DOMESTIC SEXUAL ASSAULT LAWYER EDMONTON
If you face charges for domestic sexual assault, our criminal lawyer Calgary at Wyman & Williamson has extensive experience in domestic sexual assault. We have handled hundreds of assault charges ranging from minor domestic assault to aggravated assault.
- EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN HANDLING ASSAULT CASES
- REPUTABLE LAWYERS WITH PROVEN TRACK RECORD
- WE WILL STRATEGICALLY DEFEND YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
Let Us Call You Back
Free Consultation"Required" indicates required fields
WHAT IS DOMESTIC ASSAULT?
You could face domestic assault charges if you commit an act of violence against a person with whom you are in a domestic relationship. However, domestic charges could even apply in situations that do not involve a family member or an intimate partner. Domestic assault charges attract hefty penalties; you need the help of a competent domestic assault lawyer serving Edmonton residents to get you through the court process and defend your rights. There are many ways of resolving a domestic assault case, but sometimes, the case could proceed to trial. Facing domestic assault charges could affect many areas of your life. For example, the police could impose “no contact” between you and the complainant, which could prohibit you from accessing your home and or making it difficult to see your children.
The common types of domestic assault include physical harm, sexual assault, threats of violence, harassment, and extortion, among others. You could face domestic sexual assault charges if you commit sexual assault in a domestic setting. The stress, stigma, and financial burden associated with a sexual offence charge can be overwhelming. When facing sexual assault charges, you need a sexual assault lawyer serving in Edmonton to go through the process with you.
COMMON OFFENCES THAT OCCUR IN A DOMESTIC SETTING IN EDMONTON
The common assault offences that can occur in a domestic setting in Edmonton include the following:
- Threats: Threats refer to any form of communication (verbal or written) made with the intent of scaring or intimidating another person. Other ways of communicating a threat include sending a package or a text message.
- Assault:Physical assault involves making physical contact with the alleged victim (complainant). For example, you could face assault charges if you hit, push, kick, or shove the alleged victim. However, assault is not always physical. You could face assault charges if you issue threats to the complainant. Brandishing a weapon could also lead to assault charges.
- Assault Causing Bodily Harm:The Canadian Criminal Code section 267 outlines the crime of assault causing bodily harm. You could face charges under this statute if you apply force on another person without their consent and cause bodily harm. Bodily harm includes injuries like bruises, wounds, broken bones, and others.
- Assault with a Weapon: You could face assault with a weapon charge if you use a weapon to assault another person. For example, you could have stabbed the complainant with a knife or hit them with a baseball bat.
- Aggravated Assault:Any assault that involves wounding, maiming, or any other action that causes life-changing injuries or endangers the complainant’s life is an aggravated assault.
- Criminal Harassment:The alternative name for criminal harassment is stalking. You could face criminal harassment charges if you engage in any behaviour meant to frighten, terrorize, or harass another person, making them fear for their safety. The common forms of stalking include leaving threatening notes, constantly sending the complainant text messages, social media messages or calling them.
- Sexual Assault:Any forced or unwanted sexual contact qualifies as sexual assault. Sexual assault could include sexual intercourse, indecent touching, and groping.
- Breaking and Entering:You could face breaking and entering charges if you enter another person’s home with the intent of committing a crime like assault or theft.
- Unlawful Confinement: If you restrain another person and deprive them of their freedom, you could face unlawful confinement charges. Unlawful confinement could include locking someone in a room or vehicle, keeping them in a secluded area, or tying them up.
- Unlawfully in a Dwelling:If someone asks another to leave their home or any other dwelling, but they remain there, they could be guilty of being unlawfully in a dwelling. This offence is closely related to the crime of breaking and entering.
- Extortion: Extortion involves using threats or intimidation to obtain something like property or money. For example, you could ask someone to give you money so that you don’t reveal sensitive or embarrassing information about them. Sensitive information includes sexual videos or nude photos. You could also extort money from someone in exchange for not testifying against him or her in court.
- Breaching Certain Conditions:Domestic assault charges could apply if you break certain conditions. They include the conditions of a peace bond recognizance, restraining order, probation, or any other arrangement put in place to protect the accuser.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
YOU CAN COUNT ON US
Wyman & Williamson is a law firm comprised of lawyers experienced in defending against domestic assault. We will serve you in Edmonton and fight to the ends of the earth to get you the best possible result. It doesn’t matter whether you are facing domestic assault or sexual assault charges; we’ve got you covered.
WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Our lawyers will be with you right from when you contact us until the conclusion of your case. If your case proceeds to trial, we will be right there to represent you.
CONTACT A LAWYER
Don’t let the stigma that comes with an accusation of domestic or sexual assault haunt you for life. With our lawyers handling your case, you can get your life back on track. Our lawyers have the experience you are looking for in a domestic assault lawyer.
THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES IN EDMONTON
The Edmonton Police Service is responsible for investigating domestic violence charges in Edmonton. Therefore, the police will commence the investigation process after you have been accused of domestic abuse.
Gathering evidence is the first step in the investigation process. The police can gather evidence by examining physical evidence like the complainant’s injuries, interviewing witnesses, and going through the complainant’s hospital records.
Sometimes, the police do not make an arrest right away. Instead, they take time to interview the complainant and the witness and examine the evidence against you. However, the police can sometimes arrest you based on the complainant’s statement without first conducting an investigation. This mainly happens if you are an alleged threat to the complainant. After an arrest, you will be placed in police custody before proceeding to a booking facility for questioning and processing.
After your arrest and processing, the police give their findings to the Crown prosecutor. After reviewing your case, the prosecutor will decide whether to press charges. The prosecutor will continue with the case if there is sufficient evidence against you. If there is insufficient evidence, the prosecutor may drop the case due to a lack of evidence. The prosecutor has the authority to lay charges and continue to prosecute you.
You will appear in court if you face criminal charges. If the court finds you guilty, the potential penalties include probation, jail time, fines, restitution to the complainant, and other charges. The court could also recommend that you attend counselling or anger management classes.
HOW OUR EDMONTON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYER CAN HELP?
Domestic violence is treated seriously Edmonton courts. Therefore, if you are charged with domestic violence, the potential consequences could be detrimental. You should speak to an experienced domestic assault lawyer as soon as possible. At Wyman & Williamson, we understand every aspect of domestic violence law. You should contact us if you need an all-rounded domestic and sexual assault lawyer in Edmonton. Our lawyers can help you in the following areas:
Trial: While some domestic violence cases are concluded out-of-court, others proceed to trial. If your case goes to court, our lawyers will do everything in their power to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We understand all the intricacies that surround domestic violence law. We will help you navigate this process with confidence.
Peace Bond: A peace bond is a common way of resolving domestic violence charges. This involves making a commitment that you will be on your best behaviour during the duration of the bond. Usually, a peace bond lasts for one year. Additional conditions could apply, including counselling and no-contact provisions. We will help understand this process while ensuring that the peace bond terms are reasonable.
WHEN YOUR DOMESTIC ASSAULT CASE PROCEEDS TO TRIAL
Our domestic assault lawyers serving Edmonton will employ several defence strategies if your case proceeds to trial.
-
IDENTIFYING GAPS IN THE COMPLAINANT’S EVIDENCE
Your lawyer will examine the complainant, including their past conduct. For example, has the complainant ever made a false accusation in the past? For you to use this defence strategy, you need an experienced lawyer who can cross-examine witnesses and identify lapses in their evidence.
-
DETERMINE WHETHER YOUR ACTIONS QUALIFY AS ASSAULT
At Wyman & Williamson, we are skilled in interpreting the law; we know exactly how Canadian law defines assault. We will examine your case to determine whether your actions amount to an assault.
-
CHALLENGE THE EVIDENCE
Depending on the evidence presented against you, we will help you build a convincing defence. If the Crown prosecutor has insufficient evidence against you, we will challenge this evidence and negotiate for a reduction or even dismissal of your charges.
-
NEGOTIATE FOR A LESSER SENTENCE
When your assault case proceeds to trial, our lawyers will ensure you receive a fair ruling by ensuring that the court considers all the mitigating factors that could result in a more lenient judgment. For example, your domestic assault lawyer could request the court to sentence you to probation instead of jail time.
THE POTENTIAL PENALTIES OF A DOMESTIC ASSAULT CONVICTION ?
What are the potential penalties of a domestic assault conviction? There are numerous potential consequences of an assault conviction. The penalties could range from counselling to imprisonment. You will face harsher penalties if you are a repeat offender. The good news is that being charged with assault doesn’t always amount to a criminal record. If you are a first-time offender, the court is likely to recommend a peace bond.
You should contact a domestic assault lawyer immediately after you learn that you are under investigation for an assault crime. By doing this, you will give the lawyer ample time to work on your case and negotiate for the best outcome.
ARE YOU FACING DOMESTIC ASSAULT CHARGES IN EDMONTON?
If you are charged with domestic sexual assault, the consequences could be detrimental. You need to seek legal representation from a reliable sexual assault lawyer. The steps you should take when charged with domestic sexual assault are:
AVOID CONTACTING YOUR SPOUSE
Stay calm and cooperate with the police, but avoid giving them any information without first obtaining legal advice.
CONTACT A LAWYERE
Speak to an experienced domestic sexual assault lawyer to start working on a defence strategy.
SEEK LEGAL COUNSEL
Follow your lawyer’s instructions to avoid incriminating yourself.
APPLY FOR BAIL
Apply for bail so that you can have ample time to work with your lawyer and prepare a defence.
A domestic sexual assault conviction could alter your life forever, which is why you should contact an experienced lawyer immediately after being accused of the crime. You are likely to face a harsher penalty if you do not seek legal counsel.
Combined 98 years of experience
Available 24/7 for emergency contact
Speak To One Of Our Laywers
5 Star Google My Business Rating
defend your freedom
Book A Free consult
Understanding Domestic Assault
Let US Defend You
Accusations of domestic assault in Edmonton are common, especially during divorce proceedings. Some complainants accuse their spouses falsely to gain the upper hand during the divorce proceedings. When charged with domestic sexual assault, the court could impose a no-contact order between you and the complainant. You need a domestic assault lawyer serving in Edmonton who knows how to handle assault cases. Both the courts and prosecutors take domestic assault charges seriously. You would not want to fight the charges without the help of a lawyer.
At Wyman & Williamson, we have a skilled and experienced team of domestic assault lawyers willing to take your case head-on. The outcome of your case can only be as good as the lawyer you choose.
Let Us Call You BackOur Clients' Experience
Clients We Have Defended Successfully
A. Taylor
Jillian has gone above and beyond for my family during a hard time. She has taken a bad situation and given us some peace of mind through out all of it. Great communication and always there when we have any questions or need anything! Genuinely feel like they care about your situation, making it a comfortable environment while maintaining great levels of professionalism!
E. Giffen
If you want the good type of Lawyer that listens and believes in you 100% Jillian is the lawyer for you shes not good shes amazing at what she does. WITH Jillian being my lawyer I have confidence in winning in trial. Jillian is very intelligent and knows what shes doing in the court room! She is personal about what you are going through in the most professional manner. There is good lawyers but she is even better with flying colors she sees your legal issue and nothing gets in her way when it comes to defending your matter. I have had Jillian represent me on a few matters and she has won every time!! She is always responsive and on time very organized quickly to help but always proper. I definitely suggest not to miss out on an opportunity to win in court Jillian Williamson is top notch!
S. Davidson
Jillian helped me with an assault serious charge. She explained I was facing jail. I was terribly scared. She was responsive and always answered my calls or emailed me back quickly. She asked me to do certain things and I had to meet with her bunch of times. She explained I was facing jail. It did take a long time to get to court. But when we finally did she made it so I won't even have a criminal record. I didn't think that was going to happen but the judge agreed with her. I highly recommend.
Our Defence Lawyers
Pick Your Representation For Your Case
Kim Ross
Handled more than 5,000 cases
Kim was called to the Alberta Bar in 1988 and has since spent his career focused on criminal law. He is exceptionally experienced with over 5,000 cases and 32 years of practice under his belt.
Read Full Bio
Jim Lutz
Over 30 Years Of Experience
Jim is a criminal trial defence lawyer. His practice covers everything from serious violent offences to drug cases involving illegal search and seizure of evidence and complex defence cases.
Read Full Bio
Alias Sanders
Vast Knowledge Of Case Law
Alias has argued over 200 cases at the Alberta Court of Appeal and is also regarded for her encyclopedic knowledge of case law. She will take apart complex arguments for your defence.
Read Full Bio
Matthew DeShaye
Tirelessly Defending You
Matthew has extensive experience successfully defending clients charged with a broad range of criminal offences, including impaired driving, drug related charges, violent offences, and sexual assault cases.
Read Full Bio
Jillian Williamson
Client-Centered Focus
Jillian is an experienced litigator in criminal, quasi-criminal and regulatory cases. She has extensive experience in sexual assault litigation and has argued at all levels of court in Alberta.
Read Full Bio