Domestic Violence Lawyer in Edmonton
Do You Need a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
If you have been charged with a domestic violence offence, it is important to seek legal advice right away. You need an experienced intimate partner violence lawyer who can provide the best possible defense and protect your rights during this difficult time.
At our office, we understand that you may be feeling scared or overwhelmed by the charges, but with our help and guidance, we can get through this together. We will listen carefully to your story and provide clear advice on how to proceed. With detailed knowledge of family law, criminal law and relevant court proceedings, our team of lawyers is here to answer any questions you may have about your case.
We will also work closely with you to develop the most effective strategy for defending yourself against the charges. Our goal is to make sure you receive the best possible outcome for your case. We will never judge you, or pressure you into making any decisions that you are not comfortable with.
Don't wait – get in touch with us today and let us help ensure that your rights are protected. With our experienced team of intimate partner violence lawyers, we can provide the guidance and advice needed to successfully navigate a domestic violence charge. Contact our office now and take the first step towards protecting your rights and interests.
What are Intimate Partner Violence Offences?
In Edmonton, Canada, intimate partner violence offences are defined as "acts of physical or psychological violence committed against an individual with whom the accused has had a personal relationship." These acts include physical assault, sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of psychological abuse such as controlling behaviour.
When these offences occur within the domestic context, whether against an intimate partner or against other family members, the charge is often subject to unique procedural considerations. For example, the pre-trial portion of the criminal process is typically dealt with by a specialized domestic violence court.
The offence may occur in the context of an existing or former intimate relationship between two individuals. Examples of relevant relationships can include spouses, dating partners, common-law couples, and those who are living together. Other related offences that may be included under this definition are threats to cause bodily harm or property damage, criminal harassment, and forcible confinement.
The severity of intimate partner violence charges depends on the nature and degree of force used against the victim. If found guilty of physical assault, the accused may face jail time of up to five years. Likewise, if found guilty of sexual assault, jail time could be as high as fourteen years.
In Edmonton and across Canada, significant effort is being made to address intimate partner violence. For example, local police departments are increasing their awareness initiatives and community education programs to better support victims.
In addition, there is a range of services provided by non-governmental organizations such as shelters, counselling and other forms of support that can help survivors heal from their experiences. Through the combination of prevention measures and supportive resources for victims, Edmonton is helping set an example for the rest of Canada in addressing this serious issue.
Despite these efforts, intimate partner violence continues to occur at an alarming rate. The Edmonton Police Service reported that there were over 5,500 incidents of intimate partner violence in 2019 alone – a concerning number considering the population size of the city.
This highlights the importance of continuing to act and supporting victims who are or may become subject to these offences. With further awareness and resources provided to survivors, we can make a collective effort toward eliminating intimate partner violence in our communities.
What are the Potential Penalties?
In Edmonton, Canada, intimate partner violence offences can carry extremely serious penalties. Depending on the severity of the offence and any prior convictions, the court may impose a sentence that could include fines, probation, prison time, or all three.
If convicted of an indictable offence such as aggravated assault or assault causing bodily harm, an accused person could face up to 10 years in prison. However, if an accused has previous convictions for similar offences or is found to have committed multiple offences at once there could be more severe consequences. In some cases, where extreme violence was used against a victim or where weapons were involved, sentences could exceed 10 years in prison.
Fines are also common for those convicted of intimate partner violence offences in Edmonton. They can range from small sums to large sums depending on the severity of the offence and any prior convictions. The court may also order an accused person to pay restitution to their victims, as well as attend counseling or treatment programs.
In addition, a conviction for intimate partner violence could have other ramifications such as having one's name added to a sex offender registry or a prohibition order banning them from owning firearms or even living in certain areas.
Probation is another common penalty for those convicted of these offences, which includes conditions such as refraining from contact with the victim, attending counselling sessions, and reporting regularly to a probation officer.
The potential penalties for intimate partner violence offences in Edmonton Canada are very serious and should not be taken lightly. It is important for those accused of these offences to seek legal advice and understand the consequences they could be facing if convicted.
Get Advice For Your Domestic Violence Case
In domestic violence cases, an Edmonton criminal defence lawyer can help in the following ways:
First, they can ensure that your rights are protected. Crimes involving domestic violence can often be emotionally charged and if someone is accused of it, they may not be aware of all their legal rights. An Edmonton criminal defence lawyer will provide you with advice and resources to ensure you understand your rights and do not get taken advantage of.
Second, a criminal defence lawyer will help guide you through the complicated court process while advocating on your behalf. They will discuss all potential options available to you and explain any possible legal outcomes clearly so that you can make informed decisions about how to proceed in the case. Your lawyer will also represent your interests in court and work to ensure your case is heard objectively.
Third, an Edmonton criminal defence lawyer can provide tremendous support throughout the process. This may involve researching the facts of the case, preparing a complete defence strategy or simply being there for you as a calming presence during what is often a very stressful time. Your criminal defence lawyer will be your ally throughout the entire process and their goal is to help you get through it as quickly as possible with minimal disruption to your life.
In summary, an Edmonton criminal defense lawyer plays an important role in any domestic violence case by protecting your rights, providing guidance through the legal system, and offering emotional support when needed. If you find yourself involved in such a situation, seeking out professional help from an experienced lawyer is the best course of action.
Contact Us
At MD Law Group, we have a proven track record of success in criminal defence cases. We understand that each situation is unique and requires individual attention. Our team of experienced lawyers will carefully review your case and develop a strategy tailored to fit your needs.
Our goal is to protect the rights of you and your family members, ensuring the best possible outcome for the future. We are committed to providing personalised service that takes into consideration all aspects of the investigation, evidence collection and presentation, legal argumentation, and sentencing considerations.
We strive to provide our clients with an effective defence while being respectful of their concerns and expectations. If necessary, we can also work with other professionals such as psychologists or private investigators if it would strengthen our client’s defence. We want to make sure that your case is handled in the best possible manner and with the least amount of stress.
At MD Law Group, we are passionate about providing excellent legal service with an emphasis on transparency and client communication. You can be assured that you will always receive honest advice, tailored to your needs, and delivered in a timely fashion.
Our experienced legal team will work diligently to ensure that every step taken is in the best interests of our clients. Contact us today if you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Alberta – we’re ready to help!
We understand how daunting it can be when facing criminal charges, which is why our lawyers strive to provide the highest level of representation for our clients. With decades of combined experience, we will work together to provide you with creative legal strategies and the best possible defence. Contact us today and let our team fight for your rights.