Violent Crime Lawyer

Expert Legal Services In Toronto For Violent Crimes

If you are facing charges for a violent crime in Ontario, you need an experienced and reliable violent crime lawyer to protect your rights and fight for your best interests. At Fedorowicz Criminal Law, Richard has the knowledge, skills and resources to handle any type of violent crime case, from simple assault to murder. He will work tirelessly to build a strong defence strategy for you and challenge the prosecution's evidence at every stage of the process.

What Are Violent Crimes In Ontario?

Violent crimes are offences that involve the use or threat of physical force against another person. They can range from minor to major in severity, depending on the nature and extent of the harm caused, the intent of the offender and the circumstances of the case.

Some examples of violent crimes in Ontario are:

Assault

Assault is the most common type of violent crime in Ontario. It involves intentionally applying force to another person without their consent or attempting or threatening to do so. There are different levels of assault, depending on the degree of injury or the use of a weapon. The maximum penalty for assault is 5 years in prison.

Aggravated Assault

This is a more serious form of assault that involves wounding, maiming, disfiguring or endangering the life of another person. The maximum penalty for aggravated assault is 14 years in prison.

Assault With A Weapon

It involves using or carrying a weapon or an imitation of a weapon while committing an assault. The maximum penalty for assault with a weapon is 10 years in prison.

Assault Causing Bodily Harm

It involves causing bodily harm to another person while committing an assault. Bodily harm means any injury that interferes with the health or comfort of the victim. The maximum penalty for assault causing bodily harm is 10 years in prison.

Sexual Assault

This involves any form of sexual contact without consent, such as touching, kissing or intercourse. There are different levels of sexual assault, depending on the degree of violence or the use of a weapon. The maximum penalty for sexual assault is 10 years in prison.

Homicide

It involves causing the death of another person, either directly or indirectly. There are different types of homicide, such as murder, manslaughter and infanticide, depending on the intent and circumstances of the case. The maximum penalty for homicide is life imprisonment.

The Consequences Of Violent Crime Charges

Being charged with a violent crime can have serious and lasting consequences. Having a violent crime lawyer by your side can help you avoid these charges.

Some of the potential consequences are:

Criminal Record

A conviction for a violent crime will result in a permanent criminal record that can affect your ability to travel, work, volunteer, obtain a security clearance, rent an apartment or access certain services and benefits.

Jail Time

A conviction for a violent crime can result in a lengthy jail sentence, depending on the type and severity of the offence and your personal circumstances. You may also face mandatory minimum sentences for certain offences, such as firearms offences or repeat offences.

Probation

A conviction for a violent crime can result in a probation order that requires you to follow certain conditions, such as reporting to a probation officer, staying away from certain places or people, attending counselling or treatment programs, abstaining from drugs or alcohol or performing community service.

Restitution

A conviction for a violent crime can result in a restitution order that requires you to pay compensation to the victim or their family for the losses or damages they suffered as a result of the offence.

The Importance Of Hiring An Experienced Violent Crimes Lawyer

If you are facing charges for a violent crime, you need an experienced and reliable violent crime lawyer to represent you and protect your rights. A violent crimes lawyer can help you by:

Explaining the charges and the legal process to you in clear and simple terms

Review the evidence and the disclosure from the prosecution

Identify any weaknesses or flaws in the prosecution's case

Negotiate with the prosecution for a favourable resolution, such as a withdrawal, a stay, a diversion or a plea bargain

Prepare and present a strong defence strategy for trial, such as challenging the admissibility of evidence,

cross-examining witnesses, raising reasonable doubt or advancing legal arguments

Advocating for your best interests and seeking the most lenient sentence possible if you are found guilty

Potential Defences Against Violent Crimes Charges

Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, there may be various defences available to you against violent crime charges. Some of the potential defences are:

• Self-Defence: You can defend yourself or others using reasonable force against an unlawful attack, proving that you believed it was necessary to prevent death or harm and that your response was proportionate.
• Defence Of Property: Reasonable force can be used to protect property from unlawful interference, showing that you believed it was necessary to prevent theft, damage, or destruction and that your response was proportionate.
• Consent: If you had the other person's voluntary agreement, understood the consequences, and it wasn't a serious offence, consent can be a defence, except for specific crimes like aggravated assault, sexual assault with a weapon, or murder.
• Mistake Of Fact: Acting on an honest but mistaken belief can be a defence if the mistake was reasonable and not due to willful ignorance or recklessness.
• Alibi: Proving you were somewhere else during the offence, providing evidence like witnesses, documents, photos, or videos, can be an alibi defence.

An experienced violent crime lawyer will consider all of these strategies and craft the best defence as per your specific case circumstances.

How Can An Experienced Violent Crime Lawyer Help You?

Richard FEdorowicz has over 20 years of experience in defending clients charged with violent crimes in Toronto and surrounding areas in Ontario. He understands how stressful and overwhelming it can be to face such serious charges, and he is committed to providing you with compassionate and professional legal representation.

He will work closely with you to understand your situation, explain your options and develop a customized defence strategy for your case. He will use his expertise, skills and resources to challenge the prosecution's case and seek the best possible outcome for you.

If you are facing charges for a violent crime, do not hesitate to contact Richard for a free consultation.