What to Do If You Have Been Charged With a Criminal Offence
If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Canada, it is important to take the proper steps to avoid any further negative consequences. By taking these steps, you will give yourself the best chance of avoiding conviction and minimizing the consequences if convicted. The following is a list of things you should do if you have been charged with a criminal offence:
Retain a Lawyer as Soon as Possible
A lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly by the justice system. As soon as you suspect you may need a lawyer, start looking for one. You don’t want to wait until the last minute and hire a criminal lawyer in desperation. It’s important to make sound decisions based on logic, not emotion. Also, the sooner you hire a criminal defence lawyer, the more likely you are to avoid making mistakes in your defence. A criminal defence lawyer will help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and build a strong defence.
Choose Your Lawyer Carefully
If you are facing criminal charges, it is crucial that you choose your lawyer carefully. A good criminal defence lawyer can mean the difference between a relatively minor sentence and a life in prison. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a lawyer:
- Experience: how many cases similar to yours has the lawyer handled?
- Accessibility: is the law firm conveniently located for you? What are their hours?
- Success rate: does the lawyer have a good reputation for winning cases?
- Payment scheme: what is the arrangement for payment? Will you be able to afford the lawyer’s fees?
- Personality: it is important that you feel comfortable with your lawyer and that they have a good bedside manner. You should meet with potential lawyers beforehand to get a sense of their personality.
Do Not Discuss Your Case With Anyone Other Than Your Lawyer
It is very important to keep confidential anything you discuss related to your case with anyone other than your lawyer. This includes discussing the details of your case with friends, family, co-workers, or anyone else. If you need to discuss your case with someone, your lawyer is the only person you should speak to. Talking to anyone else about your case could jeopardize its outcome. Anything you say can be used as evidence against you in court, therefore, it is in your best interest to keep any information about your case to yourself and only speak about it with your attorney.
Show Respect to The Court
Be on time for all court appearances and dress appropriately. Showing respect for the court is important, even if you believe the charges against you are unfair. Listen carefully to all instructions and follow them carefully- this is true for all court appearances, but it is especially true for your first appearance in court. It is also crucial that you attend your fingerprinting date and adhere to all deadlines. If you miss your fingerprinting date, you could be charged with a crime. To avoid any issues, make sure you are aware of all deadlines and limits set by the court.
Be Sure to Ask Your Lawyer Regarding Bail Variation
It is essential that you ask your lawyer about any bail variations that may be applicable to your case. Each arrest and charge come with its own unique set of circumstances, and you want to make sure that the bail terms are not too restrictive for you. For example, a charge of domestic violence may prohibit you from going back to your home or having any contact with the complainant. However, if all of your documents are at your home, this can pose a significant problem. How will your financial responsibilities be carried out if you do not have access to your things? These are the types of questions that can be negotiated with the Crown Attorney by your lawyer.
Follow Any Conditions of Your Release From Custody
If you have been released from custody, it is important that you follow any conditions that have been set for you. This may include things like abiding by a curfew or not travelling outside of the country. Failure to do so could result in you being taken back into custody. Failing to follow release conditions can result in additional charges being laid against you.
Cooperate With The Police
Especially if they need to speak to you about an ongoing investigation, but again, do not say anything that could incriminate yourself without first speaking to a lawyer. If you want to stay safe and avoid getting in trouble, it’s important to cooperate with the police. Whether you’re being questioned about a crime or pulled over for a traffic violation, it’s always best to comply with the officer’s requests. If you act belligerent or refuse to answer questions, you’re only making things worse for yourself.
Document Everything About Your Case
In order to build the strongest defence for your case, it is important that you provide your lawyer with a full record of all the details that led you to be charged. It is in your best interest not to post anything on social media. It will pay off in the long run, for you to document all the relevant details about your case and provide them to your lawyer. This will ensure that your defence is as successful as possible
If you’re looking for an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Toronto, contact Calvin Barry. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Barry has successfully defended countless clients in a wide variety of cases. He has a proven track record of getting results and will work tirelessly to ensure that you get the best possible outcome in your case!
Contact Calvin Barry Today.
Contact an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Toronto to fight for your case.
