Intimidation is provided as an offence under Section 423 of the Criminal Code. Person shall be guilty of intimidation if with the intention of forcing someone to do or to abstain from doing something without a valid reason, they use violence or threats of violence; damage someone’s property; intimidate that person; persistently follow them; hide objects; stalk or watch the victim.
A criminal lawyer defending a person charged with intimidation may use several means of defence, such as the victim’s lack of credibility, the absence of a specific intention to cause harm provided under Section 423 or simply the absence of evidence that the actions have been committed.
Intimidation is liable to a maximum sentence of 6 months by summary conviction or 5 years as an indictable offence. It is possible to apply for an absolute discharge in case of a guilty verdict in order to avoid having a criminal record. It is also common to negotiate a settlement out of court by means of a peace bond (Section 810 of the Criminal Code).
Contact a lawyer immediately if you are charged with this offence.
