent citizenship.
  • Employment: Many employers conduct background checks.
  • Family Access: Bail or probation might restrict seeing your children.
  • Housing: A record can impact rental applications.

Why Work With Me

  • No runaround: You speak directly with me—not a junior lawyer or a paralegal.
  • Clear explanations: No legal jargon, just straight answers.
  • Honest strategy: I don’t sugar-coat things, but I fight for the best result.

Together, we build the strongest defence possible.

Explore Specific Assault Charges

Each assault type deserves careful attention. See my dedicated pages on:

These pages break down the law, possible defences, and what you can expect in court.

FAQ: Assault Charges in Ontario

What’s the difference between simple and aggravated assault?
Simple assault may involve minimal or no injury. Aggravated means serious bodily harm occurred.
Yes. Assault doesn’t require injury. Threats or attempts can be enough.
Not always. Many first-time offenders avoid jail, especially with a strong defence.
No. Once charges are laid, only the Crown can decide to withdraw them.
Self-defence is a recognised legal justification. It must be reasonable and proportionate.
Possibly. But bail conditions often limit contact. We can request changes through the court.
It can. Assault is considered a serious offence and may lead to deportation.
Many assault cases are resolved within 3 to 9 months, depending on court availability and complexity.
Only if bail conditions allow. A conviction may limit international travel.
Defending a loved one can also be a form of legal self-defence, if force used was reasonable.

Let’s Talk Today

If you’re facing assault charges in Brampton, don’t wait. The sooner you reach out, the more options we have.

Contact Gary Batasar