Facing Charges in Brampton? Speak to a Criminal Lawyer Now

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 mainly administrative in nature. In most criminal cases, the majority of the work happens outside the courtroom. This includes key steps such as Crown pre-trials and judicial pre-trials, where your lawyer reviews the evidence, discusses resolution options with the Crown, and prepares your defence.

After the first court appearance, the case is usually adjourned for approximately 12 weeks. This adjournment is not a standstill. During this period, disclosure is obtained and reviewed, a Crown pre-trial is conducted, and, if necessary, a judicial pre-trial is scheduled to move the matter forward.

First court appearance in Brampton courthouse are held in Courtroom 104 and may take place virtually. If your appearance is by Zoom, you can join using the following link:
https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67805418119?pwd=Yk1nK0djb01yblRMNGJaN09SRTlVZz09

The severity of the charge and the evidence play a crucial role in determining whether criminal charges can be withdrawn before trial.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 is typically shorter than a matter proceeding to trial. In many cases, if the issue is resolvable, a resolution may be reached in approximately six months.

One of the most common causes of delay in criminal cases is waiting for disclosure from the Crown. At the Brampton Courthouse, it generally takes approximately three months from the date of arrest to receive disclosure. Once disclosure is obtained, the case usually moves forward at a much faster pace.

We understand how stressful and urgent these delays can feel. Our criminal lawyer is proactive in pushing for timely disclosure and works diligently to move your file forward as efficiently as the justice system allows.

While you have a legal right to receive disclosure from the Crown, issues often arise with sensitive evidence, particularly in domestic-related cases. The Crown will not release certain materials, such as a complainant’s video statement, directly to a self-represented accused. Instead, you must schedule an appointment to view this evidence in person at the Crown Attorney’s office. Disclosure-related communication for Brampton is typically handled through virtualcrownbrampton@ontario.ca.

If you are self-represented, you may also attend in person to request disclosure or arrange viewing of sensitive materials at the Crown Attorney’s office located on the fifth floor, 7755 Hurontario Street, Brampton.

When you retain our firm, all disclosure—including sensitive materials—is provided directly to us under a professional undertaking. This allows your defence to be built with immediate and complete access to the evidence, without unnecessary delays.

Our role goes far beyond simply receiving disclosure. We perform a detailed legal analysis of the entire disclosure package to:

• Identify weaknesses in the Crown’s case

• Detect potential Charter violations

• Develop a strong and strategic defence tailored to your situation

This comprehensive approach ensures your rights are protected and your case moves forward efficiently.

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.