Assault Peace Officer (Offence)
This page was last substantively updated or reviewed January 2020. (Rev. # 95139) |
Assault Peace Officer | |
---|---|
s. 270, 270.01 and 270.02 of the Crim. Code | |
Election / Plea | |
Crown Election | Hybrid / Indictable summary proceedings must initiate within 12 months of the offence (786(2)) |
Jurisdiction | Prov. Court Sup. Court w/ Jury (*) |
Summary Dispositions | |
Avail. Disp. | Discharge (730) Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a)) |
Minimum | None |
Maximum | 6 or 18 months incarceration |
Indictable Dispositions | |
Avail. Disp. | Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a)) |
Minimum | None |
Maximum | 5, 10 or 14 years incarceration |
Reference | |
Offence Elements Sentence Digests |
Overview
The offences of assault peace officer and related crimes are found in Part VIII of the Criminal Code relating to "Offences Against the Person and Reputation".
- Pleadings
Offence Section |
Offence Type |
Crown Election | Defence Election s. 536(2) |
Preliminary Inquiry |
---|---|---|---|---|
s. 270(1)(a) [assault peace officer/assault person aiding a peace officer] s. 270(1)(b) [assault to prevent arrest] s. 270(1)(c)(i), (ii) [assault to person executing duty] s. 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] |
Hybrid Offence(s) | (* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment) | (under 14 years max) | |
s. 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] | Indictable Offence(s) | N/A | (14 years max) |
Offences under s. 270 and s. 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] are hybrid with a Crown election. If prosecuted by indictment, there is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2) to trial by provincial court, superior court judge-alone or superior court judge-and-jury.
Offences under s. 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] are straight indictable. There is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2) to trial to trial in provincial court, superior court with a judge-alone (with or without a preliminary inquiry) or superior court with judge-and-jury (with or without a preliminary inquiry).
Before the Crown can rely on provisions increasing the duration of the weapons prohibition order due to a prior weapons prohibition order notice under s. 727 must be given prior to plea.
- Release
Offence(s) | Appearance Notice by Peace Officer s. 497 |
Summons by Judge or Justice s. 508(1), 512(1), or 788 |
Release by Peace Officer on Undertaking s. 498, 499, and 501 |
Release By a Judge or Justice on a Release Order s. 515 to 519 |
Direct to Attend for Fingerprints, etc. Identification of Criminals Act s. 2 ID Crim. Act |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
s. 270(1)(a) [assault peace officer/assault person aiding a peace officer] s. 270(1)(b) [assault to prevent arrest] s. 270(1)(c)(i), (ii) [assault to person executing duty] |
|||||
s. 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] | |||||
s. 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] |
When charged under s. 270 and s. 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm], the accused can be given an appearance notice without arrest under s. 497 or a summons. If arrested, he can be released by the arresting officer under s. 498 or 499 on an undertaking with or without conditions. He can also be released by a justice under s. 515.
When charged under s. 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] , the accused can be given a judicial summons without arrest. If arrested, he can be released by the arresting officer under s. 498 or 499 on an undertaking with or without conditions. He can also be released by a justice under s. 515.
- Reverse Onus Bail
If police decide to bring the accused before a Justice pursuant to s. 503, there will be a presumption against bail (i.e. a reverse onus) if the offence, prosecuted by indictment, was committed:
- while at large under s. 515 [bail release], 679 or 680 [release pending appeal or review of appeal] (s. 515(6)(a)(i));
- "for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association" with a criminal organization (s. 515(6)(a)(ii));
- where the offence involved a weapon, being a firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, while the accused was subject to a prohibition order preventing possession of these items (s. 515(6)(a)(viii)); or
- where the accused is not "ordinarily a resident in Canada" (s. 515(6)(b)).
And, regardless of Crown election, if the offence alleged was one:
- where the offence was an allegation of violence against an "intimate partner" and the accused had been previously convicted of an offence of violence against an "intimate partner" (s. 515(6)(b.1));
- where the offence alleged is a breach under s. 145(2) to (5) while (s. 515(6)(c));
- where the offence committed (or conspired to commit) was an offence under s. 5 to 7 of the CDSA that is punishable by life imprisonment (s. 515(6)(d));
- Fingerprints and Photos
A peace officer who charges a person under s. 270,
207.1 [assault peace officer causing bodily harm] or
270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] of the Code can require that person to attend for the taking of fingerprints, photographs or other similar recordings that are used to identify them under the Identification of Criminals Act.
- Publication Bans
For all criminal or regulatory prosecutions, there is a discretionary general publication ban available on application of the Crown, victim or witness to prohibit the publishing of "any information that could identify the victim or witness" under s. 486.5(1) where it is "necessary" for the "proper administration of justice". Other available publication bans include prohibitions for publishing evidence or other information arising from a bail hearing (s. 517), preliminary inquiry (s. 539) or jury trial (s. 648). There is a mandatory publication ban in all youth prosecutions on information tending to identify young accused under s. 110 of the YCJA or young victims under s. 111 of the YCJA.
- Offence Designations
Offence(s) | Wiretap Eligible s. 183 |
Dangerous Offender Designated Offence s. 752 |
Serious Personal Injury Offence s. 752 |
AG Consent Required | Serious Criminality Offence s. 36 IRPA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
s. 270(1)(a) [assault peace officer] or [assault person aiding a peace officer] s. 270(1)(b) [assault to prevent arrest] s. 270(1)(c)(i), (ii) [assault to person executing duty] |
(under 10 years max) | ||||
s. 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] s. 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] |
Offences under s. 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] and 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] are designated offences eligible for wiretap under s. 183.
Offences under s. 270(1)(a) are "designated" offences under s. 752 for dangerous offender applications.
Offences under s. 270,
270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] and
270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] are designated "serious personal injury" offences under s. 752(a) only if it has a maximum penalty of 10 years incarceration or more and involves "use or attempted use of violence against another person" or "conduct endangering or likely to endanger the life or safety of another person or inflicting or likely to inflict severe psychological damage on another person".
See below in Ancillary Sentencing Orders for details on designations relating to sentencing orders.
Offence Wording
- Assaulting a peace officer
270 (1) Every one commits an offence who
- (a) assaults a public officer or peace officer engaged in the execution of his duty or a person acting in aid of such an officer;
- (b) assaults a person with intent to resist or prevent the lawful arrest or detention of himself or another person; or
- (c) assaults a person
- (i) who is engaged in the lawful execution of a process against lands or goods or in making a lawful distress or seizure, or
- (ii) with intent to rescue anything taken under lawful process, distress or seizure.
- Punishment
(2) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) [assaulting a peace officer] is guilty of
- (a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
- (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 246; 1972, c. 13, s. 22; 1980-81-82-83, c. 125, s. 19.
[annotation(s) added]
- Assaulting peace officer with weapon or causing bodily harm
270.01 (1) Everyone commits an offence who, in committing an assault referred to in section 270 [assault peace officer],
- (a) carries, uses or threatens to use a weapon or an imitation of one; or
- (b) causes bodily harm to the complainant.
- Punishment
(2) Everyone who commits an offence under subsection (1) [assault peace officer with weapon or causing bodily harm] is guilty of
- (a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or
- (b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
2009, c. 22, s. 9; 2019, c. 25, s. 95.
[annotation(s) added]
- Aggravated assault of peace officer
270.02 Everyone who, in committing an assault referred to in section 270 [assault peace officer], wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
2009, c. 22, s. 9.
Draft Form of Charges
Pre-ambles | ||
---|---|---|
"THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, between the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR> and <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>***, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR | ||
"THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, on or about the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR | ||
"AND FURTHER at the same time and place aforesaid, he [or she]..." | ||
Code Section | Subject of Offence | Draft Wording |
270 | Assault peace officer | "..., contrary to section 270 of the Criminal Code. |
270.01 | assault of peace officer with a weapon | "..., did, in committing an assault on a peace officer or public officer, to wit: [conduct], carried, used or threatened to use a weapon or an imitation of one contrary to section 270.01 of the Criminal Code." |
270.01 | assault of peace officer causing bodily harm | "..., did, in committing an assault on a peace officer or public officer, to wit: [conduct], caused bodily harm to the complainant contrary to section 270.01 of the Criminal Code." |
270.02 | aggravated assault of peace officer | "..., did, in committing an assault on a peace officer or public officer, to wit: [conduct], wound, maim, disfigure or endanger the life of the complainant contrary to section 270.02 of the Criminal Code." |
Proof of the Offence
Proving assault peace officer under s. 270(1)(a) should include:
|
Proving assault person aiding a peace officer under s. 270(1)(a) should include:
|
Proving assault to prevent arrest under s. 270(1)(b) should include:
|
Proving assault person executing duties under s. 270(1)(c)(i) should include:
|
Proving assault person attempting to rescue under s. 270(1)(c)(ii) should include:
|
Proving Assaulting peace officer with weapon or causing bodily harm under s. 270.01 should include:
|
Proving aggravated assault of peace officer under s. 270.02 should include:
|
Interpretation of the Offence
Much of the same requirements and principles from the underlying offence of assault applies here.
- Cross Referenced Terms
Section 2 defines "public officer" and "peace officer".
Execution of his Duty
Other offences that require the lawful execution of an officer's duties include Obstruction of a Peace Officer (129).
Lawful Arrest or Detention
- see Arrest and Detention for details
Evidence
Many jurisdictions require that police officers file a "use of force" report with the supervisor every time an officer uses force upon a suspect.[1]
- ↑
e.g. required under the Ontario Provincial Police Services Act
Kienapple
A conviction for obstruction of justice and assault peace officer arising from the same event will violate the Kienapple rule.[1]
- ↑
R v Wilhelm, 2014 ONSC 1637 (CanLII), OJ No 1176, per Hill J, at para 100 ("On appeal, the Crown accepted that convictions for obstruction of a peace officer in the execution of his duty and assault of a peace officer in the execution of his duty arising from the same factual allegations cannot stand without violating the Kienapple principle")
Common Defences
Participation of Third Parties
- Testimonial Aids
Certain persons who testify are entitled to make application for the use of testimonial aids: Exclusion of Public (s. 486), Use of a Testimonial Screen (s. 486), Access to Support Person While Testifying (s. 486.1), Close Proximity Video-link Testimony (s. 486.2), Self-Represented Cross-Examination Prohibition Order (s. 486.3), and Witness Security Order (s. 486.7).
A witness, victim or complainant may also request publication bans (s. 486.4, 486.5) and/or a Witness Identity Non-disclosure Order (s. 486.31). See also, Publication Bans, above.
- On Finding of Guilt
Offence(s) | Victim Notice of Agreement s. 606(4.1) [SPIO] |
Victim Queried for Interest in Agreement s. 606(4.2) [5+ years] |
Victim Notice for Restitution s. 737.1 |
Victim Notice of Impact Statement s. 722(2) |
---|---|---|---|---|
s. 270(1)(a) [assault peace officer/assault person aiding a peace officer] s. 270(1)(b) [assault to prevent arrest] s. 270(1)(c) [assault to person executing duty] |
(* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment) | |||
s. 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] | (* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment) | (* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment) | ||
s. 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] | (* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment) | (* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment) |
For serious personal injury offences or murder, s. 606(4.1) requires that after accepting a guilty plea, the judge must inquire whether "any of the victims had advised the prosecutor of their desire to be informed if such an agreement were entered into, and, if so, whether reasonable steps were taken to inform that victim of the agreement". Failing to take reasonable steps at guilty plea requires the prosecutor to "as soon as feasible, take reasonable steps to inform the victim of the agreement and the acceptance of the plea" (s. 606(4.3)).
Under s. 738, a judge must inquire from the Crown before sentencing whether "reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victims with an opportunity to indicate whether they are seeking restitution for their losses and damages".
Under s. 722(2), the judge must inquire "[a]s soon as feasible" before sentencing with the Crown "if reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victim with an opportunity to prepare" a victim impact statement. This will include any person "who has suffered, or is alleged to have suffered, physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss" as a result of the offence. Individuals representing a community impacted by the crime may file a statement under s. 722.2.
Sentencing Principles and Ranges
- For general principles and factors of violence and assault-based offences, see Violent and Assaultive Offences
- Maximum Penalties
Offence(s) | Crown Election |
Maximum Penalty |
---|---|---|
s. 270(1)(a) [assault peace officer/assault person aiding a peace officer] s. 270(1)(b) [assault to prevent arrest] s. 270(1)(c)(i), (ii) [assault to person executing duty] |
summary election | 2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (from Sept 19, 2019) |
s. 270(1)(a) [assault peace officer/assault person aiding a peace officer] s. 270(1)(b) [assault to prevent arrest] s. 270(1)(c)(i), (ii) [assault to person executing duty] |
indictable election | 5 years incarceration |
s. 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] | summary election | 18 months incarceration |
s. 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] | indictable election | 10 years incarceration |
s. 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] | N/A | 14 years incarceration |
Offences under s. 270 and 270.01 are hybrid. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum penalty is 5 years incarceration under s. 270 and 10 years incarceration under s. 270.01. If prosecuted by summary conviction, the maximum penalty is 2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (from Sept 19, 2019) under s. 270 and 18 months incarceration under s. 270.01.
Offences under s. 270.02 are straight indictable. The maximum penalty is 14 years incarceration.
- Minimum Penalties
These offences have no mandatory minimum penalties.
- Available Dispositions
Offence(s) | Crown Election |
Discharge s. 730 |
Suspended Sentence s. 731(1)(a) |
Stand-alone Fine s. 731(1)(b) |
Custody s. 718.3, 787 |
Custody and Probation s. 731(1)(b) |
Custody and Fine s. 734 |
Conditional Sentence (CSO) s. 742.1 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
s. 270 , 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] | N/A | |||||||
s. 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] | N/A |
For offences under s. 270 and 270.01, all dispositions are available. The judge may order a discharge (s. 730), suspended sentence (s. 731(1)(a)), fine (s. 731(1)(b)), custody (s. 718.3, 787), custody with probation (s. 731(1)(b)), custody with a fine (s. 734), or a conditional sentence (s. 742.1).
If convicted under s. 270.02 a discharge is not available under s. 730(1) as it is "an offence for which a minimum punishment is prescribed by law or an offence punishable by imprisonment for fourteen years or for life".
Offences under s. 270.02 are ineligible for a conditional sentence order under s. 742.1(c), when prosecuted by indictment, as the maximum period of incarceration is 14 years or life.
- Consecutive Sentences
- Sentences to be served consecutively
270.03 A sentence imposed on a person for an offence under subsection 270(1) [assaulting a peace officer] or 270.01(1) [assault peace officer with weapon or causing bodily harm] or section 270.02 [aggravated assault of peace officer] committed against a law enforcement officer, as defined in subsection 445.01(4) [harming service animals – definitions], shall be served consecutively to any other punishment imposed on the person for an offence arising out of the same event or series of events.
2015, c. 34, s. 2.
Principles
- Objectives — offence against peace officer or other justice system participant
718.02 When a court imposes a sentence for an offence under subsection 270(1) [assaulting a peace officer], section 270.01 [assault peace officer with weapon or causing bodily harm] or 270.02 [aggravated assault of peace officer] or paragraph 423.1(1)(b) [impeding justice system participant in their duties], the court shall give primary consideration to the objectives of denunciation and deterrence of the conduct that forms the basis of the offence.
2009, c. 22, s. 18.
All offences involving assaults of peace officers is serious and so court must emphasize denunciation.[1]
Spitting has been considered a serious offence. It is repulsive and disgusting[2].
Spitting can be harmful presents a risk of transferring diseases. This could result in permanent infections or at a minimum weigh on the officer's mind for some time.[3]
- ↑ R v Beaudin, 2012 ONCA 615 (CanLII), per curiam, at para 1
- ↑ R v Solomon, [2001] OJ No 5733 (CJ)(*no CanLII links) at 2
- ↑
Solomon, ibid., at para 2
R v Joseph [2001] OJ No 5726(*no CanLII links) , at para 3
R v Charlette, 2010 SKCA 78 (CanLII), 88 WCB (2d) 556, per Jackson JA, at para 9 - offender spat twice in officer's face and once on clothing ("The possibility of contracting a disease is real, and the fear of developing a disease preys on the victim’s mind for some time to come.")
R v Ryan, [2001] OJ No 5069 (C.J.)(*no CanLII links) at 4
R v Ratt, 2012 SKPC 154 (CanLII), per Daunt J - herpes can spread by spitting including in the eye
Factors
- Primary Factors
- spitting: degree of risk of communicating diseases
Ancillary Sentencing Orders
- Offence-specific Orders
Order | Conviction | Description |
---|---|---|
DNA Orders | s. 270 , 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] or 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] |
|
Weapons Prohibition Orders | s. 270, 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] or 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] |
|
Delayed Parole Order | s. 270 , 270.01 [assault peace officer with a weapon or assault peace officer causing bodily harm] or 270.02 [aggravated assault peace officer] |
|
- General Sentencing Orders
Order | Conviction | Description |
---|---|---|
Non-communication order while offender in custody (s. 743.21) | any | The judge has the discretion to order that the offender be prohibited "from communicating...with any victim, witness or other person" while in custody except where the judge "considers [it] necessary" to communicate with them. |
Restitution Orders (s. 738) | any | A discretionary Order is available for things such as the replacement value of the property; the pecuniary damages incurred from harm, expenses fleeing a domestic partner; or certain expenses arising from the commission of an offence under s.402.2 or 403. |
Victim Fine Surcharge (s. 737) | any | A discretionary surcharge under s. 737 of 30% of any fine order imposed, $100 per summary conviction or $200 per indictable conviction. If the offence occurs on or after October 23, 2013, the order has smaller minimum amounts (15%, $50, or $100). |
- General Forfeiture Orders
Forfeiture | Conviction | Description |
---|---|---|
Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime (s. 462.37(1) or (2.01)) | any | Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence under the Code or the CDSA in which property is "proceeds of crime" and offence was "committed in relation to that property", the property shall be forfeited to His Majesty the King on application of the Crown. NB: does not apply to summary offences. |
Fine in Lieu of Forfeiture (s. 462.37(3)) | any | Where a Court is satisfied an order for the forfeiture of proceeds of crime under s. 462.37(1) or (2.01) can be made, but that property cannot be "made subject to an order", then the Court "may" order a fine in "an amount equal to the value of the property". Failure to pay the fine will result in a default judgement imposing a period of incarceration. |
Forfeiture of Weapons or Firearms (s. 491) | any | Where there is finding of guilt for an offence where a "weapon, an imitation firearm, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance was used in the commission of [the] offence and that thing has been seized and detained", or "that a person has committed an offence that involves, or the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance has been seized and detained, that the item be an enumerated weapon or related item be connected to the offence", then there will be a mandatory forfeiture order. However, under s. 491(2), if the lawful owner "was not a party to the offence" and the judge has "no reasonable grounds to believe that the thing would or might be used in the commission of an offence", then it should be returned to the lawful owner. |
Forfeiture of Offence-related Property (s. 490.1) | any | Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence, "any property is offence-related property" where (a) by means or in respect of which an indictable offence under this Act or the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act is committed, (b) that is used in any manner in connection with the commission of such an offence, or (c) that is intended to be used for committing such an offence". Such property is to be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province. NB: does not apply to summary offences. |
Record Suspensions and Pardons
Convictions under s. 270(1)(a) [assault peace officer/assault person aiding a peace officer] are eligible for record suspensions pursuant to s. 3 and 4 of the Criminal Records Act after 5 years after the expiration of sentence for summary conviction offences and 10 years after the expiration of sentence for all other offences. The offender may not have the record suspended where the offender was (1) convicted of 3 or more offences with a maximum penalty of life, and (2) for each 3 offences he "was sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more".
History
See Also
Related Offences
|
- 2020
- Level Zero
- Criminal Law
- Sentencing
- Offences
- Wiretap Eligible Offences
- Serious Personal Injury Offences
- 1972, c. 13
- 1980-81-82-83, c. 125
- 2009, c. 22
- 2019, c. 25
- Notice of Settlement to Victim
- Offences Requiring Notice to Victim
- Offences Punishable on Summary Conviction
- Offences with Maximum Penalty of 2 Years Less a Day
- Offences with Maximum Penalty of 5 Years
- Offences with Maximum Penalty of 18 Months
- Offences with Maximum Penalty of 10 Years
- Offences with Maximum Penalty of 14 Years
- Hybrid Offences
- Straight Indictable Offences
- Offences with No Mandatory Minimum
- 2015, c. 34
- Primary Designated Offences for DNA Orders
- Section 109 or 110 Prohibition Offences
- Delayed Parole
- Violence Offences