Calgary Violent Offences Lawyer
Rising rates of violent crime have led to tougher laws, increased vigilance by the police, and stiffer sentences by the courts. Many offences which previously attracted a simple fine and/or probation now carry the real possibility of time served behind bars. These cases are often widely covered in the media and evoke powerful emotional responses and pressure from a misinformed public to convict and imprison the accused persons.
Patrick C Fagan, K.C. has successfully defended violent offences cases ranging from homicide, domestic assault, and armed robbery. With more than three decades of experience defending clients in such criminal cases, Patrick C Fagan, K.C. has helped countless clients across Calgary obtain fair verdicts.
Defending Calgary Violent Offences Charges
Violent offences involve acts of violence and/or harm between people and include offences such as homicide, domestic assault, and armed robbery. These cases mostly stem from arguments or physical altercations between people and often lead to injuries — sometimes life-threatening injuries — on both sides.
Convictions in violent offences cases can lead to life-altering consequences such as long jail terms or a criminal record. An experienced Calgary violent offences lawyer can help defend throughout the court process, from a bail hearing to the trial proceedings.
Violent Offences Cases We Defend
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, a wide range of criminal behaviours are listed as violent offences. The Law Office of Patrick C Fagan, K.C. defends violent offences such as homicide, domestic assault, and armed robbery cases. We have a proven track record of successfully defending clients in cases of such nature, with verdicts ranging from a complete withdrawal of charges through pre-trial negotiation to a reduction in the charge and/or sentence.
Homicide
Being charged with homicide is the most serious criminal proceeding in Canada, and convictions all carry a penalty of life imprisonment with significant periods of parole ineligibility. Homicide includes both murder and manslaughter, and how these charges are filed often depends on the intent of the accused person.
Murder
A murder occurs when a person commits a culpable homicide meant to cause the death of the victim or bodily harm to the victim if they knew that it was likely to result in death.
- First-degree murder refers to a planned and deliberate homicide, murdering a police officer or prison employee, or a murder committed while committing certain other offences, such as sexual assault or kidnapping
- Second-degree murder includes any intentional homicides that cannot be classified as first-degree
Manslaughter
Manslaughter refers to an unintentional homicide that results from criminal negligence or unlawful conduct. A person acts criminally negligent when they act or refrain from acting in a way that shows reckless disregard for the lives or safety of others.
Domestic Assault
The Criminal Code of Canada does not include a specific definition of domestic violence, but any act of violence – such as an assault causing bodily harm, an assault with a weapon, sexual assault, or psychological abuse between intimate partners or spouses – is considered a serious offence in Calgary and throughout Canada. This type of violent offence is not limited to intimate partners or spouses. It can also occur between siblings or former partners, depending on the circumstances in the case.
Armed Robbery
Robbery refers to any act of stealing from a person using violence or threats of violence. If the perpetrator commits robbery while using a weapon, including a firearm, they could be charged with armed robbery.
35 Years of Experience Defending Calgary Violent Offences Charges
Patrick C. Fagan, K.C. has a long-standing reputation of successfully defending clients against violent offences charges in Calgary, Alberta. By carefully combing through every piece of evidence against his clients and proving their version of events, Patrick C. Fagan, K.C. has seen every kind of success, from overturning convictions to an outright verdict of not guilty.
Man convicted of sexual assault – verdict: conviction overturned
The accused man was charged with sexual assault and convicted of a four-month conditional sentence and two years of probation. But the conviction was overturned by Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Jacqueline Coutu after ruling that the provincial court judge had failed to give a reason why the complainant’s version of events was chosen over that of the accused.
Patrick C. Fagan, K.C., the accused man’s defence lawyer, spoke to the press outside court. “My client has professed his innocence since Day 1 and is very relieved to have this conviction overturned,” he said.
Man charged with armed robbery – verdict: not guilty
Patrick C. Fagan, K.C. successfully defended a man charged with armed robbery. Several eyewitnesses linked the accused man to the scene of the crime, but Patrick C. Fagan, K.C. showed that the DNA evidence was insufficient to convict him. Two DNA experts called by him testified that the DNA found on the weapon did not belong to the accused. The Calgary jury consequently acquitted the man and found him not guilty of the charges brought against him.
What are the consequences of a Violent Offences charge
Persons facing violent offences charges should seek the assistance of an experienced violent offences lawyer to help them navigate the criminal justice system. These charges often lead to harsh punishments. The consequences of being convicted of a violent offences charge, such as murder, manslaughter, domestic assault, or armed robbery, could cause life-altering harm, such as limited employment opportunities or irrevocable reputational harm. Being found guilty of domestic assault can also impact family court proceedings, including child custody and access.
How Patrick C Fagan, K.C. Can Help You
Violent offences charges carry serious consequences and are often punished harshly in court. With more than three decades of experience, Patrick C Fagan, K.C. understands how to navigate the complexities of such charges and possesses the expertise needed to craft a sound defence strategy to obtain a fair verdict. By carefully reviewing every detail in each case, Patrick C Fagan, K.C. has helped defend clients across Calgary. To learn more about how the Law Offices of Patrick C Fagan, K.C. can help you, call 403-517-1777 or contact info@patrickfagan.com.