Domestic Assault Recent Cases Cases

Ms. Z. was referred to our office by a well-respected family law firm in town. Amidst the pandemic, the client, her husband, and their 2 children had been spending considerable time in their home. During one of their children’s in home piano lessons an argument started between Ms. Z. and her husband. The heated verbal altercation ultimately became physical and the police were called. Ms. Z. was charged with assault and given release conditions that prevented her from residing in the family home. Subsequent to this, her husband obtained an emergency protection order that barred her from having any contact with her children. Mr. Wyman was able to work with family lawyers as well as the prosecution in order to have the no-contact clause with the children deleted. Further, a resolution was put together whereby the charges were withdrawn following the completion of anger management counseling.

Mr. S. was a class one truck driver. He retained our office after he had been charged with domestic assault charges against his wife. The couple were on their way to a soccer game with their children when an argument ensued. It was alleged that our client began striking his wife in front of the children while driving. He pulled over and the dispute persisted. Unbeknownst to him, an off-duty police officer witnessed the entire transaction. Any type of domestic allegation is viewed more seriously when the children are present to view it. Notwithstanding this aggravating circumstance, Mr. Wyman was able to procure the withdrawal of the charges following our client’s willingness to participate in anger management counselling.

Mr. W. contacted our office regarding a domestic assault with a weapon charge. The charges led from an altercation between Mr. W. and his then girlfriend. It was alleged that the 2 were arguing in the backyard when Mr. W. struck his girlfriend in the head with a wrench. The client agreed that she had been struck with the wrench but submitted that it was by accident. At trial, it became evident that the Crown had issues with their witness. The issues being that she had not been truthful with the police regarding what had in fact transpired. When the truth came out the charges were withdrawn.

Mr. M. was a high-ranking executive who had been charged with domestic assault arising from an incident in his Bearspaw home. Mr. M. had come home to find his girlfriend inebriated. An argument ensued and his girlfriend entered the wine cellar and began to break bottles from his collection. Mr. M. physically intervened and his girlfriend contacted the police. RCMP subsequently arrived and our client was charged with assault. After retaining our office, it became evident that a conviction would have a devastating effect on our client professionally. Furthermore, he travelled internationally frequently and owned a home in the United States. Ultimately the matter was set down for trial. At trial, it would be argued that the client acted in self defence and in defence of one’s property. After becoming aware of the problems with its case, crown counsel discontinued the prosecution against our client.

Mr. S. was a Calgary Firefighter who had been charged with domestic assault allegations. The charges were laid following an incident on Christmas eve where he threw his wife to the ground and kicked her dozens of times. The client had no recollection whatsoever of the incident. Mr. Wyman enlisted the assistance of a forensic psychiatrist who was able to establish that Mr. S. suffered from extreme PTSD. A treatment plan was implemented which our client followed meticulously. After concluding the program Mr. S. and his family were in a far better place. Especially so after the Crown withdrew the charges against him.

Ms. N. was in Banff at her husband’s firm Christmas party. The pair over indulged and left the party following an argument. Once back at their hotel room the dispute intensified and patrons from another room contacted the authorities. When the local RCMP arrived, her husband indicated to the officers that he had been struck during the incident. An assault charge and no contact order ensued. As is the case in most domestic matters, the implementation of a no contact order is problematic as the parties are not permitted to see one another which makes living accommodations problematic. That said, Mr. Wyman was able to meet with the Crown early on and have the charges withdrawn at the first appearance.