Traffic Court – Ontario Court of Justice – 1530 Markham Road, Markham
Criminal Courts – Ontario & Superior Court of Justice – 50 Eagle Street, Newmarket
Facing criminal charges can be an embarrassing, stressful and scary experience. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about defending against criminal charges on your own. If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Markham or you live in the town of Markham, I can provide you with the legal representation you need and that you deserve. I am committed to ensuring your legal rights are protected and that you get the best possible result. Remember, if you are charged with a criminal offence in Markham, you have to attend the courthouse in Newmarket. Only traffic offences are dealt with at the courthouse on Markham Road.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Markham, it is important you read and understand the following before your first court date;
- why you need a criminal defence lawyer to represent you
- what I am committed do for you as your criminal lawyer, and
- the 5 things you should do if you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offence
Why You Need To Hire A Criminal Defence Lawyer?
Hiring a criminal defence lawyer could be difference between you being found not guilty instead of being found guilty or pleading guilty yourself. A criminal lawyer may also make a difference whether you receive probation or a conditional sentence instead of being sentence to jail. It is important you understand that your liberty is at stake any time you are charged with a criminal offence. Trying to defend or negotiate a resolution to criminal charges on your own is never recommended. You need the knowledge, experience and advocacy skills that only a criminal defence lawyer can provide you. Simply put, when you hire me, you are hiring someone who is committed to advocating on your behalf to ensure you receive the best possible result.
By hiring a criminal defence lawyer, you are getting the peace of mind of knowing someone is there for you and is looking out for your legal interests. Remember, when you are charged with a crime, the police are not there to help you. Rather, the role of the police is to investigate crime. Similarly, the Crown Attorney is not there to assist you. It is the Crown Attorney’s responsibility to prosecute individuals charged with having committed criminal offences. It is the role and responsibility of a criminal defence lawyer to ensure your legal rights are protected.
What I Can Do For You As Your Criminal Lawyer?
Even before you hire me as your criminal defence lawyer, I am prepared to meet with you for a free consultation so that you can get answers to the following qustions;
- Are these criminal charges serious? How serious?
- What is my best case scenario?
- What is the worst that could happen?
- Could I go to jail?
- What are my legal options?
- What should I do?
- How much will it cost to hire me?
- What happens on the first court date?
- Explaining and ensuring you understand your bail conditions
When you hire me, one advantage you receive is that I exclusively practice criminal law. As your criminal lawyer, I am committed to advocating fearlessly and resolutely for you. As your lawyer, I will give you my honest opinion 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 based upon my knowledge and experience as a criminal lawyer. I am committed to working with you to resolve your case quickly, but also ensuring you receive the best possible result.
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.
As a criminal defence lawyer, I take a personal approach to every client. I will advise you before each court date what is going to happen in court. After a court appearance I will advise you what happened in Court, when the next court date is and what I will be doing in between each court date. Simply put, I am committed to keeping 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 Criminal Defence Lawyer – Before you go to court, it is important you understand what your legal rights and options are. To show how important it is you understand what your rights are, I will meet with you for free before your first court date. 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.
- Do Not Breach Your Bail Conditions – It is important you understand all the terms of your bail. It is absolutely essential you comply with your bail conditions or you could be arrested again and facing further criminal charges. 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 – 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, 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 Your Legal 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. Many lawyers will provide useful information on a website, however to ensure you receive the best legal advice, it is always recommended you meet with a lawyer.
- Don’t Forget, You Have a Right Not to Make a Statement – Remember, the police are not there to help you, their job is to investigate allegations of criminal offences. You have an absolute right not to make a statement to the police or to assist them in their investigation.