Criminal Law & Procedure

If you are charged or believe you may be charged with a Criminal Code offence, drug offence, or an offence within the jurisdiction of the Federal government you need legal advice immediately. In fact, if you are arrested, you must be given an opportunity to speak to a lawyer.

A lawyer can explain what rights you have according to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Your most important right is the one that may be generally summarized as the right to remain silent. Anything you say to the police or do in their presence may, and probably will, be used against you at your trial.

If you cannot afford the services of a lawyer you may be entitled to Legal Aid. 

If you are charged with a criminal offence you are entitled to have a trial. The prosecutor must prove all of the elements of the offence behond a reasonable doubt. If you think the police have all the evidence they need a lawyer can try and negotiate a reduced sentence if you agree to plead guilty.