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If you have been arrested, contacted by police, or charged with assault in Toronto, the situation demands urgent attention. An assault allegation can directly affect your freedom, your employment prospects, your reputation, and your ability to communicate with the complainant. It is important to remember that an arrest or a charge is not a finding of guilt. The Crown must prove all allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
At Fedorowicz Law, we provide confidential, non-judgmental representation for those facing charges. Richard Fedorowicz carefully reviews the evidence, advises clients on release conditions, and develops a defence strategy based on the specific circumstances of your case.
Contact our seasoned team today to arrange a confidential consultation.
Call Now:Assault allegations can arise from various situations. They often stem from arguments, physical altercations, incidents at bars or restaurants, workplace disputes, sporting events, family conflicts, or encounters with security personnel.
Every assault case is fact-specific. Building a robust defence against assault charges depends on multiple factors. These include witness credibility, security or cellphone footage, police body-camera recordings, and medical evidence. We also evaluate text messages, social media records, whether the physical contact was intentional, whether the accused acted in self-defence, and how police obtained statements or evidence. Retaining a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto early is critical for protecting your rights and preventing avoidable mistakes.
Facing the justice system for the first time is daunting. Even if you have no previous criminal record, a first allegation remains a serious matter. It can result in restrictive release conditions, mandatory court appearances, and potential consequences for a criminal record. A skilled Toronto assault lawyer will thoroughly examine the circumstances of the incident and all available evidence to explore possible non-custodial or non-conviction resolutions.
Prior convictions, outstanding charges, or a history of breaching court orders will likely affect bail proceedings, Crown negotiations, and sentencing exposure. However, the defence must still assess each new allegation independently. We challenge any attempt by the prosecution to treat a prior record as proof of the current charge. A repeat allegation does not automatically result in imprisonment.
Assault cases frequently rely on conflicting witness accounts, incomplete surveillance footage, photographs, 911 calls, medical records, and statements made during a stressful incident. A dedicated criminal defence lawyer for assault examines inconsistencies between witness statements to see whether the complainant’s account changed over time. We also scrutinize missing or unclear video evidence, alternative explanations for injuries, problems with identification procedures, police interview methods, and possible Charter rights violations.
Assault is formally defined under section 265 of the Criminal Code. By law, an assault can involve intentionally applying force to someone without their consent. It also covers attempting or threatening to apply force when the person appears able to carry out the threat, or accosting or impeding someone while openly carrying a weapon or imitation weapon. Physical injury is not required for a basic allegation to result in charges.
An allegation often involves intentional physical contact without consent. This includes pushing, grabbing, slapping, punching, kicking, spitting, or throwing an object at someone. The degree of force may affect the specific charge and potential sentence, but even relatively minor contact can result in police involvement. An experienced simple assault lawyer in Toronto can help clarify these distinctions.
Physical contact is not always necessary for a charge. A person may face arrest when an act or gesture communicates a threat of force, provided the complainant reasonably believes the accused has the present ability to carry it out.
This charge applies when an accused carries, uses, or threatens to use a weapon or imitation weapon while committing an assault. An ordinary object may be treated as a weapon depending on how it was used or intended to be used. If you are facing this situation, consulting an assault with a weapon lawyer in Toronto is a critical first step.
This allegation involves injuries that interfere with the complainant’s health or comfort and are more than brief or insignificant. Examples include fractures, significant cuts, lasting pain, or other injuries requiring medical attention. Furthermore, section 267 applies when a person chokes, suffocates, or strangles the complainant while committing an assault. This specific conduct should not be described as ordinary common assault. An assault causing bodily harm lawyer in Toronto will scrutinize the medical reports.
Aggravated assault applies where the allegation involves wounding, maiming, disfiguring, or endangering the life of the complainant. This is one of the most serious assault-related offences and requires an evidence-based defence from an aggravated assault lawyer Toronto courts recognize.
Sections 266, 267, and 268 address section 266 common assault, section 267 assault with a weapon, bodily harm, choking, suffocating or strangling, and section 268 aggravated assault. Allegations involving intimate partners require additional consideration. Consulting a domestic assault lawyer in Toronto is vital for these specific cases, as well as understanding how they differ from a sexual assault charge.
Navigating the legal system requires understanding the common stages following an allegation. The process generally unfolds through the following steps:
Police investigation or arrest: Police may interview witnesses, collect video evidence, and arrest the accused.
Police questioning: The accused has the right to remain silent and obtain legal advice.
Charges laid: Police formally process the alleged offence.
Release or bail hearing: The accused may be released by police or held for a court hearing.
Release conditions: Conditions may restrict contact, locations, weapons, alcohol, or other conduct.
First court appearance: The case begins moving through the Ontario Court of Justice.
Crown disclosure: The defence receives the evidence the prosecution intends to rely upon.
Resolution or trial preparation: The lawyer assesses the status of negotiations, withdrawal requests, peace bonds, guilty pleas, or trial readiness.
Bail conditions can significantly affect your daily life before the case is resolved. Possible conditions may include no contact with the complainant, staying away from specified addresses, not possessing weapons, abstaining from alcohol or drugs, reporting to police, residing with a surety, or following a curfew.
You must follow all bail conditions unless the court or the Crown formally changes them. The complainant cannot personally authorize the accused to ignore a no-contact condition. Breaching a release condition may result in a separate criminal charge. If you need assistance with your release terms, contact a bail hearing lawyer in Toronto promptly.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential legal consultation and discover how Mr. Fedorowicz can provide you with expert legal representation.
The potential sentence for an assault conviction depends on the specific assault charge, the seriousness of any injuries, whether a weapon was allegedly involved, your criminal record, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The outcome is also influenced by whether the Crown proceeds summarily or by indictment, as well as by other aggravating and mitigating factors. If you are facing assault charges in Ontario, the courts take these factors very seriously.
Case resolutions include a withdrawal or stay of the charge, a peace bond, or an absolute or conditional discharge where legally available. If convicted, sentences can include probation, a fine or restitution, a conditional sentence where legally available, imprisonment, a DNA order where legally authorized or required, and a weapons prohibition where legally authorized or required. A conviction also results in a criminal record.
Common assault and offences under section 267 are hybrid offences. If the Crown proceeds summarily, the general maximum punishment is a $5,000 fine, imprisonment for two years less a day, or both. If the Crown proceeds by indictment, common assault carries a maximum term of five years, while assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, or choking, suffocating, or strangling can carry up to 10 years. Aggravated assault is an indictable offence and can carry up to 14 years.
The complainant does not personally control whether an assault charge continues after police lay it. The Crown Attorney makes the final decision on whether to proceed with the prosecution.
A lawyer may present reasons why the case should be withdrawn, stayed, or resolved without a criminal conviction. Possible considerations include insufficient or contradictory evidence, unreliable identification, credibility concerns, evidence supporting self-defence, Charter rights violations, a lack of public interest in continuing the prosecution, or eligibility for diversion or a peace bond.
Fedorowicz Law can represent an accused person from the initial investigation right through to resolution or trial. An assault charges lawyer in Toronto provides strategic guidance at every stage.
We can advise the accused before a police interview, represent the accused at a bail hearing, and thoroughly review Crown disclosure. We take steps to preserve video, digital, or witness evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Furthermore, we challenge the credibility of witnesses, examine possible Charter breaches, negotiate with the Crown, and seek a withdrawal or non-conviction resolution where appropriate. If a trial is necessary, we prepare and present the case effectively, making thoughtful sentencing submissions where necessary. Our strategy is always tailored to the evidence and the client’s unique circumstances.
There is no single defence that applies to every assault case. A criminal assault lawyer in Toronto will review the following potential strategies:
Richard Fedorowicz offers more than 20 years of criminal defence experience, specifically defending assault and violent crime allegations. Our firm is familiar with Toronto criminal courts and procedures, allowing us to navigate the system effectively. We conduct a detailed review of Crown disclosure and prioritize clear and direct client communication. You can expect confidential, non-judgmental representation, along with strategic negotiation and courtroom advocacy. We build defence plans tailored to the evidence and your individual circumstances.
You should seek legal advice as soon as possible if you find yourself in any of the following situations:
Do not provide detailed statements to the police or contact the complainant before receiving legal advice. A situation like domestic assault charges or other serious accusations requires immediate professional guidance.
An assault charge is not a conviction. Securing early legal representation can help protect your rights, preserve vital evidence, and clarify the options available to you. Do not face the justice system alone. Contact Fedorowicz Law today to speak with a dedicated assault lawyer in Toronto for a confidential case evaluation.
Just saying thank you does not seem nearly enough. I hope you understand what a difference this makes in my life. God bless you and again I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I felt very privileged to have had Mr. Fedorowicz represent me as a client. Through out the court process I had several meetings with him. All of which were very informative, thorough and productive.
Best lawyer I have ever came across , Richard is honest has great communication & he makes sure he gets the job done , I will never go with another lawyer he cares about his clients and gives you strong hopes for your cases , leaving things in Richards hands is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Richard has been representing for me Since 2009, and I am so thankful that he’s been my lawyer since then fought all my cases like Ali in his prime God bless him men of many honors
Richard is an amazing criminal lawyer with an amazing mind! his way of analyzing situations is outstanding. thank you for the help Richard.
It was awesome to work with, diligent and professional criminal defence lawyer like Richard Fedorowicz. wide breadth of expertise in all areas of criminal defence law.
September 26, 2026
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Read MoreRichard Fedorowicz is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for your freedom. Fedorowicz Criminal Law has a proven track record of success in handling a wide range of criminal charges and providing the best criminal defence legal services.
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