R. v. J.S.S

(Calgary, P.C. - Domestic Assault).  JSS was charged with a domestic related assault causing bodily harm in Calgary, Alberta. Though the Criminal Code of Canada does not recognize a separate offence for "domestic assault", the domestic context to any criminal allegation is usually considered an aggravating factor if the accused is convicted.  After arrest, JSS was released on conditions that required no-contact with the family. This type of release condition can cause great stress on not only the accused but the accused's family -- who may not want him/her to be absent from the home.  Also, no contact and area restrictions can cause not only the accused, but the family financial distress. JSS was highly responsible and took immediate steps -- such as counselling -- to persuade the Crown to vary bail conditions. Due to credible concerns on the part of JSS's Calgary domestic assault lawyer that the essential witness may not have been entirely honest, the case was set for trial. As with all charges, the Crown Prosecutor plays an important role. As the trial neared, the Crown received some new information from its witnesses that caused it to have concerns about continuing with the prosecution and as a result, the charge was stayed. The lesson from this case is that whenever you are charged with a criminal offence, it is important to pursue every legitimate angle to defending the case. If you are in need of a Calgary domestic violence lawyer to help with your case, call David Chow. David is a former Crown prosecutor and longtime Calgary criminal lawyer. He routinely secures verdicts of not guilty in domestic assault cases.