Domestic Assault
Domestic assault is any assault committed against a current or former spouse, common-law partner, dating partner, or family member. Crown counsel applies a “no-drop” policy: even if the complainant later wants the charges withdrawn, the Crown decides whether the case proceeds, not the complainant. That’s why an experienced defence lawyer who can engage with the Crown directly is vital.
Michael Bloom carefully reviews the complainant’s statement, the police report, photographs, medical records, and any 911 calls or text messages. He identifies inconsistencies, gaps in disclosure, and Charter issues. The result, in case after case, has been Stays of Proceedings, charges never laid, Section 810 Peace Bonds, and other outcomes that leave the client without a criminal record.
Assault by Choking
Assault by choking, suffocating, or strangling is a separate offence under the Criminal Code that carries higher penalties than simple assault. The Crown takes these allegations particularly seriously, and a conviction can result in jail. Michael Bloom has resolved numerous assault by choking cases through Section 810 Peace Bonds, Conditional Discharges, and Stays of Proceedings.
Uttering Threats and Criminal Harassment
Uttering threats (to cause death, bodily harm, or property damage) and criminal harassment (stalking, repeated unwanted contact, surveillance) are commonly laid alongside B.C. domestic assault charges, particularly after a relationship breakdown. Text messages, social media activity, and emails are often the central evidence. Trust Michael Bloom to scrutinize the context of every communication and challenge the Crown’s interpretation where the evidence doesn’t meet the legal threshold.
Bail Conditions and No-Contact Orders
People charged with a domestic offence in B.C. are often released on bail with strict conditions: no contact with the complainant, no attending the family home, and often no contact with the children. These conditions can be understandably devastating. Michael Bloom regularly negotiates with Crown counsel to vary bail, restore communication between partners, and allow clients to return to their families while the case is being resolved.
Section 810 Peace Bonds
A Section 810 Peace Bond is a common, favourable resolution in domestic violence cases. The criminal charge is stayed, no plea is entered, and the client signs a recognizance agreeing to keep the peace and abide by certain conditions for a fixed period (typically up to 12 months). There is no conviction and no criminal record.
Have you been charged with a domestic offence? Are you out on restrictive bail, or are you simply under police investigation? Contact B.C. criminal defence lawyer Bloom immediately. The sooner the defence work starts, the better your outcome.