The Long-Term Consequences of Assault Convictions in British Columbia

There can be significant long-term consequences of an assault conviction in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada. Of course, assault charges can range from fairly innocuous ones to very serious ones. Nevertheless, a conviction for assault in BC is serious. In today’s blog article we are going to talk briefly about some of the long-term consequences that can result from an assault conviction.

A Criminal Record

If you have a conviction for assault, this will appear on your criminal record. This record stays with you until the end of your days unless you are able to get the conviction suspended or expunged from your record. However, be aware that getting an assault conviction removed from your record is not a given. It is not possible at all with certain types of assault crimes.

Background Checks

If you have a conviction for assault on a criminal record, this can have long-range effects on your life and lifestyle. For example, this can adversely affect where you can work, volunteer, or even live. If you want to rent and the landlord does a record check, this may affect your ability to rent an apartment.

Similarly, this can affect your travel. You may or may not be able to enter certain countries.

The long-range effects may be pervasive but not necessarily obvious. Friends and family may not want to stay in touch with you. Romantic partnerships may dissolve. Being found guilty of assault, depending on the type of assault, can significantly impact every aspect of your life.

Immigrants

If you are an immigrant, who has not yet received citizenship, you may not be able to renew or extend a visa. You may not be able to become a landed immigrant. You may not be able to become a citizen. Worse yet, you could face deportation. These are all important factors to discuss with your lawyer.

And this is why it is of critical important that you hire a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible and rely on your lawyer in order to get the best possible outcome for you.

Gagan Nahal is a criminal defence lawyer based in Surrey, British Columbia, although he has represented clients across Canada. He works vigorously and tirelessly defending his clients. 

If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to Mr. Nahal, please call him directly at (604) 527-4769.