Criminal Harassment Lawyer Toronto: Experienced Legal Defence for Serious Harassment Charges
Being charged with criminal harassment or any other crime can be a devastating experience. Allegations of engaging in threatening conduct can potentially damage your reputation, and once convicted, you face a maximum punishment of imprisonment. Furthermore, you are solely responsible for fulfilling the imprisonment once convicted.
However, you aren’t obliged to go through the entire prosecution process alone. Contact our skilled lawyers if you are charged with criminal harassment. We will evaluate the allegations or cases against you, help you understand all your legal options, and create a solid defence strategy.
A Criminal Harassment Lawyer Near Me can provide immediate legal support, and working with a Toronto Criminal Harassment Lawyer ensures your case is handled with local court experience.
What’s Criminal Harassment?
Criminal harassment is also known as stalking, and the Criminal Code classifies it as an offence against the individual and reputation. The criminal justice system explains that the behaviour that makes the alleged victim fear for his or her safety must happen more than once to be considered criminal harassment unless it is overly threatening or prohibited conduct.
According to Section 264 of the Criminal Code, a person shall, without lawful authority, not cause the other person to reasonably fear for their safety or the safety of people known to them.
It’s also a criminal offence to engage in the conduct referred to, knowingly and recklessly cause reasonable fear in a person or anyone known to them. A Criminal Harassment Attorney regularly analyzes these elements when defending clients.
This prohibited conduct consists of repeatedly following the person or anyone known to them from place to place. Repeatedly communicating with the complainant directly or indirectly and engaging in any form of threatening conduct directed to the complainant can also be considered criminal harassment.
Note that criminal harassment is a broad offence category that covers activity from incessantly contacting the person or anyone known to them to threatening them directly or indirectly. Also, behaviours involving watching the victim’s residence, workplace, or business premises may constitute criminal harassment.
What to Do if Accused of Criminal Harassment
If accused of criminal harassment, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel immediately. The lawyers at Costa Law understand the complexities of such charges and are dedicated to providing experienced representation.
Once arrested for harassment, you may be released on the scene on a release order. The police will give you a ‘Promise to Appear’ document detailing charges and conditions. Speaking with a Criminal Harassment Defence Lawyer Toronto at this stage is critical.
However, a bail hearing may be necessary, especially if this isn’t your first offence or you are facing serious charges. The hearing, typically within 24 hours of arrest, determines your release conditions.
Our skilled lawyers will assess your case carefully and plan an effective defence strategy. We prioritize your rights and work tirelessly to navigate legal proceedings on your behalf.
During this hearing, we advocate for fair treatment and favourable conditions. Trust in our competence to protect your interests and ensure your rights are protected. Our commitment to your defence extends beyond the courtroom.
We offer legal support and guidance. If you are facing allegations of criminal harassment, do not hesitate to contact us.
In related matters involving family or intimate partner allegations, our team also works closely with Domestic Assault Lawyers Toronto to ensure comprehensive defence support.
Defending You Against Criminal Harassment Charges in Toronto
At Costa Law Firm, we understand that the most effective defence for any criminal harassment charge depends on the unique circumstances of the case. An experienced Criminal Harassment Lawyer works closely with clients to assess evidence and defence options.
That’s why we first focus on understanding the client’s charges, investigating the threatening conduct referred to as harassment, and creating a defence strategy tailored to your case. Here are some of the defence options we may consider.
Identity
Suppose the repeated behaviour being described as criminal harassment wasn’t recorded by surveillance equipment, or the available footage is of poor quality. Our lawyers can raise an identity defence successfully.
For instance, we could argue that law enforcement made a mistake in identifying you as the offender based on the poor quality of the footage.
However, you will need credible collaborative evidence to strengthen the identity defence strategy. For instance, you could provide an alibi for where you were when the threatening or violent behaviour was happening.
Factual Innocence
Factual innocence is often the strongest defence against criminal harassment charges. Our lawyers will investigate all incidents being considered harassment and uncover all pieces of evidence or information that could support your factual innocence.
If the evidence and facts don’t place you anywhere near the victim’s dwelling house and don’t show you repeatedly communicating with the complainant, we can show that you are not guilty.
Unreasonable Fear
For any action to be considered criminal harassment, the complainant must have felt reasonable fear due to the accused person’s conduct. One possible defence for charges involving criminal harassment is to challenge the complainant’s fear and show that it wasn’t reasonable.
No Intent to Cause Fear
Depending on all the circumstances of your case, our lawyers may be able to prove that you were not aware that your conduct would cause the victim to fear for their safety.
Lawful Authority
Suppose you had a lawful authority to harass an individual; you can’t be convicted of the alleged criminal harassment.
Penalties for Criminal Harassment
According to the Criminal Code, criminal harassment is classified as a hybrid offence. That means the prosecutor can proceed summarily or by way of indictment.
Criminal harassment is an indictable offence that carries up to ten years imprisonment. A summary conviction carries a maximum of two years imprisonment, less than a day, and up to a $5,000 fine.
Need a Criminal Harassment Lawyer?
If you are facing a charge of criminal harassment, an experienced lawyer can help defend you against these charges. Rest assured, our lawyers will defend you aggressively so that you’re not saddled with the penalties and a stained criminal record that stem from a criminal conviction of harassment.
FAQs
1. Do I need a Criminal Harassment Lawyer?
Yes. A Criminal Harassment Lawyer Near Me can help you respond quickly to charges and protect your rights from the beginning.
2. Is criminal harassment a serious offence in Toronto?
Yes. A Toronto Criminal Harassment Lawyer can explain how serious the penalties are and what defence options exist.
3. Can a Criminal Harassment Attorney help avoid jail?
Depending on the evidence, a Criminal Harassment Attorney may pursue peace bonds or alternative resolutions.
4. What does a Criminal Harassment Defence Lawyer Toronto do?
A Criminal Harassment Defence Lawyer Toronto reviews evidence, challenges fear elements, and represents you in court.
5. Can harassment charges affect my future?
Yes. Convictions can affect employment, travel, and personal reputation, which is why legal defence is critical.
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Costa Law Firm
Costa Law Firm is a law firm located in Toronto with exceptional credentials that stands out for its commitment to client service. Our service minded approach has led Costa Law Firm to be one of the most reliable law firms in Toronto.
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