The Slap on the Wrist That Could Turn Deadly

 When the System Protects the Offender Instead of the Public

In Vancouver, Massimo Rosario Falvo has been convicted of four separate assaults, including one where a woman was beaten so badly it made headlines. His sentence? Three years’ probation and one day in custody — which was already covered by just 22 days in remand before trial.

Falvo himself went on social media to boast:

“3 years probation for 4 separate assault charges. I’m lucky I didn’t go to jail.”

And that’s the problem. He’s not wrong — and that’s dangerous.

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What “1 Day Custody + Time Served” Really Means

Here’s how it works in BC:

• If an accused spends time in remand (jail before trial), the judge can give credit for that time toward their final sentence.
• Because remand conditions are harsher — overcrowded, fewer programs — the credit can be 1.5 days for each day served.
• In Falvo’s case, 22 days in remand was more than enough to “pay” for the 1-day jail term on paper.
• The rest of the sentence — 3 years’ probation — is served in the community under supervision.

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Why This Isn’t Working

This system may make sense for non-violent or first-time offenders, but in cases like Falvo’s, it fails spectacularly:

• Repeat violence — Multiple assaults in separate incidents show a clear pattern.
• No remorse — Bragging about avoiding jail undermines any claim of rehabilitation.
• Risk to the public — A person with a violent history and no respect for the law is likely to reoffend.
• Weak deterrence — Light sentences send the message that violent behaviour has minimal consequences.

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What Needs to Change

We can’t keep releasing violent repeat offenders back into the community with nothing more than probation and a warning. Options include:

• Harsher minimum sentences for multiple violent offences.
• Cumulative sentencing — each assault should carry its own penalty, not run concurrently.
• Dangerous offender designation for those who show ongoing risk.
• Stricter probation enforcement — automatic jail for breaches.
• Public safety first — sentencing must weigh the risk to potential future victims as heavily as rehabilitation.

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The Bottom Line

The courts gave Falvo a slap on the wrist for four violent assaults. He knows it. He’s proud of it. And unless the justice system changes its approach, it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured — or worse.

Protecting the public should be the first priority. Right now, this case proves we’re doing the opposite.