Once charged with a criminal offense, you risk getting a criminal record, losing your freedom or going to jail. A criminal record can affect international travel, immigration status and future employment. Your freedom can be restricted with bail conditions or by a probation order. Even worse, you could go to jail.
The police believe you did the crime. The Crown prosecutes you as if you have committed the crime. The prospect of a “wrongful conviction” is too much of a risk for you to take on your own. Hiring an appeal lawyer would likely cost you more.
You are not guilty until the Crown has proven the case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. The proof has to be based on evidence admissible in court. Even if the Crown can prove it, you can work with your lawyer on mitigating the consequences of guilt and the timing of the sentence. Your lawyer can advise you on what to plead guilty to and when to do it.
The wheel of justice turns slowly. Depending on the seriousness of the charge(s) and the complexity of your case, it can take at least a couple months to over a year. A fair result, let alone the best result, takes time.
Once you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offence, your case will go through the intake phase. During this phase, your lawyer gathers all relevant information about your case (disclosure) and negotiates with the Crown. After negotiations, the case will be set for a guilty plea, a preliminary hearing or a trial. At the conclusion of the trial, a verdict of guilty or not guilty will be rendered by the court.
The legal fee is a reflection of the time spent on your case and my experience. There are generally two types of retainers – a block fee and an hourly fee. For most cases, I can estimate the time required for your case and offer you a block fee for all professional services rendered until the end of your case. In more serious or lengthy cases, you can retain me on an hourly basis. My hourly fee ranges from $250 (for consultation) to $350 (for court appearance).
No responsible lawyer can guarantee success. Lawyers are not allowed because of the Rules of Professional Conduct by the Law Society of Upper Canada. There are simply too many variables in the criminal justice system. As a barrister, I took an oath to represent you to the best of my ability and to do so competently.
Most of my clients retain me privately. However, on some rare occasions, I will accept legal aid.
Yes but with certain constraints. The Ontario Legal Aid funds the duty counsel system and only people of very limited financial means would qualify. Duty counsel are lawyers who offers summary advice and legal representation at bail hearings, for adjournments and guilty pleas. They often deal with many people at the same time and on a time constraint. The duty counsel you talk to today is not necessarily the same duty counsel you will meet on the next court date.
If you are facing a criminal charge, act now and set up an appointment to meet in person. You have no financial obligation on the initial consultation. This initial meeting will offer us an opportunity to understand your situation and to build a professional relationship. A trusting lawyer client relationship is the foundation to successfully defend your case in court!