When Should You Call A Brampton Criminal Lawyer?

There are a variety of criminal offences that you can be arrested for in Brampton, Ontario and these criminal offences are broken up into 3 categories:

1.Summary Conviction Offences

These are generally considered to be offences on the lower end of the spectrum (in terms of seriousness), which carry a maximum sentence of 6 months jail time (unless otherwise specifically stated). These types of cases are heard by a Judge in the Ontario Court of Justice. Summary conviction offences (or Hybrid Offence that the Crowns generally treat as Summary Conviction) may include:

– Theft Under $5,000 or Possession of Stolen Property Under $5,000

– Fraud Under $5,000

– Mischief Under $5,000

– Impaired Driving

– Possession of a Controlled Substance

– Disturbance of the Peace

– Prowl by Night; and

– Other relatively minor offences.

Although these offences are considered minor, they will result in a criminal record if a conviction is registered. It is therefore highly recommended to contact a Brampton Criminal lawyer as soon as possible after being arrested and charged with a Summary Conviction Offence.

2. Indictable Offences

These are far more serious crimes and will likely carry higher sentences. Indictable offences normally follow the process of a preliminary hearing and a trial which may be comprised of a Judge alone or a Judge and Jury.  It is highly recommended to seek legal representation from a lawyer as soon as possible after being arrested for an Indictable Offence.

Indictable Offences may include:

– Murder and Attempt Murder.

– Manslaughter.

– Trafficking in illegal substances.

– Possession for the purpose of trafficking

– Robbery.

– Aggravated assault.

– Criminal negligence causing death.

– Impaired driving causing death; and

– Other serious offences.

3. Hybrid Offences

Most criminal offences fall into this category, and it is up to the Crown Attorney to decide how they will proceed (by summary conviction or indictable offence) depending on the nature of the crime, the seriousness of the crime, and other factors.

A good example of a hybrid offence is assault. A minor assault may proceed as a summary conviction offence whereas an assault that resulted in serious bodily injury may proceed as an indictable offence.

It is important to call a Brampton Criminal Lawyer immediately if you have been charged with a criminal offence.

A lawyer can provide expert legal advice and representation to hep defend the charges against you, and can also assist in reducing penalties and sentencing. It is therefore critical to call a lawyer in Brampton if you have been arrested and charged with a Summary Conviction Offence or Indictable Offence. If you require assistance contact Sanja Mavrak for a free consultation: 416-554-4974.