Difference between revisions of "Resolving Criminal Matters Prior to Trial (1:VI)"

The sentencing hearing can either proceed immediately after a guilty plea is entered or be adjourned to permit the parties to prepare for the sentencing hearing. For self-represented litigants, duty counsel can assist with a sentencing negotiation with the Crown. It is generally a good strategy to talk to Crown before pleading guilty, about the possibility of a joint submission where both sides agree on a sentence. Most Crown Counsel will agree to a reasonable joint sentencing position and will often stay some charges on a multi-count Information in exchange for a guilty plea on others. It is important to know that the judge is not bound by a joint submission (see ''[https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/scc/doc/2016/2016scc43/2016scc43.html?resultIndex=1 ''R v Anthony‑Cook''], 2016 SCC 43). See '''Appendix E: How to Prepare for and Conduct and Sentencing Hearing''' for the process of entering a guilty plea.