Assault

Being charged with assault is a highly stressful, disorienting, and overwhelming experience. A physical altercation can happen in the blink of an eye, but the legal consequences can follow you for a lifetime. Whether the incident involved a minor scuffle or a serious physical confrontation, the anxiety you are feeling about your future is entirely valid.

At Jajou Law, led by criminal defense lawyer Lary Jajou, we provide a clear, reality-based approach to your defense. We specialize in strategic advocacy for all levels of assault charges, with a strong focus on advancing self-defense claims and fiercely protecting your constitutional rights. We will give you the candid, straightforward advice you need to navigate this legal crisis.

A common and dangerous misconception about assault charges is that the alleged victim can simply “drop the charges” if they change their mind or if the parties reconcile. In reality, once the police are involved and an arrest is made, the decision to prosecute lies entirely with the Crown Attorney.

The Criminal Code of Canada covers a broad spectrum of assault charges, each carrying increasingly severe penalties:

-Simple Assault: Often involving no physical injury, such as a push, a threat of violence, or even an unwanted touch.
-Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm: Involving the use of an object to threaten or harm, or resulting in injuries that interfere with the complainant’s health or comfort.
-Aggravated Assault: The most serious classification, involving wounding, maiming, disfiguring, or endangering the life of the complainant.

A conviction for any of these offenses can result in jail time, strict probation conditions, weapons prohibitions, and a permanent criminal record that can devastate your employment prospects and restrict your ability to travel across borders. You need a defense strategy grounded in facts and aggressive advocacy.

Every assault case is unique, and a successful defense requires meticulously breaking down the Crown’s version of events. Lary Jajou approaches your case by aggressively scrutinizing the evidence, challenging witness credibility, and exploring all viable legal defenses.

1. Advancing Self-Defense Claims
You have a legal right to protect yourself. If you reasonably believed that force, or a threat of force, was being used against you or someone else, and your response was proportional to the threat, self-defense is a complete defense to the charge. We will thoroughly analyze the context of the altercation to prove that your actions were justified under the law.

2. Establishing Consent
In certain contexts, such as consensual fights or sporting events, physical contact is legally permitted. The Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the application of force was intentional and without consent. We actively challenge assumptions made by police regarding the nature of the altercation.

3. Charter Rights Protection
Your constitutional rights are paramount. We rigorously examine the police investigation to ensure your rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms were not violated. If you were arbitrarily detained, denied your right to counsel, or subjected to an unlawful search, Lary Jajou will file immediate Charter applications to have evidence excluded or charges dismissed.

When your reputation and freedom are on the line, you do not need false promises; you need clear, strategic, and honest legal counsel. Lary Jajou is known for a straightforward, no-nonsense approach in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. We will explain exactly what you are facing, outline the most realistic outcomes, and build a tailored defense designed to protect your future.

At Jajou Law, we balance our empathy for your situation with a relentless drive to secure the best possible legal outcome—whether that means negotiating a withdrawal, fighting for an acquittal at trial, or resolving the matter without a criminal record.

In assault cases, the narrative is often set early by the first person to speak with the police. If you have been arrested, or if you suspect you are under investigation, do not give a statement to law enforcement. Exercise your right to remain silent and seek professional legal counsel immediately.

Do not navigate this system alone. Contact Lary Jajou at Jajou Law today at +1 (647) 269-4233 or fill out our secure Online Contact Form for a confidential consultation to start building your defense.