Criminal Law

Why do I need a lawyer

A good lawyer knows what to say, when to say it and who to say it to. He or she will manage the risk of a criminal charge by looking out for your best interests. A lawyer will prepare documents, negotiate with the Crown, appear in court and speak on your behalf. Dealing with the legal system will be less stressful if you have an experienced trial lawyer on your side.

What are the consequences of a Criminal Record?

You will have a criminal record if you are convicted of a criminal offence. This may mean:

Loss of Freedom - you could go to jail

Travel - hassle crossing the U.S. border or entering other

Money - difficulty obtaining credit from banking and other financial institutions

Employment and Housing - difficulty applying for jobs (security checks), moving to another province to look for work or even getting a promotion within the same company; difficulty with rental applications

Police - future problems dealing with the police and the court system

What should my lawyer be doing for me?

A lawyer speaks on your behalf at all points of the criminal process, and makes sure you understand the situation so that you can make decisions for yourself. Your lawyer should also:

Create a defence strategy that protects your full rights at trial

Communicate with the prosecutors

Call expert witnesses if necessary

Appear in court to speak on your behalf before a Judge

How much do you charge?

As with most criminal lawyers, our fees are based on the complexity of your case and the length of your trial. This fee structure allows you to understand how much representation will cost at the outset. After meeting with us, we will give you a quote for your case that includes preparation, interim court attendances, and your trial itself. There are no hidden fees.

All initial consultations are free.

Can I pay in installments?

An initial retainer is required at the outset, however, the completed balance of your fees is not required until approximately one month before your trial. This may be as much are a year after you retain us. If you would like to pay the remainder of those fees in instalments, this can be arranged.

When is the best time to hire a lawyer?

Call us as soon as possible. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better we will be able to help. If you delay calling, you could damage your case by forgetting important details or missing critical deadlines. You will also worry about the consequences of your charge without knowing your options.

Always speak to a lawyer before agreeing to enter a guilty plea.

A criminal conviction also affects the people who care about you.

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