Domestic Assault Lawyer in Toronto

Your Guide to Locating a Domestic Assault Lawyer in Toronto

When it comes to facing criminal charges, having an experienced and skilled criminal defense lawyer is crucial for navigating the legal system and securing the best possible outcome. Whether you’re dealing with minor offenses or serious criminal charges, a Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto can provide representation necessary to defend your rights.

At Toronto Criminal Lawyer, we specialize in providing top-notch legal services for individuals facing criminal charges in Toronto. Our team of highly qualified attorneys is here to guide you through every step of the legal process, offering personalized strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of your case. Below is an overview of the services we offer and how our expertise in handling Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto can make a significant difference in your case.

What is Criminal Defence?

Criminal defense involves the legal strategies employed by lawyers to protect individuals who are accused of committing crimes. The role of a Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto is to ensure that the accused person receives a fair trial, challenges the evidence presented by the prosecution, and attempts to reduce or eliminate the criminal charges. Effective defense attorneys are skilled at negotiating settlements, dismissing charges, and advocating on behalf of their clients in court.

Introduction to Domestic Assault Charges

Have you been charged with a Domestic Assault or Domestic Violence related offence? Your search for a Domestic Assault Lawyer begins here!

Unfortunately, Domestic Assault and Domestic Violence in Toronto, as well as Canada-wide, is common place. So common place that many Canadian cities, including Toronto (as of July 2023), have declared intimate partner violence an epidemic. With this this declaration, one can expect an increased “crime-control” approach to these charges, including:

• Stiffer penalties in court
• More limits on police discretion in investigating Domestic Violence accusations
• More individuals held in custody and denied bail

Andrew Captan is an experienced Domestic Violence Lawyer in Toronto. Through his experience both with Domestic Violence cases and working along side other Domestic Assault Lawyers, he can provide you with “insider” information about how to narrow down your search for a lawyer to help you with your Domestic Violence case, and how to locate the best one, or the best fit, for you.

Finding the Best Domestic Assault Lawyer in Toronto for you may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never been charged with a domestic violence offence before.   Domestic Violence offences, and Domestic Charges in general, encompass a wide range of criminal charges, such as:

• Assault simplicitor
• Assault with weapon
• Assault causing bodily harm
• Assault by choking
• Aggravated Assault
• Criminal Harassment
• Mischief to Property
• Sexual Assault

While there is no particular offence in the Criminal Code of Canada called “Domestic Violence”, an offence, such as one of the above mentioned ones, becomes “domestic” once it’s committed within the confines of a domestic or intimate relationship. Some examples of a domestic or intimate relationship include:

• Husband and wife
• Common law partners
• Boyfriend and girlfriend
• Ex partners or lovers
• Co-parents
• Primary family members (parent and child)

Real World Examples of Domestic Violence Cases 

The following are all real world examples of Domestic Violence cases and their respective outcomes:

• R. v. Singh, 2014 ONSC 2289 – The accused was found guilty of assault for slapping his wife and threatening to kill her and was sentenced to a conditional discharge.
• R. v. Brown, 2005 CanLII 24762 – The court imposed an absolute discharge on a finding of guilt where the accused was found to have pushed his estranged wife
• R. v. Vassell, 2016 ONSC 1973 – Accused pleaded guilty to an assault on his former girlfriend. After breaking up, the accused approached victim at shopping mall where they argued. That argument became physical and accused assaulted victim, then fled. The accused had a previous youth and adult record. A Suspended Sentence & Probation was imposed
• R. v. Milne, 2016 ONCJ 526- After an argument occurred, the victim raised her hand to slap the accused and the accused kicked her legs out from under her, grabbed her by neck, and assaulted her on ground. During a struggle, the accused struck victim with door, punched her, choked her and bent her cell phone, rendering it inoperable The accused was sentenced to a Conditional Sentence of Imprisonment

A Toronto Domestic Assault Lawyer can assist with representation to ensure that, if you are sentenced, it will be as favourable of an outocme as possible to you.

In this article, I outline some of the steps you can take to locate the Best Domestic Assault Lawyer in Toronto for you.  Note that everyone is different, and people have their own personal preferences, priorities and goals, so this list is meant to assist on a general level. Do your own due diligence when searching for a Toronto Domestic Assault Lawyer.

So, you’ve been charged and either released on bail or an undertaking to a police officer, and know exactly what you’ve been charged with.  The paperwork you receive may be confusion and you require clarification on it. This is the most common point at which individuals begin their search for a Toronto Domestic Assault Lawyer, although it is possible the search begins earlier when the police have reached out to an individual asking them to turn themselves in.

Why You Need a Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto

Having a Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto by your side can drastically increase your chances of a favorable outcome in your case. Criminal defense lawyers play a vital role in ensuring that your rights are upheld throughout the legal proceedings. A professional attorney will:

• Evaluate the Case: A Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto will thoroughly review the details of your case, examining the evidence, witnesses, and any possible weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.

• Ensure Legal Compliance: A lawyer will ensure that all legal procedures are followed and that your case is handled according to the law, ensuring you receive the protection and attention you deserve.

• Provide a Strategic Defense: A Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto will craft a defense strategy that could involve gathering evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and challenging the prosecution’s case.

• Negotiate Settlements: In some cases, a defense lawyer may negotiate a plea deal, reducing charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea.

• Represent You in Court: In the event that your case goes to trial, a criminal defense attorney will represent you in court, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial.

A Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto provides professional, tailored legal services designed to protect your interests and provide you with peace of mind during challenging times.  Now, what are the steps to take in looking for a Domestic Violence Lawyer?

Step 1 – Create a list of Toronto Domestic Violence Lawyer candidates

While many Criminal Lawyers in Toronto practice in Domestic Assault and Domestic Violence cases, it is possible that some do not, or generally shy away from them.  A good starting point is to narrow down your search in Google to certain keywords that target Domestic Violence Lawyers, such as:

• Toronto Domestic Assault Lawyer
• Domestic Assault Lawyer Toronto
• Best Domestic Assault Lawyer in Toronto
• Best Domestic Violence Lawyer Toronto
• Domestic Violence Lawyer Toronto

Make a list of some Criminal Lawyers who stand out on your initial search – whether it be the size of their firm, the quality of their website or the nature of the information they present surrounding Domestic Assault Cases. It will be an impossible task to review every single Criminal Law Firm that pops up on your search, so it would make sense to jot down a total of 10 Criminal Lawyers or Firms.

Here, it’s worthy to note that, in conducting online searches in attempt to find the Best Domestic Assault Lawyer in Toronto for you, you will find websites that create “top 3”, “top 5” or “top 10” lists for Toronto Criminal Lawyers, suggesting that the number one on that list would be the “top” (or best) Toronto Criminal Lawyer to hire. Be careful as to how you rely on these lists, as I have written about in an article that can be found HERE.

Step 2 – Make a Short List of Toronto Domestic Assault Lawyers

At this stage, it makes sense to make a short list of Toronto Domestic Violence Lawyers who meet certain important criteria, such as:

• Their office being within travel distance to you, in case you need to meet in person
• They have a web presence that suggests they are respected in the profession (for example, you can review whether they have a Google My Business page and what their reviews are like)
• They have strong and positive feedback from clients who have provided reviews (note that not all good quality criminal lawyers may have a large number of reviews online and, similarly, not all lawyers who have a high number of positive reviews may be good quality lawyers!)
• The information associated with the Criminal Lawyer or Firm suggests they have in depth experience in Domestic Assault cases

Narrow down the first list of 10 Criminal Lawyers to approximately 5 by navigating these types of factors. Your search has to continue and the harder part begins after Step 2 – but be patient

Step 3 – Schedule a Consultation with a Toronto Domestic Assault Lawyer

The further you proceed down the list of suggested steps, the more important each step becomes.

The next step would be to schedule a consultation with the Domestic Violence Lawyers you made a short list of. I would suggest calling each Criminal Lawyer or Firm on your short list and asking if a consultation can be scheduled. Note that some Criminal Lawyers in Toronto charge for case consultations and others don’t. You may have a preference here, or you may not, but make sure to clarify whether the consultation is free so you don’t receive a bill afterwards while not expecting one.

Step 4:   What to ask during a consultation with a Domestic Assault Lawyer

Google reviews, other online reviews and the lawyer’s overall online presence, are important factors to look at when screening lawyers.  But there are many other factors that are less obvious that you should inquire about. Quick tip – before you start the consultation, I would recommend having a written list of questions and inquiries you have so you don’t forget to ask something. The lawyer’s time might be limited and it’s best to make things as efficient as possible for both you and the Criminal Lawyer involved. In addition to your own personal list of questions, I would consider asking the lawyer about the following in order to narrow down your search for the Best Domestic Assault Lawyer for You:

• Find out which lawyer will be working on your case specifically
• What experience level the lawyer has
• How the lawyer can assist with changing your release conditions around (if any changes are important to you)
• Look out for red flags

Step 5:  Lawyer Fees in Domestic Assault Cases

The final important aspect of locating the best domestic assault lawyer in Toronto for you is determining which fee structure fits your needs.   Lawyers may bill for their work in different ways, and there is no “standard” fee for a Domestic Assault Charge in Toronto.  You should make inquiries with the lawyer about their fee structure, including:

• Whether they bill hourly or on a “block fee” (or flat fee) basis;
• What their hourly rate is;
• What their block fee rate is;
• Whether there will be any potential “hidden” fees or potential surprises as far as costs go;
• Whether there may be costs other than fees, such as disbursements (a disbursement is an expense a lawyer may incur in a case that is typically paid out by the client) 

You can make inquiries about what the lawyer’s retainer is, and whether you will be able to pay that amount up front.  Moreover, you can ask about whether the lawyer offers interest-free payment plans, which may assist individuals who can pay the ultimate amount agreed on but in a longer time frame.

The Process of a Domestic Assault Case

A summary of the process following a domestic assault charge in Toronto can be laid out as follows:

1. Initial Consultation

The process begins with an initial meeting where we gather information about the charges and discuss your options. A Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto will explain the legal process, answer your questions, and begin formulating a defense strategy.

2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once we understand the details of your case, our team of Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto will conduct a thorough investigation. This may include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution.

3. Pre-Trial Motions and Negotiations

In many cases, a Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto will file pre-trial motions to have certain evidence excluded or to dismiss the case entirely. During this phase, your lawyer may also negotiate with the prosecution for a plea deal, reducing the charges or penalties.

4. Trial

If your case goes to trial, our team of  Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto will represent you in court, presenting a solid defense and challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution. Our goal is to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial.

5. Post-Trial

If you are convicted, a Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto will assist with appeals or post-conviction motions to challenge the verdict. We will work to minimize the consequences and provide you with the support you need moving forward.

FAQs

1. How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Toronto?

The cost of a criminal defense lawyer in Toronto can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s experience. At Toronto Criminal Lawyer, we offer competitive pricing and flexible payment plans to ensure you receive the legal help you need.

2. What Should I Do if I’m Arrested in Toronto?

If you are arrested, the first step is to remain calm and immediately contact a Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto. Your lawyer will guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.

3. Can I Avoid Jail Time for a Criminal Charge?

The possibility of avoiding jail time depends on the nature of the charge, the evidence, and the effectiveness of your defense strategy. A skilled Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto will work to reduce or eliminate jail time whenever possible.

Contact Us Today

If you’re facing criminal charges, don’t wait. Contact Toronto Criminal Lawyer today to schedule a consultation with a skilled Domestic assault lawyer in Toronto. Our team is here to fight for your rights and provide the expert legal representation you need.

Andrew Captan is an experienced Toronto Criminal Lawyer practicing in the Greater Toronto Area, representing clients from all cultures, ethnicities, ages and walks of life.

He represents individuals charged with a range of criminal offences, from relatively minor crimes, such as Shoplifting and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, to more serious matters, including Robbery, Aggravated Assault and Sexual Assault.  A significant focus of his practice deals with representing individuals charged with Driving Under the Influence related offences, as well as Domestic Violence charges.  He is compassionate, friendly and cares about each of his clients, regardless of the charges they are facing.

Mr. Captan has experience in representing individuals throughout each stage of the criminal court process, from the bail hearing up until the trial stage.  Although his practice his concentrated in the Greater Toronto Area, he also appears in criminal courts outside the GTA, including Brampton, Newmarket, Guelph, Kitchener, Oshawa, Bradford, Midland, Barrie, Milton, Hamilton and Brantford, Owen Sound, St. Catharines and Guelph.

Mr. Captan accepts Legal Aid on a case-by-case basis and offers interest-free and individualized payment plans for all of his clients.   He makes every effort to provide access to his services, regardless of the financial situation in which a client or potential client finds themselves.

Mr. Captan is featured on various “top” Criminal Lawyer Lists, such as:

• “Toronto Travel Guide’s Best Criminal Lawyers”
• “3 Best DUI Lawyers – Stratford”
• “Clever Canadian’s best Toronto Criminal Lawyers”
• “3 Best DUI Lawyers – Kitchener” (where he assists VRS Law with all DUI and Criminal Law Matters)
• “The 8 Best Criminal Defence Lawyers in Toronto”.

To speak with Mr. Captan directly about a case, call (647) 878-6355.   He offers free introductory consultations to all individuals facing criminal charges.

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