Many criminal cases have important court and filing deadlines so it’s important to speak to a criminal lawyer as soon as possible so you can quickly and efficiently navigate the legal jargon and nuances of the criminal system. The earlier you get a lawyer on your side, the more likely they will be able to help you. Memories fade and physical evidence disappears so don’t wait, call a criminal lawyer today to get the advice and support you need.
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence there are many reasons to hire a lawyer. Lawyers can help you navigate the criminal court system and understand your rights. They can provide a reality check, valuable expert advice and give you piece of mind knowing that your well being is protected by an experienced professional.
Call Frank Retar at 519-256-1234 to set up your consultation today or use the contact form located on our Contact Us page.
Outcomes Without A Criminal Record:
- Acquittal at Trial
- Stay of Proceedings
- Withdrawal – No Reasonable Prospect of Conviction
- Withdrawal – Peace Bond
- Withdrawal – Diversion
- Absolute Discharge
- Conditional Discharge
Outcomes With A Criminal Record:
- Fine
- Suspended Sentence
- Conditional Sentence
- Intermittent Sentence
- Custodial Sentence
A person can be prosecuted criminally for any offences found in the Criminal Code or any other federal statute containing criminal offences.
There are three main types of offences. The most minor offences are summary conviction offences. They are defined as “summary” within the Act and, unless otherwise stated, are punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail. Examples of offences which are always summary offences include trespassing at night, causing a disturbance and taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
The most serious are the indictable offences. Examples of offences which are always indictable include murder, robbery and break and enter of a dwelling-house. The available penalties are greater for indictable offences than for summary offences.
Most offences defined by the Criminal Code are hybrid offences, which allow the prosecution to elect whether to prosecute the offence as a summary or an indictable offence. Until the Crown elects the offence is treated as indictable.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (also known as The Charter of Rights and Freedoms or simply the Charter) is a bill of rights entrenched in the Constitution of Canada. It forms the first part of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Charter guarantees certain political rights to Canadian citizens and civil rights of everyone in Canada from the policies and actions of all areas and levels of government. It is designed to unify Canadians around a set of principles that embody those rights.
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Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) provides low-income people with a range of legal services such as duty counsel, information, referral, and advice through the toll-free telephone service and from LAO staff in courthouses, summary legal advice, community legal clinics, and representation by a lawyer through the certificate program. To qualify for legal aid services, you must be financially eligible, and your legal matter must be one that Legal Aid Ontario covers. Contact a clinic near you to find out more about eligibility criteria.