Areas of Practice

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Winnipeg Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic Violence allegations can have far-reaching consequences, and not just with respect to your freedom and your reputation. Family Court and child custody battles are often impacted. Following your arrest, you may also have issues with securing a residence and/or maintaining employment, as well as problems with travel to the United States or any other country.

​There are options available to assist you in this stressful time, including requesting variations to release conditions prior to a first court appearance. There are alternative resolution avenues, inside and outside of Court, which may result in no criminal record or convictions.

​If the matter is contested, an experienced criminal defence lawyer can help prepare you for Court and help you tell your side of the story.

Some of the common types of offences that occur in a domestic setting include:

​More About Domestic Violence Defence

Often referred to as a “spousal assault,” this type of assault allegation generally includes two people who are involved in a relationship. Typically, an individual is charged with the offence of assault, assault causing bodily harm (or whatever the level of assault that allegedly occurred), as there is no specific Criminal Code provision specifying “domestic assault.” These matters often involve a “he said / she said” disagreement over the facts. The objective in defence for the majority of these cases (depending on the circumstances of the offence, the history of the relationship, background of the client, etc.) is to aggressively negotiate with the Prosecutor in order to ensure that the client avoids a criminal record or conviction. This is accomplished in a number of ways, including: having the assault charge dropped (or “stayed”), negotiating Alternative Measures (avoiding the Court process altogether), or through the imposition of a peace bond without any conviction. The primary goal with all three options is to ensure that the client avoids a criminal record or any conviction.

Equally as important when dealing with an assault charge is to make efforts to change the bail conditions in order to allow the client to return to the family home and to resume contact with family members as quickly as possible.

Why Hire Alex Steigerwald?

As a dedicated criminal defence lawyer in Winnipeg, Alex Steigerwald has extensive experience handling domestic violence cases and advocating for clients' rights. With a compassionate approach and a track record of success, he possesses the knowledge and skill to effectively navigate the legal complexities of domestic violence charges and fight for the best possible outcome for your case.

Personalized representation: Alex will take the time to listen to your concerns and goals, tailoring his approach to meet your individual needs.

Compassionate advocacy: Alex understands the emotional toll of domestic violence allegations and will provide you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Strategic defense: Alex will leverage his experience and expertise to develop a strategic defence strategy aimed at protecting your rights and achieving a favourable resolution to your case.

Proven results: With numerous successful outcomes in domestic violence cases, Alex has the knowledge and skill to deliver results you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Domestic violence charges can carry severe penalties, including fines, probation, restraining orders, and even imprisonment. A conviction may also result in a criminal record, which can impact employment opportunities, travel, and future relationships.

  • While the alleged victim can express a desire to withdraw the charges, the final decision rests with the prosecution. Even if the alleged victim recants his or her statement, the prosecution may choose to proceed with the case based on other evidence or public interest considerations.

  • Depending on the circumstances of the case and the jurisdiction, the court may order attendance at counselling or anger management programs as part of sentencing, or even as a condition of bail. Compliance with such orders can positively impact the outcome of the case.

  • There can be many effective defences against a domestic violence allegation. Common defences often include self-defence, exposing the alleged victim’s lack of credibility or honesty, challenging the sufficiency of evidence presented by the prosecution, or demonstrating that the incident did not meet the legal definition of a domestic violence offence. It is important to consult with an experienced criminal defence lawyer to successfully pursue the most effective defence strategy for your case.

  • A domestic violence related conviction can significantly impact child custody and visitation rights. Family courts prioritize the safety and well-being of the children involved, and a history of domestic violence may result in restrictions or supervised visitation. It is essential to seek legal guidance from a qualified criminal defence lawyer to understand how a domestic violence related conviction could affect your parental rights.

Remember, these FAQs provide general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you are facing charges related to a domestic situation, it is essential you consult with a qualified criminal defence lawyer who can provide personalized guidance and advice based on your specific situation.