What to Do if You Are Arrested in Ontario
Posted on October 18, 2024
Being arrested is an overwhelming experience that can leave you confused and anxious about what comes next, especially if it is for a criminal charge. To ensure you navigate the process from being arrested onward, it's essential to have a trusted and experienced criminal lawyer on your side. At Karrass Law, our legal team is experienced with criminal charges and can help you protect your rights and advocate for your best interests during this troubling time. Robert Karrass and our team of criminal lawyers in Toronto and throughout Ontario can help you build a strong defence without judgment. From murder and manslaughter charges to criminal fraud, book a complimentary legal consultation to learn more about how our team can support you.
How to Know If You Might Be Arrested?
Depending on the charge, you may know or suspect that you will be arrested prior to it actually happening. In many cases, you may not know precisely when or if there will be an arrest, but there are often clues or situations that can indicate an arrest may be imminent.
Some signs that you may know an arrest is coming include:
Arrest with a Warrant
An arrest with a warrant won't guarantee that you'll be aware of an arrest before it occurs, but you may be notified first by law enforcement or your defence lawyer. If you've already hired a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto or Ontario, they may be able to find out if an arrest warrant has been issued, in which case your legal team can help prepare you for arrest as it pertains to your unique situation.
Arrests Without a Warrant
In Ontario, arrests without a warrant can happen when police officers catch someone in the act of committing a crime or when they have reasonable grounds to believe that a person has just committed a crime or is about to commit one.
If you suspect that you will be arrested or you've been charged with a crime, here are some tips on how to navigate the situation.
Stay Calm and Comply
The first and most important thing to do if you're being arrested is to stay calm. While this might be easier said than done, maintaining your composure can make a significant difference in how the situation unfolds. Avoid resisting arrest, as doing so could lead to additional charges or escalation. While it may be difficult, a calm demeanour can help prevent further complications or additional charges.
At the point of arrest, police or law enforcement officers will read you your rights at this time according to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and it is important that you understand.
Remain Silent
The right to remain silent is one of your most important protections and will help you avoid any opportunity to self-incriminate, even if by accident. You are not obligated to answer questions from law enforcement officers until you're in the presence of your criminal defence lawyer. It can be tempting to explain or defend yourself independently, but at any point, anything you say can be used against you.
You are not obligated to answer any questions from the police aside from providing basic identifying information such as your name, address, and date of birth.
Ask for a Criminal Lawyer Immediately
Upon arrest, one of the first things you should do is request to speak with a criminal lawyer. In Ontario, under Section 10(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you have the right to speak with a lawyer as soon as you are detained or arrested. Regardless of the severity of the charges, legal representation from a reputable lawyer in Toronto is critical to ensuring your rights are protected. A lawyer for murder charges or other serious offences has the experience to guide you through complex legal situations and can prevent you from making statements or decisions that may harm your case.
A skilled criminal lawyer will evaluate the charges against you, advise you on your legal options, and begin building a defence strategy that could be critical in the event of a trial. For an experienced criminal lawyer, book a legal consultation with Robert Karrass and the Karrass Law team. Our experts have a strong success rate and will robustly defend your rights and advocate for your best interests.
Avoid Discussing the Situation with Anyone Else
After an arrest, it's tempting to want to talk about what happened. However, it's crucial to keep all conversations about the case between you and your criminal lawyer, as there is no expectation of privacy when talking with anyone else. Be mindful that anything you say could be misinterpreted or misunderstood, so it's best to stay silent and wait until you have legal representation before discussing any details of the arrest.
Understand the Charges Against You
Once you've been arrested, you will eventually be informed of the specific charges being brought against you. If you are arrested for a serious crime, such as homicide, you will need to find a lawyer for murder to represent you, as this type of case carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty in some jurisdictions. Working with a trusted and respected criminal defence lawyer with experience dealing with similar cases can help you end the case with the best results possible. To learn more about what your potential outcomes look like, book a legal consultation with the Karrass Law team.
Navigate Criminal Charges Strategically with a Trusted Lawyer at Karrass Law
Being arrested and charged is understandably frightening and isolating. The best course of action is to hire a reputable and skilled criminal defence lawyer. At Karrass Law, our goal is always the best possible outcomes for our clients, which is why we take the time to understand the complexities of your case and build a robust defence, whether that's getting your charges reduced or preparing for trial. To learn more about how our legal team can defend you, book a consultation.
Contact Karrass Law today.