Experience Matters: Top Rated Criminal Lawyer

Charged with a criminal offence or have the police contacted you? Seeking a lawyer’s advice is crucial. Delaying this important step can have a significant impact on your case.

Upon arrest, the police will likely try to interview you. You are not required to give a statement. Making a statement at this stage can harm your defence. The police will often proceed with the charges, regardless of your account of events. It is important to review the disclosure with your lawyer. With their guidance, you can make an informed decision about whether to testify at trial. The accused’s statement can affect the defence strategies available to the lawyer. If someone has not provided a statement, the lawyer can defend the case using the evidence and its facts.

Silence protects you when the police lack evidence. Their goal? Building a stronger case. Your words, even accidental, can become weapons against you. Stay vigilant – don’t inadvertently assist their investigation through casual conversation. Remember, anything you say may be used to your detriment in court.

Engaging a lawyer early on can avoid these mistakes and provide you with peace of mind.

The first court appearance is administrative in nature. Most work in a criminal case occurs outside of court. This includes procedures like crown pre-trials and judicial pre-trials.

After the first court appearance, the criminal case is usually adjourned for 12 weeks. This adjournment is not a standstill. It will involve receiving disclosure, a Crown pre-trial, and if needed, a judicial pre-trial.

The severity of the charge and the evidence play a crucial role in determining whether criminal charges can be withdrawn before trial. Other relevant factors include the accused’s criminal history, the impact on the victim, and potential legal issues with the case. In Peel Region, the Crown can decide to withdraw charges if they believe there is no reasonable prospect of conviction or if continuing with the prosecution is not in the public interest. 

This decision is made on a case-by-case basis, and it is here that the experience of a criminal lawyer can be pivotal, potentially turning the tide in your favor.

The timeline for a criminal case headed toward resolution will be shorter than a matter proceeding toward trial. Generally, if the matter is resolvable, a resolution may be reached in approximately six months. 

Delays in criminal cases often stem from awaiting disclosure from the Crown. Once obtained, the case typically progresses at a faster pace.

We understand the urgency and the impact of the delay. Our criminal lawyer is committed to pushing for timely disclosure and moving your file forward as quickly as the justice system allows. 

Some criminal defence lawyers offer free consultations, while others may charge a fee. Our firm charges for a consultation, as we feel that any meaningful discussion, requires a thorough discussion of your case. 

If the police have called you in for a criminal investigation, your first step should be to contact a lawyer. An experienced criminal lawyer in Mississauga will reach out to the police on your behalf to discern their intentions—whether they plan to arrest you or are simply calling you in for information. Your lawyer can also arrange for a voluntary surrender if necessary, and work towards securing your release.

Remember that your right to remain silent is paramount and serves as a key safeguard in preserving your legal defence.