Harassment Lawyers
Assaults
If you’re being investigated for or formally charged with criminal harassment, reach out to experienced Criminal Harassment Lawyer.
Our Vancouver harassment lawyers know what it takes to build a strong claim. We will apply our expertise to get the best possible outcome in your harassment case.
What is Criminal Harassment?
Criminal harassment (often referred to as stalking) is a legal offense that occurs when a person repeatedly engages in unwanted behavior that causes a victim to reasonably fear for their safety or suffer significant emotional distress.
Stalking is prosecuted under the provisions for Criminal Harassment. There is no separate offence of “Stalking” in Canadian law.
Four Elements of Harassing Conduct
On a charge of Criminal Harassment the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:
- That the accused engaged in the activity in question; AND
- That the accused knew or was reckless about how their conduct would be perceived by the complainant; AND
- That the complainant feared for their safety or the safety of someone connected to them; AND
- That the fear the complainant experienced was reasonably held under the circumstances.
If the defence lawyer raises a reasonable doubt with respect to any of these considerations, the court must acquit the accused.
Criminal Harassment Law in B.C.
In British Columbia the Crown Counsel Policy Manual instructs the prosecution to proceed with Criminal Harassment charges even in cases of a single occurrence “if placed in the context of a prior history of abuse or violence” the incident may be considered Criminal Harassment.
Previous allegations of Assault or Uttering Threats will be considered in determining whether a pattern of behaviour supports a Criminal Harassment charge.
What is Criminal Harassment Sentence in Canada?
The Criminal Code prescribes up to ten years in jail on a conviction for Criminal Harassment.
Defined under Section 264 of the Canadian Criminal Code, it broadly focuses on the impact on the victim rather than the perpetrator’s intentions
Get expert legal advice – Criminal harassment cases can be won
If you have already been accused of harassment please contact our Vancouver harassment lawyers. We can help you fight a harassment complaint or a criminal charge. We act for clients across British Columbia. Harassment laws differ from province to province, so it is essential to instruct a local legal expert.
Harassment allegations or experiences should never be taken lightly — the impact on your career and future can be severe. That’s why our Vancouver harassment lawyers take an aggressive, strategic approach to every case we handle across British Columbia. We know the law inside out, and we put that knowledge to work to protect your rights and secure the outcome you need.