Change City
Free Consultation
Find Us Today
Charged with assault in Halifax?
Being charged doesn’t mean conviction
Call Pat Atherton today:
(902) 609-5468
-
Free consultation available
-
Clear, honest advice about your options
-
Strategic defence focused on results
You have options. Getting the right advice now can change everything.
As criminal defence lawyer in Halifax, Pat Atherton has spent years helping people navigate the system and protect their future.
Pat Atherton is here to stand with you, protect your best interests, and work toward the best outcome possible, no matter how serious the charge feels right now.
What You’ll Find On This Page
-
What happens after you are charged with assault.
-
The penalties and long-term consequences you may face.
-
The defences that may be available in your case.
-
How an experienced defence lawyer can protect your record and your future.
-
Why early, skilled negotiation with the Crown matters.
-
How getting legal advice early gives you more options and more control.
Charged With Assault? You’re Not Alone — And You Have Options.
Being charged with assault is serious, and terrifying.
You may be feeling scared, confused, and unsure what comes next.
-
For many people charged with assault, the situation is far more complicated than it first appears.
-
Sometimes arguments get out of hand.
-
Sometimes things happen quickly and emotions run high.
-
Sometimes people are falsely accused.
-
Sometimes it is a misunderstanding, or a situation where you were simply defending yourself.
Whatever led to the charge, you’re now facing a criminal accusation that can affect your job, your freedom, your family, and your future.
That’s why you need someone in your corner right now — someone who understands the system and knows how to protect you.
Why Assault Charges Are So Serious
Assault is always treated as a violent offence under Canadian law.
Even a single allegation can result in:
-
Jail time
-
A permanent criminal record
-
Restrictions on travel, employment, or immigration
-
Probation, counselling, or no-contact orders
-
Damage to your personal relationships and reputation
-
Loss of firearm privileges
-
Long-term consequences for your freedom and future
Don’t assume that a charge means a conviction.
The sooner you speak with a criminal lawyer, the more options you may have.
Call (902) 609-5468
Types of Assault Charges We Handle
Assault charges come in many forms, including:
-
Simple/Common Assault
-
Assault Causing Bodily Harm
-
Aggravated Assault
-
Assault With a Weapon
-
Threats (verbal assault)
Each type of assault charge carries different levels of potential penalty, but every one of them is serious. Even a so-called "minor" assault can leave you with a "violence" criminal record.
What Are the Penalties for Assault?
Penalties for assault depend on the type of charge and how the Crown decides to prosecute.
-
Common Assault: Up to 5 years in jail
-
Assault Causing Bodily Harm: Up to 10 years in jail
-
Aggravated Assault: Up to 14 years in jail
In addition to jail, you may face probation, counselling, fines, firearm bans, and restrictions that affect your job, travel, and immigration status.
Strategic Defence for Assault Charges
Pat Atherton builds every defence based on the facts and circumstances unique to your case. Many former clients say Pat Atherton is among the best assault lawyers in Halifax because of the strategic, facts-first approach taken in every case. Depending on your situation, possible defences may include:
-
Self-defence
-
Defence of another person
-
Consent (such as mutual fights)
-
Mistaken identity
-
False allegations or exaggerations
-
Charter violations (such as unlawful arrest or breaches of your rights)
-
Weak or unreliable evidence
The goal is simple: Protect your record, your freedom, and your future.
Negotiation & Knowing When to Fight
Assault charges require careful judgment at every stage.
Sometimes, the best outcome can be achieved by negotiating early resolutions — such as peace bonds, diversions, or withdrawals — that avoid a criminal conviction.
Other times, the only way to protect you is to fully challenge the charges in court.
You need a lawyer who can do both — negotiate strongly when appropriate, but fight hard when necessary.
Pat Atherton brings experience, judgment, and strategic thinking to every case — helping you navigate the legal system and fight for the best possible result.
What To Do After You’ve Been Charged
If you’ve been charged with assault, here’s what you should do right away:
-
Do not contact the complainant or discuss the case with anyone involved.
-
Do not speak to police or investigators without legal advice.
-
Call a criminal defence lawyer immediately.
-
Preserve any messages, videos, or evidence that may support your defence.
-
Attend all required court appearances.
The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of success.
What clients say
“I didn’t know what to expect after I was charged. My lawyer, Pat Atherton explained everything clearly, fought hard for me, and helped me walk away without a criminal record.”
Example based on a real Canadian case
A man was charged with assault with a weapon after an altercation involving a knife. The defence reviewed the evidence, identified serious inconsistencies, and presented these issues in negotiation with the Crown. As a result, all charges were withdrawn and the client avoided both jail and a criminal record.
Every Case Is Unique. That’s Why You Need Legal Advice from an Assault Lawyer
No website can give you advice tailored to your exact situation.
The real answers come after you speak with an experienced criminal defence lawyer who can review your facts, explain your options, and help you protect your future.
Call Pat Atherton today at (902) 609-5468 for a free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens after I’m charged with assault?
You’ll likely be released on bail with certain conditions. A court date will be set. Contact Pat Atherton as soon as possible to begin preparing your defence.
Q: Can I avoid a criminal record?
Depending on your case, Pat Atherton may be able to negotiate a resolution that avoids a conviction — such as diversion, peace bonds, or withdrawals.
Q: Will I go to jail?
Assault can carry jail time, especially if injuries are involved. But many cases are resolved without jail — proper legal defence is critical.
Q: Can assault charges be dropped?
Yes — charges can sometimes be withdrawn based on weak evidence, negotiation, or the complainant’s position.
Q: How long will my case take?
Most assault cases take several months, but timing depends on court schedules and how your defence is handled.
Call Now!