Assault with a Weapon
The Charge
Under the s. 2 definition of the Criminal Code, a weapon is “anything used, designed to be used, or intended for use in causing death or injury, or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person.” Under s. 267, everyone who, in committing an assault, carries, uses or threatens to use a weapon (or imitation) is guilty of an indictable offence or a summary offence. The maximum sentences are, respectively, 10 years in jail or two years jail, less day. There is no mandatory minimum sentence for Assault with a Weapon. Non-custodial sentences are available.
To obtain a conviction for Assault with a Weapon, the Crown must first prove that there was an assault. This is to say that the Crown must prove that the accused applied force to the complainant without the complainant’s consent. Further, the Crown must prove that the accused was not acting in self-defence. In addition, the Crown must prove that the accused, in committing the assault, used a weapon. The Crown need not prove that any injury actually occurred.
It is a misconception that a “weapon” is limited to instruments such as firearms or knives. Objects such as chairs, rocks, potted plants, cars and even dogs have been held to be weapons.
The Investigation
Assault with a Weapon investigations unfold according to the nature of how and when the police receive the complaint. For example, police may be called to a bar or nightclub when a concerned patron or server sees a fight break out. Police will attend the scene and make an arrest. In other cases, it may take hours, days or weeks for police to be notified. In these situations, police will contact the suspect by attending at their house or workplace. They may contact the suspect by phone. As investigators, the police will want to hear the suspect’s side of the story. As experienced lawyers, this is where we can help our clients understand their right to silence as guaranteed by the Charter.
When we are contacted by a suspect prior to their arrest, we can be of significant assistance. We will contact police to determine who the investigating officer is. We will then contact this officer to determine the nature of the investigation. Because of the laws concerning solicitor/client privilege, we can act as a “buffer” between police and them. We are able to speak on your behalf without creating any evidence that could be used to incriminate you. We will strive to persuade police to not take you into custody at all or, alternatively, to release you as quickly as possible, with the least onerous conditions that are appropriate.