Surrey Domestic Assault Lawyer
In BC Canada

Charged with Domestic Assault in Surrey or British Columbia?

Being arrested or charged with domestic assault can have immediate and long-lasting consequences. A conviction may affect your freedom, employment, professional licence, reputation, immigration status, and family relationships. Even before your case reaches court, you may face strict bail conditions that prevent you from returning home or communicating with your partner or children.

If you have been charged with domestic assault, obtaining experienced legal advice as early as possible is one of the most important decisions you can make.

Surrey Criminal Defence Lawyer Paul E. Briggs has over 25 years of criminal law experience representing individuals charged with domestic assault, spousal assault, and other intimate partner violence offences throughout Surrey and British Columbia. We work to protect your legal rights, carefully examine the evidence, and develop the strongest possible defence based on the facts of your case.

What Is Domestic Assault?

Although "domestic assault" is a commonly used legal term, it is not a separate criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Instead, it generally refers to an assault that occurs between people who are or were in an intimate relationship.

Domestic assault charges are often referred to as spousal assault or intimate partner violence (IPV) offences. The same Criminal Code provisions that apply to assault generally also apply to domestic assault cases, but allegations involving intimate partners are often treated differently by police and prosecutors.

Because domestic assault allegations frequently arise during emotionally charged relationship disputes, every case requires careful review of the evidence, witness statements, and surrounding circumstances.

Who Is Considered an Intimate Partner?

The Criminal Code of Canada defines an intimate partner to include:

• A current spouse

• A former spouse

• A current common-law partner

• A former common-law partner

• A current dating partner

• A former dating partner

This definition was expanded in 2019 and applies to many offences involving intimate partner violence.

Criminal Charges That May Arise from Domestic Assault Allegations

Depending on the circumstances, a domestic assault investigation may lead to one or more criminal charges, including:

• Common Assault

• Assault Causing Bodily Harm

• Assault with a Weapon

• Aggravated Assault

• Sexual Assault

• Sexual Assault with a Weapon

• Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm

• Criminal Harassment

• Uttering Threats

• Unlawful Confinement

• Mischief

• Breach of Release Order or Bail Conditions

Each offence carries different legal consequences and potential penalties. Early legal advice can significantly affect how your case proceeds.

Why You Should Speak with a Domestic Assault Lawyer Immediately

Domestic assault cases move quickly. Statements made to police, bail conditions, text messages, social media communications, and witness evidence can all play an important role in the outcome of your case.

An experienced criminal defence lawyer can:

• Explain the charges against you

• Protect your Charter rights

• Review the Crown's evidence

• Challenge unreliable or inconsistent evidence

• Seek appropriate changes to restrictive bail conditions where available

• Negotiate with Crown counsel when appropriate

• Represent you throughout every stage of the court process

• Build the strongest defence available based on your circumstances

Every domestic assault case is unique. Legal advice should always be tailored to the specific facts of your situation.

Experienced Domestic Assault Defence in Surrey

With more than 25 years of criminal defence experience, Paul E. Briggs Law has successfully represented clients facing a wide range of domestic assault and intimate partner violence allegations.

A domestic assault charge can have significant legal and personal consequences. Understanding your rights and obtaining legal advice early can help you make informed decisions about your case. Our role is to protect your rights, carefully examine the evidence, and provide experienced legal representation from the beginning of your case through its resolution.

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If you have been charged with domestic assault, spousal assault, or another intimate partner violence offence in Surrey or anywhere in British Columbia, speak with an experienced criminal defence lawyer at Paul E. Briggs Law as soon as possible.

Contact our office today to arrange a confidential initial consultation and learn about your legal rights, possible defences, and available options.