Xavier Cormier, a lawyer, represents clients charged with domestic violence.
There is no offence called “domestic violence” per se provided in the Criminal Code. Cases of domestic violence are in fact various charges, such as assault, forcible confinement, threats, stalking, dangerous driving or others, in which there is or was a conjugal or sentimental type of relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant.
The specific character of these cases means they can be dealt with differently during proceedings. A court room can be specially dedicated to these cases, the plaintiffs can be encouraged to meet with a social worker, and the relationship between the parties can have an impact on the outcome of these cases. For example, some cases of domestic violence can be resolved by a peace bond being imposed when certain conditions are present. On the other hand, ill treatment of one’s spouse is an aggravating factor provided in the Criminal Code that will be taken into account when determining the sentence, if the defendant is convicted.
A person charged in a case of conjugal violence should consult a criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
Consult the other bulletins in this web site to read about examples of domestic violence cases defended by Mr. Cormier, a Montreal criminal defense lawyer.
