A relationship ends badly. A heated dispute escalates. A series of texts sent in frustration suddenly results in a knock on your door from the Peel Regional Police.
Being charged with criminal harassment is a terrifying experience. Often referred to as “stalking,” this charge carries a heavy social stigma. You may feel like the police have taken the other person’s side without listening to the full context of the situation.
We are here to listen to your side of the story. For 20 years, our firm has successfully defended individuals across Mississauga against criminal harassment allegations. While your arrest happened locally, we know that your case will be prosecuted at the A. Grenville & William Davis Courthouse in Brampton. We know the prosecutors there, and we know how to dismantle exaggerated or false claims to protect your freedom and your future.
Understanding Criminal Harassment in Peel Region
Under Section 264 of the Criminal Code, you do not have to physically touch someone to commit a crime. Criminal harassment occurs when you engage in conduct that causes another person to reasonably fear for their safety or the safety of someone they know.
The Crown must prove that you engaged in one of the following prohibited behaviors:
- Repeatedly following someone from place to place.
- Repeatedly communicating with someone via text, call, email, or social media.
- Besetting or watching the place where a person lives, works, or happens to be.
- Engaging in threatening conduct directed at the person or their family.
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YEARS OF PROVEN EXPERIENCE
With years of dedicated courtroom experience, we know the Peel Region justice system inside and out. We provide clear, practical defence advice and strong representation at every stage of the process.
HIGH-PROFILE
CASES
At Zamani Law, we successfully defend complex, heavily scrutinized charges with absolute discretion. We fiercely protect your privacy and reputation, ensuring your case is handled confidentially.
COMPASSIONATE APPROACH
Rooted in a humanitarian spirit, we blend aggressive courtroom advocacy with genuine empathy. We prioritize clear communication to reduce your stress and fight hard for your future.
OUR PRACTICE
AREAS
We defend a broad range of charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, including domestic assault, sexual assault, bail hearings, DUI and impaired driving charges, assault, and drug offences. We take a careful, strategic approach to every case.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD
Zamani Law holds a strong Mississauga reputation for creative, aggressive defence. We dismantle the Crown’s evidence to protect your rights, securing withdrawn charges and acquittals.
The Two-Part Test for Harassment
It is not enough for the complainant to simply say they felt harassed. The Crown Attorney must prove two specific things in court. First, the complainant must have actually feared for their safety. Second, the judge must decide that their fear was objectively reasonable given the circumstances.
The Most Common Scenarios in Mississauga
We frequently see criminal harassment charges arise in highly emotional contexts within the Peel community.
- Domestic Breakups: The vast majority of these charges stem from the end of a romantic relationship. One partner may send multiple texts seeking closure or attempting to arrange the return of personal property. The other partner contacts the police.
- Family Court Disputes: Allegations are sometimes fabricated or exaggerated during bitter child custody battles to gain an advantage in family court proceedings in Brampton.
- Workplace Conflicts: A professional dispute or a romantic rejection at a Mississauga office park or retail center can spiral into allegations of stalking or unwanted communication.
- Neighbourhood Disputes: Ongoing arguments over property lines, noise, or parking spaces in suburban neighbourhoods can escalate into claims of harassment.
Farid Zamani
Criminal Lawyer in Mississauga
The Severe Penalties You Face
The Peel justice system takes criminal harassment very seriously, especially when it involves former partners.
If the Crown proceeds by indictment, a conviction can result in a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Even on the lower end of the spectrum, a conviction means a permanent criminal record. You could also face a mandatory DNA order, a weapons prohibition, and strict probation conditions that limit your movement and associations.
Strict Bail Conditions and "No Contact" Orders
If you are arrested by Peel Regional Police for criminal harassment, the immediate challenge is securing your release on bail. The Crown will almost certainly request a strict “No Contact” order.
This means you cannot communicate with the complainant directly or indirectly. You cannot ask a friend to pass along a message. You will also be barred from going near their home or workplace. Breaching these conditions will result in new criminal charges and a return to custody. We work urgently to secure your release and fight for bail conditions that are actually manageable for your daily life.
Building Your Defence Starts Now
How We Defend Criminal Harassment Charges in Brampton Court
Context is everything in a criminal harassment case. The police rarely capture the full dynamic of the relationship. We build our defence by bringing that missing context to light.
Analyzing the Digital Trail
If you are accused of repeated communication, we demand the complete text and email logs. Often, the complainant only shows the police the messages you sent, conveniently omitting the messages they sent back. If the communication was two-sided or mutually argumentative, it is very difficult for the Crown to prove the complainant was actually fearful.
Challenging the "Reasonable Fear"
We scrutinize the complainant’s behavior. If they claim they were terrified of you, but continued to invite you over, accept gifts from you, or engage in casual conversation, their claim of fear is inconsistent. We use these inconsistencies during cross-examination to raise reasonable doubt.
Lawful Authority and Innocent Intent
Sometimes, repeated contact is necessary and lawful. If you were repeatedly calling an ex-partner solely to coordinate picking up your child pursuant to a court order, you had a lawful reason to communicate. We present this evidence to show there was no criminal intent to harass.
Protect Your Record and Your Reputation
A criminal harassment charge is not a guaranteed conviction, but you cannot afford to wait and see what happens.
If you were arrested in Mississauga and are dealing with the Peel Regional Police or have a pending court date in Brampton, contact us immediately. We will review your case with absolute confidentiality and start building the strategic defence you deserve.
