Understand the charge. Prepare for what comes next.

Yes. You can seek advice when police ask to speak with you, when you learn about an investigation, or when you are unsure why you have been contacted. Explain what police have asked and whether you have been given a time to attend. A lawyer can help you understand your position before you decide how to respond.

Ask to speak privately with a lawyer and tell police if you need help reaching one. The right to counsel generally includes a reasonable opportunity to obtain advice without delay. There are exceptions and specific rules, including in some roadside situations; the circumstances matter. Do not assume that asking for a lawyer means you will be released or that every investigative step must stop.

Justice Canada explains the right to counsel.

You can generally choose not to discuss the allegation with police. That does not remove duties that may apply in a particular situation, such as a driver’s obligation to provide required licence information. Ask for advice about your circumstances. Police may continue asking questions; getting advice does not mean a lawyer will automatically be present throughout an interview.

Ask police to contact your lawyer or Legal Aid Ontario’s Brydges duty counsel service. LAO provides this telephone advice to people who are arrested or detained, 24 hours a day, regardless of financial eligibility. This is an LAO service; it is separate from retaining HCLS for the ongoing case.

Find criminal legal help through LAO.

No. Bail addresses whether a person will be released while the case proceeds, and on what terms. The court considers matters including attendance in court and safety. The rules and burden of proof depend on the charge and circumstances. A lawyer can discuss a proposed release plan and any role a surety may have.

Sometimes, through the appropriate approval process. A court-issued release order and a police undertaking have different procedures, and the available route also depends on whether the Crown agrees. Bring the complete document to your lawyer and explain the practical problem. Keep following the existing terms until a change has been formally approved.

The other person’s invitation does not itself change your conditions. Depending on the wording, a restriction can cover messages, social media and contact through another person as well as meeting face to face. Read any express exceptions with your lawyer and obtain advice before responding.

Give your lawyer all release documents and any related family or child protection orders. Parenting arrangements do not automatically override a criminal no-contact condition. Advice may need to be coordinated across the proceedings so that arrangements for children and communication follow the applicable orders.

Read about Family Law and Child Protection at HCLS.

Usually not. An initial case-management appearance commonly addresses representation, disclosure and the next date. Read your paperwork and confirm whether you must attend in person or remotely. Do not assume your lawyer can attend without you; confirm the arrangement for that particular appearance.

Disclosure is the case information the Crown must provide, subject to limits such as privilege. It may include statements, police notes, photographs or recordings. Your lawyer reviews the material, identifies gaps and considers how it relates to the charge. Further disclosure may arrive as the case develops.

A Crown pre-trial is a discussion about the case, which can include missing disclosure and possible resolution. A judicial pre-trial involves a judge and can also address trial preparation. These discussions do not guarantee an agreement. Their purpose includes identifying what needs to be resolved or decided.

No. Depending on the evidence and circumstances, a case may resolve without a trial or proceed to trial. Neither route should be assumed at the outset. At trial, the Crown must prove the essential elements of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt; an accused does not have to prove innocence. Your lawyer can explain how the evidence and available options affect your decisions.

A guilty plea is an admission to the offence, with consequences that may reach beyond the sentence. It must be voluntary and informed. Discuss the evidence, the elements of the offence, the proposed outcome and the fact that a judge is not bound by the parties’ agreement. Tell your lawyer about concerns involving immigration status, professional obligations, employment or travel so appropriate advice can be arranged.

No conviction on that charge does not necessarily mean that all police records have been deleted. The type of record, the result and the kind of check being requested matter. Ask what information may remain and whether a separate record-destruction request is available. Do not assume deletion is automatic or guaranteed.

RCMP information about managing criminal records.

Have your release paperwork, court notices, next court date and any disclosure available. Note the court location and any related proceedings. You do not need a polished account before contacting us. Ask how to share sensitive documents and a fuller chronology securely.

Tell us the nature of the allegation, the court location, the stage of the matter and upcoming dates. We will discuss lawyer availability and the assistance you are seeking. Your lawyer will explain the proposed scope, fees, taxes and applicable expenses before you agree to the work. Ask what is included, what could require additional work and how you will be updated.

LAO offers different kinds of assistance, including duty counsel and certificates, with their own eligibility and coverage rules. Duty counsel assistance is not the same as full representation through trial. Check directly with LAO and confirm whether your chosen lawyer accepts a certificate covering your matter.

Check LAO’s current eligibility information.

Tell the office the exact date when you contact us, and keep following your current court directions and release conditions. Sending an enquiry does not confirm representation or change a deadline. If you cannot reach or retain a lawyer in time, contact the court or LAO about the available assistance; do not simply miss the appearance.