How Will Your Case Be Handled?

What You Can Expect When Dealing With a Criminal Charge

Now that you’ve been charged with a criminal offence and need a criminal defence lawyer, what happens next?

Just like you, most of my clients have never been to a lawyer before, and even fewer have required the services of a Toronto criminal defence lawyer. Throughout the process, I want to make sure that you and I can communicate effectively and your questions are answered in a timely manner. I will explain and walk you through every step of what can often seem like a confusing and overwhelming process.

The Initial Meeting

The first time we meet you will have many questions which I will try to answer. The first thing I will do is listen to your side of the story. In most cases, either no one has asked you your side of the story, or if they have, you have properly exercised your right to silence. Based on the information that you give me, I will advise you of the possible outcomes of your matter. Also, depending on your case, I will ask for a list of information or materials from you that could help me with your case.

The second biggest question people have when they first meet with a criminal lawyer is what to do about their bail. Some bails are relatively open, but some may require you to live with your surety, be under house arrest, or stay away from your wife and children. Together we will go over all the various ways that we can change your bail conditions and how quickly those things can be done.

Finally, we will discuss the fees for my service. I understand that nobody plans to spend money to defend a criminal charge. As a result, we will discuss payment plans and the ways in which we can reduce the cost of the matter.

Review Of Disclosure

Once I receive disclosure in our matter, which is the evidence that the Crown has against you, we will be meeting again. At the meeting I will explain to you what the Crown’s disclosure contains. I will give you a summary of the relevant witnesses and the evidence that the Crown has been given. I can then analyze how a judge might view your side of the story. We will also cover the potential defences to the charge and how we can best establish those.

Once we discuss the disclosure, the potential defences, and your story, I will outline my plan for meeting with the Crown. You will leave the meeting with a list of any additional materials which I feel will be necessary to put the best case forward.

Resolutions and Trial

Once I meet with the Crown and/or a judge, you and I will have another meeting to discuss trial and or resolution of your matter. During this meeting our discussion will include the potential options for resolving your matter and what, if any, criminal record will exist after the case concludes. If resolving the matter will not work, I can explain what defences are available and how to best persuade the judge of them.

I will always be available to answer any questions you may have throughout the entire process by phone or e-mail.