In many assault cases, our clients acted not out of aggression but to protect themselves or someone else from harm. If you used reasonable force in response to a real or perceived threat, you may have a complete legal defence. We work to show that your actions were necessary and proportionate to the situation, shifting the focus away from blame and toward justification.

Not all physical interactions amount to criminal assault. If the parties willingly engaged in a physical confrontation — such as a consensual fight — there may be a valid defence based on consent. We carefully analyze the circumstances leading up to the incident to determine whether the interaction was mutually agreed upon, misunderstood, or misrepresented.

Many assault allegations are based on one person’s word against another’s. That’s why it’s critical to challenge inconsistencies in statements, expose gaps in the evidence, and identify possible motives for false accusations. We conduct a detailed review of police reports, video evidence (if available), witness statements, and background context to build a powerful counter-narrative.

If your rights were violated during arrest, detention, or interrogation, we may be able to exclude key evidence or have the case dismissed. Common Charter breaches include:

• Being denied access to a lawyer
• Unlawful search and seizure
• Unreasonable delays before trial
• Coerced or improper police questioning

Our team is skilled at identifying constitutional issues and filing motions to protect your rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Not every case goes to trial, and not every client wants it to. We negotiate with Crown Attorneys to seek:

• Peace bonds
• Diversion programs
• Withdrawals or stays of proceedings
• Discharges or reduced charges

Whether you’re looking for the fastest resolution or willing to fight your charges in court, we align our defence strategy with your long-term goals — protecting not only your legal standing but your reputation, career, and peace of mind.

The most important step is to exercise your right to remain silent and contact an assault lawyer as soon as possible. Avoid speaking to police, the complainant, or any witnesses without legal advice. Early legal intervention can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome, especially when it comes to bail, disclosure, and building your defence.

No. Once charges are laid, the decision to proceed belongs to the Crown Attorney, not the complainant. Even if the person who reported the incident wants to “drop the charges,” the Crown may continue with the case if they believe there is enough evidence. However, a complainant’s willingness to participate can affect how the prosecution approaches the file.

Not necessarily. Jail is one possible sentence, especially for serious forms of assault or repeat offences, but there are many alternatives. These include probation, fines, conditional discharges, or peace bonds. At Sadro Law, our goal is always to minimize or eliminate jail time by negotiating lesser charges or fighting for a complete acquittal.

The first court date — called a set date — is not a trial. It’s an administrative step where the Crown provides disclosure (evidence against you), and the court confirms that you have or will be retaining legal counsel. If you’ve hired Sadro Law, we’ll appear on your behalf, begin reviewing the disclosure, and start preparing your defence strategy.

It depends. If you're released on bail, your conditions may include restrictions on travel, especially outside Canada. If there are no conditions, you may still face difficulties at international borders, particularly with U.S. customs. We advise clients on travel risks and, where possible, apply to vary bail conditions to allow essential travel.

Most assault cases take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on complexity, court availability, and whether the case goes to trial. Delays in disclosure, Crown resolution decisions, and legal motions can all affect the timeline. We work to move your case forward efficiently while protecting your legal interests.

Yes, a conviction for assault will result in a permanent criminal record, which can impact employment, immigration status, travel, and more. However, there are resolutions that avoid a conviction, such as a peace bond, diversion program, or discharge. Our priority is to resolve your case in a way that protects your record whenever possible.

Self-defence is a legally recognized and valid defence to an assault charge. If you used reasonable force to protect yourself or someone else from harm, you may not be criminally responsible. We gather witness statements, review evidence, and present your actions in context to establish that you were acting lawfully under pressure or threat.