Barrie Criminal Court – Ontario and Superior Court of Justice
75 Mulcaster Street, Barrie
Facing criminal charges can be both a scary and an embarrassing experience. As a criminal defence lawyer, my practice area includes Barrie and I am prepared to represent you on any criminal charges.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence and you are looking for a criminal lawyer in Barrie, keep reading and I will explain why you should hire a criminal defence lawyer, what I can do for you as your criminal lawyer, and 5 things you should do if you have been charged with a criminal offence.
Why You Should Hire A Criminal Lawyer?
Any time you are charged with a criminal offence, your liberty is at stake. If you are convicted of a criminal offence you could receive a penalty ranging from a fine or probation, to a jail sentence. A criminal defence lawyer can make a difference in whether you are found guilty or not guilty, or what kind of sentence you receive should you be found guilty. Simply put, a criminal lawyer is there to advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the best possible result.
Another reason you should consider hiring a criminal defence lawyer is that a lawyer understands criminal law and how our criminal justice system works. Criminal law, like any other area of law, is complex and can be difficult to understand for anyone who does not have an education in law. Similarly, our criminal justice system complicated. A criminal defence lawyer is there to provide you with legal advice and assist you as your case moves through the Court.
When you hire a criminal defence lawyer, you are getting the peace of mind that someone is there for you, to represent you. Any time you are charged with a criminal offence, the police are not there to assist you. The police have a duty to investigate crime. The Crown Attorney is not there to assist you. The Crown Attorney has a duty to prosecute individuals who have been charged with criminal offences where there is a reasonable prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to do so. It is the duty of a criminal defence lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and you are treated fairly.
What I Can Do For You As Your Criminal Lawyer?
To begin, I can meet with you for a free consultation so that you can get answers to some of the immediate legal questions you might have, such as;
- How serious are these criminal charges?
- What is the best case scenario?
- What is the worst case scenario?
- What are my legal options?
- As a criminal lawyer, what do I recommend?
- How much could this cost me to hire a lawyer?
- What happens at Court?
- Can you explain my bail conditions?
When you hire me, you are hiring a lawyer who practices exclusively criminal law. As your criminal lawyer, I will advocate fearlessly and resolutely on your behalf. I will advise you honestly about the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you. I will advise you what your legal options are, and what I recommend you do. As your criminal lawyer, I will work with you to resolve your case in a timely and fair manner.
I will attend court on your behalf so that you do not have to take time off work or school. I will engage in resolution discussions with the Crown Attorney and with a Judge based upon your advice to me about how you want to resolve your case. As your criminal lawyer, I will represent your legal interests and protect your rights under the Charter, including your liberty and security of person. I will work with you and all other parties to ensure you receive the best possible result.
I will advise you before each court date what is going to happen, and I will advise you after each court date what did happen in Court and when the next court date is. Simply put, I will keep you informed throughout the entire process. As your lawyer I am accessible by email or phone, and I am available to meet with when you should you have any questions or concerns about your case.
5 Steps You Should Take If You Are Charged With A Criminal Offence
- Consult with a Lawyer – Whether you retain a lawyer or not, it is important you understand what your legal rights and options are. Unfortunately, not all lawyers will offer to meet with you free of charge for an initial consultation. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, contact me immediately to arrange a free consultation.
- Comply with Your Bail Conditions – It is absolutely essential you comply with your bail conditions or any undertaking you signed before being released from the police station. It is bad enough that you have been charged with a criminal offence, you do not need a subsequent charge for Failing to Comply.
- Attend Court as Required – Similar to complying with your bail conditions, it is important you attend Court as required or you could be charged with Failing to Appear. If you are released from the police station without being fingerprinted, then make sure you attend the police station at the required day and time for fingerprinting or you could be charged with Failing to Appear.
- Get Advice from a Lawyer, Not the Internet – The Internet is full of people who are not lawyers but who are quick to provide non-legal advice. If you are looking for proper legal advice, then consult a lawyer.
- Understand Your Rights, including Your Right Not to Make a Statement – The police are not there to assist you, their job is to investigate crime. You have an absolute right not to make a statement to the police or to assist them in their investigation.
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