Assault With a Weapon
Facing Assault with a Weapon Charges in Ontario?
An assault with a weapon charge is a serious criminal offence with life-changing consequences. If convicted, you will be saddled with a permanent criminal record, you may face a lengthy jail sentence, and may face strict restrictions on your ability to travel to many countries for years to come.
The defence lawyers at Collett Read LLP are fearless in the courtroom and experienced in building strong, strategic cases to defend you from serious assault with a weapon charges.
What is assault with a weapon in Canadian law?
Under Section 267(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada, a person commits assault with a weapon when they:
- Use, carry, or threaten to use a weapon during an assault
- Cause bodily harm to another person with the use of a weapon
- Imply a threat with an object that could be used as a weapon
A “weapon” doesn’t have to be a firearm or knife; it can include any object used to threaten or inflict harm, such as a bottle or tool.
Penalties for assault with a weapon in Canada
This is a hybrid offence, meaning the Crown can choose to proceed by summary conviction or by indictment. If convicted:
- By summary conviction: Up to 2 years less a day in jail
- By indictment: Up to 10 years in prison
- A permanent criminal record
- Restrictions on employment, travel, and immigration
These penalties can drastically alter your future. You need to seek legal support immediately to begin building your defence and protecting your rights.
Our approach to defending assault with a weapon charges
At Collett Read LLP, we take a personalized and tactical approach to every case. From the start, we take the time to:
- Learn your full background and the context surrounding the charge
- Examine the evidence closely, including any surveillance, witness accounts, or forensics
- Investigate whether the weapon in question was truly used or intended as a threat
- Assess your Charter rights and how the police handled the arrest or investigation
Whether you’re facing your first charge or you have a criminal history, we treat every client with respect, and every case with precision.
The power of a unified legal team
What sets us apart is our powerhouse collaborative approach. Unlike solo criminal defence lawyers, when you hire Collett Read LLP, you’re backed by our entire legal team. We combine our skills, experience, and insight to craft the strongest possible defence for you.
Why choose Collett Read LLP?
We have extensive experience with violent crime defence.
We provide fearless representation in court.
We offer 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters.
We operate using a team-based strategy, with proven results.
We give our clients personalized care every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my assault with a weapon charges be dropped?
Yes. If there is insufficient evidence, a strong self-defence claim, or Charter violations during arrest, we may be able to have charges withdrawn or reduced. Early legal intervention is critical to achieve this though, so seek counsel immediately.
Does a weapon need to be present for this charge?
Yes, but “weapon” is defined broadly. It includes anything used or intended to be used to cause harm or intimidate. We often challenge whether the object was truly a weapon under the law.
What if I was acting in self-defence?
Self-defence is a legal justification for using reasonable force. If the force used was proportionate to the threat, it may lead to an acquittal. We can help present your case effectively, including any evidence that indicates self-defence.
What our clients say
We’re proud to have helped so many people through some of the most difficult events of their lives. Seeing words like these is what drives our team to succeed.
Don’t face serious weapon charges alone.
If you’ve been charged with assault with a weapon, contact our experienced team today. We’re available 24/7 to begin building your defence.