Areas of Practice

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Winnipeg Domestic Violence Lawyer

Contact Alex Today

Facing Domestic Assault Allegations in Manitoba? Protect Your Future.

Domestic violence allegations carry far-reaching personal, professional, and legal consequences. Beyond the immediate threat to your liberty, these charges can deeply disrupt your family structure, impact child custody disputes, limit your ability to reside in your own home, and jeopardize your current employment. Furthermore, a criminal conviction can result in long-term travel restrictions, particularly when attempting to cross the United States border.

If you are facing these allegations, you do not have to navigate the legal system alone. Alex Steigerwald is a dedicated Winnipeg criminal defense lawyer who focuses primarily on defending individuals facing domestic assault and related violent crime charges.

Need Immediate Legal Assistance? Contact Alex Steigerwald today at (204) 250-6517 to schedule a Free Consultation.

Understanding Domestic Violence Allegations under the Criminal Code

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, there is no singular offence specifically titled "domestic assault." Instead, domestic violence allegations are prosecuted under standard assault provisions, but they are treated with heightened severity by Winnipeg Crown Prosecutors due to the domestic context. This relationship dynamic acts as an aggravating factor during sentencing under Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code.

Alex Steigerwald provides comprehensive legal counsel and defence strategies for a wide range of domestic-related offences in Manitoba, including:

Navigating the Manitoba Bail and Resolution Process

When an individual is arrested for a domestic offence in Winnipeg, strict bail conditions are routinely imposed. These conditions typically include a "no-contact" order, preventing you from returning home or communicating with your partner and children.

An essential component of your defence involves bringing immediate applications to vary these restrictive release conditions when safe and legally viable. This helps facilitate a structured return to your family and normal routines while your legal matter is being resolved.

Depending on the specific circumstances of the file, strategic resolution pathways may include:

  • Negotiating a Peace Bond: Seeking a resolution under Section 810 of the Criminal Code, where charges are withdrawn in exchange for abiding by specific, non-criminal conditions for a set period.

  • Alternative Measures: Diverting the matter out of the formal criminal court system into specialized counselling or relationship programs, resulting in no criminal record.

  • Securing a Stay of Proceedings: Presenting evidentiary deficiencies to the Crown Prosecutor to encourage them to discontinue the prosecution.

  • Trial Defence: Advancing a robust defence at trial if a fair resolution cannot be reached out of court.

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.

Get a Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A conviction can result in severe penalties, including a permanent criminal record, supervised probation, mandatory counseling programs, weapons prohibitions, and incarceration. It also frequently causes employment termination and creates significant obstacles for international travel.

  • No. In Manitoba, once the police lay a domestic charge, the authority to drop or proceed with the prosecution rests entirely with the Crown Attorney's office. Even if the complainant wishes to recant or withdraw their statement, the Crown will often proceed with the prosecution if they believe there is a reasonable prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest.

  • Attending specialized programs, such as the partner abuse response programs, can often be integrated into a strategic defence plan. Proactively engaging in counselling may assist your counsel in negotiating alternative measures, a peace bond, or a mitigated sentence.

  • Defences often center on highlighting material contradictions in the complainant's statement, establishing a lack of intent, presenting evidence of self-defence, or demonstrating that the allegations are fabricated or exaggerated—which occasionally occurs during concurrent family law disputes.

  • Yes. Manitoba family courts place the highest priority on the "best interests of the child." A domestic assault charge or conviction can be used by the other party to restrict your access, mandate supervised visitation, or negatively impact ongoing custody determinations.

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.