News Date: Aug. 21, 2025 – TheStar.com | Kawartha Lakes police laid assault charges against a Lindsay resident Monday after an alleged home intruder was seriously injured in a fight
Toronto criminal defence lawyer Alexander Karapancev was recently featured in an article by The Star covering one of the most talked-about criminal cases in Ontario this month. The article, titled “How much force is reasonable? Lindsay home invasion sparks debate over self-defence laws”, explores a controversial incident in which a homeowner in Lindsay, Ontario was charged with aggravated assault after allegedly injuring an intruder during a break-in.
In the article, Karapancev – who was not involved in the case, provided a legal breakdown of how Canada’s self-defence laws work under Section 34 of the Criminal Code, clarifying the legal threshold for using force in defence of one’s self and property. His insights helped explain what courts consider “reasonable” force and why some individuals can be charged despite seemingly defending themselves.
“You’re legally allowed to use force to defend yourself if you believe that force is being used against you or a threat of force is being used on reasonable grounds,” Karapancev told The Star. “But the response must be proportionate to that threat.”
With public outrage growing and national political figures commenting on the case, Karapancev emphasized how charges are not convictions, and that it will ultimately be up to the courts to determine if the homeowner’s actions were legally justifiable.
Read the full article here: The Star – Lindsay Home Invasion & Self-Defence Debate →