Aggravated Assault Lawyer in Ontario
Your Defence Matters When the Stakes Are Life-Changing
Being charged with aggravated assault in Ontario is one of the most serious violent offences under the Criminal Code. These cases often involve allegations of severe injuries, weapons, and claims that someone’s life was endangered. The consequences are severe and long-lasting, and without the right defence strategy, you risk prison, a permanent criminal record, and restrictions that can affect every part of your life.
I am Navdeep Dhindsa, an experienced aggravated assault lawyer based in Brampton, serving clients across Ontario. For over a decade, I have defended individuals facing the most serious assault allegations, and I understand how to challenge medical evidence, witness testimony, and the Crown’s legal theories. When you hire me, you work with me directly—start to finish.
If you have been charged, call me immediately at (437) 998-1429 for a confidential consultation.
Understanding Aggravated Assault Under the Criminal Code
Aggravated assault is defined under the Criminal Code. 268, and it applies when the accused is alleged to have:
- Wounded
- Maimed
- Disfigured
- Endangered the life of another person
Unlike simple assault or assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault focuses heavily on the severity and permanence of the injuries. Because of this, the Crown typically prosecutes these cases aggressively and seeks significant jail sentences.
What the Crown Must Prove
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must establish:
- The assault was intentional
- The complainant suffered severe injuries or life-endangering harm
- The accused caused, contributed to, or participated in the harm
- No lawful justification existed (such as self-defence)
These elements can often be challenged with the right defence strategy.
Common Situations That Lead to Aggravated Assault Charges
I frequently represent clients charged in situations involving:
- Fights that escalate unexpectedly
- Claims of weapon involvement, even improvised objects
- Domestic disputes resulting in serious injuries
- Group altercations
- Accusations arising from intoxicated or chaotic environments
- Cases where injuries appear worse days after the incident
Understanding the context and sequence of events is crucial in these cases, and I carefully reconstruct these details to build a powerful defence.
Penalties for Aggravated Assault in Ontario
Aggravated assault is an indictable offence with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. Courts treat these cases with exceptional seriousness, especially where permanent injuries or weapons are involved.
Life-Long Collateral Consequences
An aggravated assault conviction can affect your life long after sentencing:
- Permanent criminal record
- Firearms prohibitions
- DNA orders
- Travel restrictions, particularly to the U.S.
- Employment barriers, especially in regulated fields
- Immigration consequences for permanent residents or foreign nationals
This is why it is critical to get legal help as early as possible.
Factors That Increase Sentencing Risk
Penalties can become more severe when:
- A weapon was allegedly used
- The complainant suffered long-term or permanent injury
- The incident occurred in a domestic context
- The accused has prior convictions
The assault was committed while on bail or probation
My Approach as an Aggravated Assault Defence Lawyer
Defending aggravated assault charges requires a methodical, evidence-driven strategy. I have spent over 10 years handling violent offence prosecutions and understand the nuances that shape how these cases are viewed in Ontario courts.
My defence approach includes:
- Reviewing the medical evidence to determine whether injuries meet the legal threshold for aggravated assault
- Examining photographs, hospital records, and expert assessments
- Challenging eyewitness credibility and consistency
- Analyzing whether police followed Charter-compliant procedures
- Identifying alternate explanations for injuries
- Investigating whether the complainant’s behaviour contributed to the incident
Working Directly With Me
When you retain me, you work with me—not a junior lawyer, not an assistant. I take a hands-on role in every stage of your defence, from bail to disclosure review to trial preparation. You will always know what to expect, where your case stands, and what the next steps are.
Immediate Consequences After Being Charged
When police lay an aggravated assault charge, you may be:
- Arrested and held for a bail hearing
- Released with strict conditions
- Subject to no-contact or no-communication orders
- Prohibited from attending your own home (in domestic cases)
- Ordered to stay away from certain locations
- Restricted from possessing any weapons
These conditions can disrupt your job, your family life, and your daily routines. I work to secure reasonable bail terms and ensure your rights are protected from the beginning.
Legal Defences for Aggravated Assault Charges
No two aggravated assault cases are the same, and the success of your defence depends on identifying the weaknesses in the allegations.
Self-Defence
If you reasonably believed you were being attacked or threatened, you may have used force to protect yourself or someone else. I assess whether:
- You acted proportionately
- You were responding to a real or perceived threat
The injuries resulted from defensive action
Defence of Another Person
If you intervened to protect a family member, friend, or stranger, this may justify the force used.
Consent (Limited Applications)
In rare cases, such as contact sports or consensual fights, consent may play a role in the defence, though courts closely examine its limits.
Identity Challenges
If there is doubt about who caused the injuries, especially in group altercations or chaotic situations, identity may be challenged.
Intoxication and Intent Issues
In some cases, intoxication affects the ability to form intent, altering the classification of the offence.
Charter Rights Violations
I examine whether police:
- Arrested you unlawfully
- Failed to provide your right to counsel
- Conducted an unreasonable search
- Collected evidence without lawful authority
Charter breaches can lead to exclusion of evidence or dismissal of the case.
Challenging Injury Classification
Many aggravated assault cases hinge on whether the injuries truly rise to the level of “wounding,” “maiming,” “disfiguring,” or “endangering life.” Medical reports are often vague or overstated. I work to challenge:
- The accuracy of medical assessments
- Timing and cause of injuries
- Whether alternate medical opinions contradict the Crown’s case
How I Challenge the Crown’s Case
In serious violent offence cases, the prosecution’s evidence must be tested thoroughly. I challenge:
- Weak or inconsistent witness statements
- Exaggerations or allegations inconsistent with the physical evidence
- Surveillance videos that contradict the Crown’s theory
- Digital evidence such as messages, social media, and call logs
- Police assumptions or investigative errors
My goal is to expose reasonable doubt or demonstrate that the Crown cannot prove the elements of aggravated assault.
What To Do If You Are Charged With Aggravated Assault
Your actions immediately after being charged can significantly impact your case.
Protect Yourself by Following These Steps:
- Contact a lawyer before speaking to the police
- Do not discuss the incident with anyone
- Avoid contacting the complainant, even if they reach out first
- Save text messages, photos, and evidence that may help your defence
- Prepare for strict bail conditions
Speaking prematurely or violating conditions can make your case far more difficult—always get legal advice first.
Possible Outcomes in Aggravated Assault Cases
Depending on the circumstances, cases can result in:
- Charges withdrawn
- Charges reduced to assault causing bodily harm or simple assault
- Peace bonds (in rare, appropriate cases)
- Acquittals after trial
- Successful Charter applications resulting in exclusion of evidence
I fight to achieve the best possible outcome based on the facts of your case.
Why Choose Me as Your Aggravated Assault Lawyer in Ontario
When your future is on the line, you need a defence lawyer who understands the law, the courts, and the stakes.
- Over 10 years of criminal defence experience
- Deep knowledge of Ontario’s violent offence laws
- Extensive courtroom experience across the GTA and Ontario
- Strategic, evidence-driven defence planning
- Direct lawyer access from day one
- Transparent communication and honest advice
- Strong negotiation skills and trial expertise
Your case deserves focus, preparation, and a defence tailored to your circumstances.
Contact Me for a Confidential Consultation
Facing an aggravated assault charge is overwhelming. You may be dealing with strict bail conditions, worried about your reputation, or unsure of what will happen next. You do not have to navigate this alone.
The decisions you make in the first few days can make a significant difference in the long-term outcome of your case, and having an experienced defence lawyer involved early allows you to protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
Your consultation is completely confidential, and there is no obligation to proceed. If you are ready to take the first step toward protecting your freedom and your future, call me today at (437) 998-1429 for immediate assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aggravated Assault
The maximum penalty is 14 years in prison, one of the highest penalties for an assault charge.
Absolutely. Many aggravated assault charges arise from chaotic situations where the accused was defending themselves or others.
The complainant does not control the prosecution; however, their position can influence discussions about resolution.
Aggravated assault requires much more severe injuries—wounding, maiming, disfiguring, or life-endangering harm.
Yes. If injuries do not meet the legal threshold or if there are weaknesses in the Crown’s case, charges may be reduced.
Aggravated assault carries a high risk of incarceration, especially if injuries are serious or weapons are involved. A strong defence is essential.
Most cases take several months to more than a year, depending on complexity and court scheduling.
Given the severity of the penalties and consequences, legal representation is critical.