Punishment for criminal offenses in Toronto range from a minimum fine to as much as life in prison. If an offence carries a penalty of 10 years or longer an immigration hearing may be convened and deportation will be considered. It is important to hire a knowledgeable and reliable attorney if charged with a criminal offence in Toronto. There is a lot at stake with such a charge and if convicted, it is something that will trail you for the rest of your life.

A person with a criminal record may be denied employment and travel may be restricted. It is always wise to get a legal opinion if charged with a crime to determine the severity of the charge and the maximum penalty if convicted, especially if it will be jail term.

Most Criminal lawyers Toronto will offer a no cost consultation before you hire an attorney, or if they charge a consultation fee, it may be applied to your bill if you hire the attorney. It is possible to defend yourself with little or no legal help, but it is not recommended.

The Identification of Criminals Act of 1985 allows police to collect photographs and fingerprints for those charged with a criminal offense. If you are not found guilty, you may petition the court to have that type of identification stricken from your record. A knowledgable criminal lawyer will know the procedure to have that completed and will make sure that identification information is formally removed from your file.

When charged with a criminal offense, a peace bond will be assessed by the courts and it will be your promise to stay on your best behavour for the specified period of time. Your behavior will be defined by the judge and will include things like contact with other people, restriction on appearing at certain places and associating with certain people. A criminal lawyer will argue the lowest peace bond on your behalf and save to from financial stress.

If you are convicted of as criminal offense, a criminal lawyer may argue effectively for probation, or a conditional discharge, rather than jail time. The terms of the conditional discharge will be spelled out in a court document and if the conditions are successfully met, the discharge becomes absolute and removed from you’re your record. If the conditions are not met or you accrue another criminal charge, you can be convicted of the first crime and sentenced appropriately.