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Assault in the Canadian criminal context can take on many forms. Any one of these charges could result in a lengthy jail sentence and a criminal record upon conviction.
Therefore, it's imperative to seek legal counsel from an experienced assault lawyer who can provide expert guidance and representation to help navigate through the complexities of the legal system and strive for the best possible outcome in your case.
The penalty for assault in Ontario can range from a conditional discharge all the way up to a maximum sentence of fourteen years imprisonment.
The sentence imposed for the offence will depend upon the type/level of assault and the circumstances of the offence.
There are three levels of assault in Canada. These are:
Level 1: Common Assault
Level 2: Assault With a Weapon / Causing Bodily Harm
Level 3: Aggravated Assault
We will explore each of these in more detail.
Simple assault is commonly referred to as “assault” and it is a common charge in Canada. Section 265 of the Criminal Code defines what the essential elements of the charge are.
This offence occurs when someone, without the consent of another person:
When the Crown is able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that at least one of the above three circumstances has occurred, a person may be convicted of the offence.
You can get a jail sentence upon conviction of this offence. If the Crown proceeds by way of indictment (more serious) then the maximum jail sentence you can get is 5 years imprisonment. If the Crown proceeds by way of summary (less serious), the maximum penalty you can get is 6 months in jail. It would be exceedingly rare for the Crown to proceed by way of indictment for simple assault, so the likely maximum penalty you would be looking at is 6 months imprisonment.
However, that being said, many assault charges can be resolved for little to no jail sentence at all, depending on the circumstances.
Learn more about potential sentencing for domestic assault charges.
This type of assault occurs when the consequences of the unwanted physical contact result in injuries that interfere with the health and comfort of the victim. These would be more serious injuries like fractures, severe bruising, cuts, etc., even if the injuries heal quickly.
Yes, you can get a jail sentence upon conviction of assault causing bodily harm in Canada. If the Crown proceeds by way of incitement, the maximum jail sentence you can get is 10 years in jail. If the Crown proceeds by way of summary, the maximum jail sentence is 18 months. Depending on the circumstances, the injuries sustained and the vulnerability of the victim, the Crown will determine if it is a case where they need to proceed by indictment or not.
This charge occurs when you intentionally use an object to exert physical force on another person. Weapons could be items like a knife, baseball bat, hammer, beer bottle – anything that you use intending to harm another person. You can be charged with this offence if you carry, use, or threaten to use a weapon during an assault.
Yes, you can get a jail sentence upon conviction of this type of assault in Canada. If the Crown proceeds by way of incitement, the maximum jail sentence you can get is 10 years in jail. If the Crown proceeds by way of summary, the maximum jail sentence is 18 months in jail. Depending on the circumstances of the assault, the weapon used, carried or threatened to be used, the injuries sustained and the vulnerability of the victim, the Crown will determine if it is a case where they need to proceed by indictment or not.
This is the most serious form of assault in Canada. This charge is used when the victim is seriously injured – wounded, maimed, disfigured or suffered life-threatening injuries. This charge has been expanded to specifically include anyone who commits an act of female genital mutilation.
Yes. This is a serious offence, and if charged, the Crown has no choice but to proceed by way of indictment. This charge carries a maximum jail sentence of fourteen years. It is very likely that someone convicted of this type of assault will spend a period of time in prison.
A sexual assault in Canada is an assault that is committed in circumstances of a sexual nature. The definition is vague in order to capture a broad range of behaviour. What is central to the charge is that the sexual integrity of the victim was violated, and is not contingent on a certain body part being touched.
These types of charges can range from slapping someone on the buttocks to forced intercourse. You can be charged even if the person accusing you is your husband or wife. It can occur regardless of the gender of the victim or the accused.
Sexual assault is a serious offence in Canada, and if convicted, the accused will face a prison sentences that ranges from zero years to 14 years. The amount of time an accused faces when charged with sexual assault depends on many factors, such as:
For a detailed breakdown of sentencing factors and prison sentences an accused faces when charged with any sexual assault offence, refer to our article on minimum sentences for sexual assault.
There are several factors which may make change a standard charge into an aggravated charge:
Understanding the sentencing time for assault charges can be complex and varies depending on the specifics of each case. If you or a loved one is facing assault charges, our knowledgeable assault defence lawyers in Toronto are ready to assist you. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
