General Assault & Threats
Allegations of assault or threats can have serious legal and personal consequences, even when no physical injury occurs. In British Columbia, police can’t lay charges based on a single complaint. These cases frequently arise from heated arguments, misunderstandings, or spontaneous incidents that escalate quickly.
Allegations of assault or threats can have serious legal and personal consequences, even when no physical injury occurs. In British Columbia, police can’t lay charges based on a single complaint. These cases frequently arise from heated arguments, misunderstandings, or spontaneous incidents that escalate quickly.
At Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers, we have extensive experience representing individuals charged with various forms of assault and threatening behaviour. We take the time to understand your version of events, assess the strength of the Crown’s case, and build a focused defence strategy.
Whether you’re facing a minor allegation or a serious indictable offence, we’re here to help you move forward with skilled, strategic representation.
Assault & Aggravated Assault
Assault charges range in severity and can carry significant consequences depending on the nature of the alleged contact, any resulting injuries, and whether a weapon was involved. In Canadian law, “assault” includes any intentional application of force without consent—even something as minor as a shove.
Types of assault charges can include:
Simple Assault
(Section 266 of the Criminal Code): Involves non-consensual physical contact or threats of violence.
Assault Causing Bodily Harm
(Section 267): Involves injury to the complainant that is more than transient or trifling.
Assault with a Weapon
(Section 267): May involve using or threatening to use an object during the altercation.
Aggravated Assault
(Section 268): The most serious level of assault, resulting in wounding, maiming, or endangering life.
Convictions for assault can result in jail time, criminal records, employment restrictions, and immigration consequences.
Our team will examine the circumstances of your case, challenge unreliable testimony or weak evidence, and pursue every available option for dismissal, withdrawal, or reduction of charges.
Uttering Threats & Criminal Harassment
You don’t need to physically touch someone to be charged with a criminal offence in Canada. Words alone—spoken, written, or typed online—can lead to charges for uttering threats or criminal harassment.
These charges often stem from:
- Heated personal arguments
- Ongoing disputes between neighbours, coworkers, or ex-partners
- Social media messages, emails, or texts
- Allegations of intimidation or stalking
Uttering threats involves threatening another person with death, bodily harm, damage to property, or harm to animals. Criminal harassment includes behaviours such as repeated unwanted communication, following someone, or watching their home or workplace.
We approach these cases with a detail-oriented defence, focusing on the context, the credibility of the allegations, and any available digital evidence.
We aim to resolve matters discreetly, ideally without a criminal record, while protecting your long-term interests.
Bar Fights / Street Altercations
Physical altercations in public spaces—whether outside a bar, at a party, or during a heated confrontation on the street—can result in assault charges, even if both parties were involved in the conflict.
Common scenarios include:
- Mutual fights where only one person is charged
- Self-defence claims in response to aggressive behaviour
- Intoxication-related incidents
- Misidentification or mistaken eyewitness accounts
Our team will work to uncover surveillance footage, identify key witnesses, and advocate for your version of events. We also explore resolution options that can avoid a criminal record—such as peace bonds or alternative measures—when appropriate.
A charge is not a conviction. If you’re facing allegations of assault or threats, contact Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers for clear legal advice and experienced defence.