Navigating the criminal justice system without experienced Ottawa criminal lawyers can be a nerve-wracking ordeal. Being arrested and charged with a crime may be the worst day of your life but it doesn’t need to define the rest of your life. Our expert team of Ottawa based criminal defence lawyers will stand by your side through all stages of the process, from investigation to appeal. For the past fifty years, we’ve helped our clients through every type of criminal charge in Ontario under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and other related legislation. We have also represented individuals and businesses in regulatory investigations and prosecutions, from the Ontario Highway Traffic Act to the Canadian Lobbying Act.
Based in Ottawa, Ontario, our criminal defence lawyers work diligently to ensure that our clients obtain favorable results at the bail stage, through guilty pleas and sentencing, in judge-alone or judge-and-jury trials, and on appeal.
No one should deal with the criminal justice system without proper representation and protection. If you or someone you know is facing charges, please contact us for a free consultation.
Getting arrested for the first time can be an overwhelming and terrifying experience. Attempting to deal with the situation by yourself can be overwhelming.
The criminal law system is extremely complex and each individual's situation can be very challenging. Even though you are entitled to defend a criminal charge yourself, endeavoring to do so without the experience of a prepared Ottawa criminal lawyer is incredibly difficult.
Your criminal defence attorney will have a strong and solid comprehension of the complexities of criminal law as well as how prosecutors and the local justice system works in Ottawa.
Your criminal record may affect your future in many ways - from your employment to your travel freedoms. A criminal record does not always reflect the true nature of an individual, and sometimes it can happen for an honest mistake.
So, it is always advisable to consult with an experienced Ottawa criminal lawyer, who can formulate a strategy to minimize the potential consequences
Remember, your freedom may be on the line. Even if the likelihood of jail time in your case is slim, there are the potential long-term effects of a criminal record to consider.
When you are arrested in Ottawa, you will be "processed" by law enforcement, although the specific procedure will depend on the nature of your alleged offence.
You may be released on a promise to appear in court if the charges are minor. Otherwise, you will be taken into custody by a police officer for a bail hearing. You will be fingerprinted and photographed as part of the procedure.
You will be asked to submit personal information before being brought to a holding cell. At this point, you should be able to make a phone call and speak with an Ottawa criminal defence lawyer or duty counsel.
A court hearing will be scheduled within 48 hours of your arrest, and you will be able to consult with your defence counsel prior to your bond hearing.
