diff --git a/crm/fcrm/doctype/crm_deal/crm_deal.py b/crm/fcrm/doctype/crm_deal/crm_deal.py
index 21d5cd08..a69478a2 100644
--- a/crm/fcrm/doctype/crm_deal/crm_deal.py
+++ b/crm/fcrm/doctype/crm_deal/crm_deal.py
@@ -86,8 +86,8 @@ class CRMDeal(Document):
 		if not agent:
 			return
 
-		if self._assign:
-			assignees = json.loads(self._assign)
+		assignees = self.get_assigned_users()
+		if assignees:
 			for assignee in assignees:
 				if agent == assignee:
 					# the agent is already set as an assignee
diff --git a/crm/fcrm/doctype/crm_lead/crm_lead.py b/crm/fcrm/doctype/crm_lead/crm_lead.py
index 7b8af194..51bd18eb 100644
--- a/crm/fcrm/doctype/crm_lead/crm_lead.py
+++ b/crm/fcrm/doctype/crm_lead/crm_lead.py
@@ -69,8 +69,8 @@ class CRMLead(Document):
 		if not agent:
 			return
 
-		if self.get("_assign"):
-			assignees = json.loads(self._assign)
+		assignees = self.get_assigned_users()
+		if assignees:
 			for assignee in assignees:
 				if agent == assignee:
 					# the agent is already set as an assignee