Facing a criminal charge can be a frightening experience. Not only have you likely experienced the humiliation and degradation of an arrest the temporary loss of your freedom, but you are also likely extremely concerned about the future.

For many people, questions like “am I going to go to jail” and “am I going to lose my job” repeat in their thoughts like a broken record in the days and weeks following a criminal charge. Importantly, ANY criminal offence is a serious issue in Canada. Even a conviction for a relatively minor crime can often result in substantial fines and jail time. In addition, the fact that you have a criminal conviction on your record can result in problems in regard to employment, education, housing, and even professional licensing. With so much on the line, it’s no wonder that many people just want to know what they should do next.

The Way Forward: Contact an Experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer

The single most effective thing that you can do to protect your rights and protect your future when you are facing a criminal charge is to call a lawyer as soon as you can. Once you have retained a lawyer, you can rest assured that you have a skilled advocate on your side who will do everything he or she can to bring your case to the most favourable outcome possible. Here are some of the specific things that a lawyer can do for you:

• Protect Your Rights – If you have been accused of a crime, there is a chance that the police will want to interview you or conduct further investigation by searching your home, vehicle, computer, or other property. When you retain a lawyer, he or she will be by your side during any police interviews and make sure that you are not tricked into saying something that will strengthen their case against you. In addition, your lawyer will make sure that any additional investigation that is conducted does not violate your Charter Rights.
• Analyze Your Case – In many criminal cases, defences are available. Your lawyer will thoroughly analyze the facts of your case and determine whether any are available to you. If they are, raising them property could result in the case against you being dropped, an acquittal, or you facing less severe consequences.
• Negotiate a Plea Bargain, if Appropriate – In some cases, the best course of action is to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor. This involves agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser offence or in return for the prosecutor recommending the judge impose a reduced sentence (a recommendation which is typically followed).
• Represent You at Trial – A criminal trial is a complicated matter subject to rules of procedure that take years to understand. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will develop a defence strategy and represent you at trial, ensuring that your legal rights are fully protected.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with an Alberta Criminal Defence Lawyer

If you’ve been accused of a crime, you should not delay in retaining a lawyer to represent you. In many instances, the sooner a lawyer becomes involved, the better the chance that your case will be resolved as favourably as possible. At Bourdon Defence, we have more than 15 years of experience representing the rights of people accused of criminal offences and are qualified to appear in any court throughout the province. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call us today at 403-474-4143 or contact us online.