Domestic violence is treated very seriously by the courts. When a domestic assault charge is laid it is classified and prosecuted differently than other charges. Offences will be classified as “domestic” in nature if it involves an allegation made in the context of a marriage, common law or dating relationship, or if made by another relative or family member.
The most common question I encounter in my practice by those facing domestic assault charges is:
Can My Spouse/Girlfriend Drop the Charges?
The short answer to the question is “no”. The short answer to the question is “no”. After the police have laid the charge, the decision to proceed is not up to the alleged victim (often referred to as the complainant) but the Crown attorney. The Crown Policy Manual provides that Crowns should “exercise caution in evaluating requests from the victim for the withdrawal of charges.” Similarly, if the complainant does not show up on the trial date, the charges do not automatically get dropped either. This is a very common misconception. In fact, in some cases the Crown can seek to adjourn (put off) the trial to make the complainant attend whether they want to or not and they can also apply to the judge for a warrant for their arrest.
The second most common question I encounter from those facing domestic assault charges is:
Can I Get My Bail Conditions Changed So I Can Resume Contact with My Spouse/Girlfriend?
The short answer to the question is “maybe”. Getting bail conditions changed is not automatic and is not an easy task. This is the case even if the complainant wishes to have contact with you.
If you and the complainant wish to have contact with each other pending the outcome of your case the proper thing to do is to have experienced counsel seek a bail variation on your behalf. Counsel will need to persuade the Crown that you are not a risk to the complainant. The easiest way to get your bail conditions varied is with the consent of the Crown. If the Crown does not consent to a variation of your bail, an application has to be made to the Superior Court to vary your bail order. This is more complicated and costly because it requires ordering transcripts from your original bail hearing and putting together written material to be filed with the Court in advance. After the paperwork is filed there is a hearing in Superior Court before a judge to determine whether the conditions should be varied or remain the same pending the outcome of your case.
What Happens if I Don’t Obey the Terms of the Bail?
If you do not abide by the conditions of your bail you can be charged with a further offence of failing to comply with your bail order. This will typically result in your being re-arrested, charged with a new offence and held for a bail hearing. At this hearing the Crown may oppose your release and seek to cancel your previous bail order. Your surety will risk of losing the money they pledged on your behalf for the original domestic related charge. As a result, you should always comply with the terms of a bail order.
What if My Spouse Does Not “Show Up” on the Trial Date? Will the Charges Get Dropped?
If the complainant does not show up on the scheduled trial date, the charges do not automatically get “dropped”. In fact, the Crown can seek to adjourn (put off) the trial to make the complainant attend whether they want to or not. If the complainant has been properly served with a subpoena to attend court and fails to attend as directed the Crown can apply to the judge for a “material witness warrant”. This can result in the complainant being taken into custody and brought before a judge.
I have heard that sometimes the Crown will drop the charges if I sign a peace bond. What is a peace bond?
A peace bond is a court order to keep the peace and be on good behaviour for a period of time. Peace bonds often have other conditions too, such as not having any weapons or staying away from a person or place. There can be exceptions fashioned to staying away from a person if you have their written consent.
Peace bonds are usually for one year, but sometimes they are shorter (e.g. six months.) One year is the maximum length.
In domestic assault cases an accused may agree to enter into a peace bond if the Crown agrees to withdraw their charge(s) if they do so. However, there may be circumstances in a domestic assault case where agreeing to sign a peace bond is simply not appropriate. This is often the case if the parties are going through an acrimonious divorce. It is important to seek legal advice about the implications of signing a peace bond.
What Happens if I Don’t Obey the Terms of the Peace Bond?
If one or more of the conditions of a peace bond are broken, either by not obeying one of the conditions or by getting charged with a criminal offence, the person can be charged with a separate criminal offence of “breach of recognizance”. They may also lose some or all the money they pledged when they entered the peace bond.
The above information should illustrate the complexity of domestic assault cases. It is important to retain an experienced criminal lawyer in this area of the law to assist with these types of charges. Michelle Johal, a domestic assault lawyer Brampton, has a high success rate in getting assault charges dropped without having to proceed to trial. She can be reached at (647) 670-0116 to discuss the facts of your domestic assault charge.
Michelle was outstanding from start to finish. Her strategic approach in handling my case helped me achieve my desired outcome. During my consultation with Michelle she was very thorough in explaining the process, potential outcomes and really put me at ease by managing expectations. She was also very transparent with the fees – helping me plan accordingly. With my charge withdrawn, she has been instrumental in helping me put this issue behind me. Highly recommend Ms. Johal.
Steven
I can not be more grateful and satisfied by the honesty and integrity which was shown to me by Michelle Johal. She was never quick to judge and always focused on supporting myself on winning my case. I would highly recommend hiring Michelle Johal as your Lawyer. Thank You!
F R
Michelle Johal is a fantastic lawyer. She is passionate, charismatic and most importantly dedicated to her clients and her cases. You will be in good hands with Michelle and you will feel how much she cares about your case. I highly recommend her!
Maya Shukairy
I retained Michelle Johal and she has taken care of everything from beginning to end. She was able to answer all my questions and make sure I was able to get the best possible outcome! She has been of great help to me and is highly recommended to anyone.
P Y
Michelle Johal is best lawyer.She take care of everything about your case.She dismissed all my charges of drink and drive.And also you can pay her fee in installment.Her nature is very good .She explained everything in perfect manner .I am very lucky to have this lawyer.
Amrinder Singh
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Practice Areas
Michelle Johal Practices Exclusively In The Area Of Criminal Law.
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It is located a short distance from the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse located at 7755 Hurontario in Brampton. It is located across from the Tim Horton’s on County Court Blvd, and is a large commercial building with ample parking. We can be located on the 6th floor at County Court Law Chambers.
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