Durham Police Post Names of People Charged
The R.I.D.E. program is a great initiative aimed at reducing the number people drinking and driving on our roads. It is a program that I would like to see used more frequently throughout the year. I also appreciate of the job our police officers do by running the R.I.D.E. program, particularly when they are outside […]
Criminal Record Suspension
Criminal record suspensions are granted pursuant to the Criminal Records Act (CRA) and are done so at the discretion of the Parole Board of Canada. The Parole Board of Canada has the authority to grant, deny and even revoke criminal record suspensions. A criminal record suspension is the removal of all information pertaining to criminal […]
The Police Want to Talk to Me, What Should I Do?
Not all arrests made by the police are done at the scene of an alleged crime or are the result of the police carrying out an arrest warrant. There are many occasions when the police will arrest someone at the police station after requesting that the person attend the station. The Phone Call from the Police […]
From Arrest to Trial Part 2: Understanding Our Criminal Justice System
The Judicial Pre-trial After your lawyer and an Assistant Crown Attorney have had a Crown Pre-trial, and where your matter could not be resolved, the next step will often be to conduct a Judicial Pre-trial. At a Judicial Pre-trial, your lawyer will meet with an Assistant Crown Attorney, a Judge and possibly the Officer-in-Charge of […]
From Arrest to Trial Part 1: Understanding Our Criminal Justice System
For anyone unfamiliar with the criminal justice system, the process can be confusing and overwhelming. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to hire a lawyer who practices criminal law on a regular basis if you have been charged with one or more criminal offences. From start to finish, a criminal […]
What Should I Look For When Hiring a Lawyer?
Whether you are meeting with a lawyer for the first time or you are researching criminal defence lawyers online, you should know what characteristics to look for in a lawyer. In today’s market, many lawyers are now developing their own website to attract new clients, and as a prospective client, you should be aware of […]
How Do I Find a Legal Aid Lawyer?
Once you have been approved for Legal Aid assistance and you have received your Legal Aid certificate, it is now your responsibility to find a criminal defence lawyer who is willing and able to represent you. Finding a lawyer you can trust and feel comfortable hiring to handle your case can prove to be a […]
What is Diversion and Am I Eligible for Diversion?
What is Diversion? Diversion is a program that has been created to divert people out of the criminal justice stream by providing them with the opportunity to deal with their criminal charges outside the formal setting of the courtroom. Diversion is an approach to dealing with criminal charges that will not result in a conviction […]
Can I Be Deported for a Criminal Conviction?
Any person living in Canada who is not a Canadian Citizen may be at risk for being deported if he or she is convicted of a criminal offence. Whether the Government of Canada initiates proceedings to have you deported for a criminal conviction will be determined by your status here in Canada, as well as […]
You have a Right to Speak with a Lawyer; Exercise that Right!
The Right to Speak with a Lawyer Pursuant to section 10 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, upon arrest or detention you have a right to retain and instruct counsel without delay. More specifically, section 10 of the Charter guarantees that upon being detained or arrested, that you have a right to be […]