An assault charge is a serious matter that can significantly impact your life. If you are convicted of assault, you could face jail time, a fine, or both. Even if you are not convicted, an assault charge can lead to a criminal record, making it difficult to find a job or housing. If you face an assault charge, it’s important to understand the consequences and seek legal assistance. Keep reading to learn more about how criminal charges can impact your life.
How can an assault charge affect your life?
Assault, threatening, and harassment are serious crimes that can lead to jail time and other serious penalties. If you are facing charges for any of these offences, it’s important to have an experienced criminal defence lawyer on your side. If you’ve been charged with assault in Calgary, finding a Calgary domestic assault lawyer is critical. A lawyer will understand the serious consequences of these allegations, and they are there to help you fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
An assault charge can change your life in several ways. First, it can lead to jail time if you are convicted. Jail time can also impact your ability to find a job or maintain custody of your children. Additionally, an assault conviction can cause you to lose certain rights, including the right to own a firearm. An assault conviction may also require you to attend anger management classes or other counselling programs.
It can also have a serious impact on your mental health. It can cause you to feel anxious and stressed, leading to other issues. You may also find it difficult to concentrate or focus on tasks. Criminal charges can also damage your relationships with family and friends. You may lose your security clearance, job, and freedom. An assault conviction can also make finding future employment or housing difficult.
Your records may become public.
An assault conviction can have a serious impact on an individual’s life. You can search where you live for “are arrest records public.” Arrest records are not considered to be public records in Canada. However, some information regarding arrests may be released if the person is later convicted of a crime. The specific information released will depend on the province or territory where the arrest occurred. Generally, the police will release the person’s name, age, and charge(s) against them. If the person is later convicted, the police will then release the sentence and other related information.
What can you expect during the legal process of a criminal case?
If you are accused of a crime in Calgary, Canada, you can expect the legal process to be lengthy and complex. The following is a breakdown of what you can expect during the different stages of a criminal case.
If you are held in custody, you will have a bail hearing to determine whether you should be released while your case is pending. The Crown will have to show a strong likelihood that you will not appear in court if released on bail. You will have the opportunity to argue for your release.
Plea bargaining is a negotiation between the Crown and the defence in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. Plea bargaining is not available in all cases, and the Crown is not required to offer a plea bargain.
If the case does not settle through plea bargaining, it will proceed to trial. A judge and jury will hear the trial if the accused chooses a jury trial. The Crown will have to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant has the right to remain silent and to be represented by a lawyer.
If the defendant is found guilty, the court will sentence them. The sentence will be based on the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal record. The court may order imprisonment, probation, or a fine.
Overall, an assault charge can change your life significantly. It can make it challenging to find a job, get into college, or find a place to live. It can also affect your relationships with friends and family.