Spousal or family context
Domestic violence
Files in a spousal context receive particular attention from the courts. Conditions imposed at first appearance — no-contact orders, removal from the home, weapon surrender — can quickly disrupt daily, family and professional life.
Files handled by Me Daniela Velandia and Me Stéphane Pouyes.
Can VP Avocats help?
Yes. VP Avocats accepts defence mandates for people facing charges in a spousal or family context, mindful of the human reality behind each file.
Situations and charges covered
- Simple assault
- Assault causing bodily harm or aggravated assault
- Assault with a weapon
- Threats
- Harassment
- Coercive control
- Forcible confinement
- Mischief
- Breach of conditions or undertaking
Similar situations not covered
- Private complaints that were never received by the police
- Civil disputes (division of property)
- Defamation and reputation claims
- Representation of a party in a civil divorce or custody matter
- Family mediation
What can happen next
- The next steps depend on the charges and the conditions imposed.
- A lawyer can explain the possible scenarios after reviewing the file.
Evidence usually examined
- Documents given by police
- Communications and documents in your possession that may be relevant
- A detailed timeline of events, to the extent possible
Mistakes to avoid, immediate steps
- Saying anything at all before speaking with a lawyer
- Failing to respect no-contact conditions
- Returning to the home despite a no-go order
- Retrieving personal belongings outside the authorized channels
Our approach
We represent our clients in court: you do not need to attend, except at the judge's request, at trial where applicable and at the conclusion of the file. We assess whether a preliminary inquiry is possible, review evidence that is often extensive, and take the time to gather your version and discuss it as many times as necessary. We do not judge, whatever the situation.
Case stages
- Emergency intervention at first appearance and release hearing
- Assessment of whether a preliminary inquiry is possible
- Review of the evidence: video interrogations, written statements, multiple events
- Repeated meetings to gather your version and discuss it as often as needed
- Referrals to resources that can help you through the judicial process
- Presentation of the options — plea or trial — with your budget in mind; the choice is yours
Useful documents and information
- Undertaking or summons to appear
- Any relevant evidence: text messages, photos, videos
- Release order, if applicable
- Valid identification
Possible consequences
- Criminal record
- Imprisonment
- DNA order
- Firearms prohibition order
- Loss of reputation
- Probation and restrictive conditions
Lawyers on this practice
Frequent questions
Can I return home?
It depends strictly on the conditions imposed. A lawyer should review any planned step before it is taken to avoid a breach of conditions.
Can the complainant withdraw the complaint?
In criminal matters, the prosecution is led by the DPCP. The complainant's wish is one factor among others but does not automatically end the file.
How long can conditions last?
Conditions can evolve with the stages of the file. A lawyer can explain the applicable scenarios and, when warranted, apply for a modification.
This page is informational. It does not constitute legal advice and does not guarantee any outcome.
Contact
Contact us
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