defence for criminal summary charges

---

 Criminal matters are extremely serious and should not be taken lightly. All criminal charges issued under the Criminal Code of Canada can have extremely negative effects on your financial circumstances as well as your freedom and future. Most criminal charges carry hefty penalties as well as life changing consequences including but not limited a Criminal Record and prison sentences.

If you are facing criminal charges in Ontario, it's important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Paralegals can assist in Summary Conviction offences, and certain Hybrid Offences, once the Crown elects for a Summary Conviction. Here are some of the types of charges we as Paralegals can assist you in your defence:

Common Assault:
Common assault charges are laid when a person is accused of assaulting another person. Penalties for Common assault can include fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalty for common assault is five years' imprisonment.

Impaired Driving:
If the impaired driving did not include aggravating factors, a DUI is a summary conviction, especially if it is the first time. However, if the DUI has other aggravating factors, such as bodily harm or death, it's an indictable offence, and you may get ten years in jail. 

Theft Under $5000:
Theft under $5000 charges are laid when a person is accused of stealing property valued at less than $5000. Penalties for theft under $5000 can include fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalty for theft under $5000 is two years' imprisonment.

Dangerous Driving:
Dangerous driving charges are laid when a person is accused of driving in a manner that endangers the public. Penalties are fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving is five years' imprisonment.

Fraud Under $5000:
Fraud under $5000 charges are laid when a person is accused of obtaining property or money through deceit or falsehoods, valued at less than $5000. Penalties for fraud under $5000 can include fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalty for fraud under $5000 is two years' imprisonment.

Possession of a Controlled Substance:
Possession of a controlled substance charges are laid when a person is accused of possessing illegal drugs or substances. Penalties for possession of a controlled substance can include fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalty for possession of a controlled substance varies depending on the substance and the amount in possession

Possession of Under 5 mg of Illicit Substances:
Possession of under 5 mg of illicit substances charges are laid when a person is accused of possessing a small amount of an illegal drug, such as heroin or cocaine. Penalties for possession of a small amount of illicit substances can include fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalty for possession of under 5 mg of illicit substances varies depending on the substance in possession.

Unlawful Assembly:
Unlawful assembly charges are laid when a group of people gather with the intention of committing an illegal act, such as a riot. Penalties for unlawful assembly can include fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalty for unlawful assembly is two years' imprisonment.

Mischief:
Mischief charges are laid when a person is accused of damaging or destroying property belonging to another person. Penalties for mischief can include fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalty for mischief depends on the severity of the offense.

Contempt of Court:
Contempt of court charges are laid when a person is accused of disobeying a court order or obstructing the administration of justice. Penalties for contempt of court can include fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalty for contempt of court varies depending on the nature of the offense.

False Statement:
False statement charges are laid when a person is accused of making false statements or representations to the authorities. The maximum penalty for making a false statement varies depending on the nature of the offense.

Q: What should I do if I'm charged with a criminal offense in Ontario?
A: If you're charged with a criminal offense in Ontario, it's crucial to seek legal advice from a lawyer or paralegal as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help build a strong defense strategy.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for criminal charges in Ontario?
A: Legal representation is highly recommended for criminal charges in Ontario. It's important to seek legal advice from a lawyer or paralegal as soon as possible to understand the charges, potential consequences, and to ensure your rights are protected.

Q: What are the potential consequences of criminal charges in Ontario?
A: Criminal charges in Ontario can lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Seeking legal advice from a lawyer or paralegal as soon as possible is crucial to understand the specific charges you're facing and the potential consequences.

Q: Can a lawyer help me understand the charges against me in Ontario?
A: Yes, a lawyer or paralegal can help you understand the charges you're facing in Ontario by reviewing the evidence, explaining the legal elements involved, and providing an assessment of your case based on their expertise.

Q: How can a lawyer assist me in my criminal case in Ontario?
A: A lawyer or paralegal can provide essential legal advice, protect your rights, analyze the evidence against you, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court. Their expertise is invaluable in building a strong defense specific to the law.

Q: Can a lawyer help me explore defense strategies for my case in Ontario?
A: Absolutely. A lawyer or paralegal can review the facts of your case, identify potential defenses, and develop a strategy tailored to Ontario's legal system. Seeking legal advice as soon as possible allows for a thorough examination of your options.

• Theft under $5000
• Impaired driving
• Fraud under $5000
• Dangerous Driving
• Common Assault
• Possession of under 5 mg of illicit substances
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Unlawful assembly
• Prize fights
• False statement
• Contempt of Court