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Difference between revisions of "Pleading Guilty to a Criminal Charge"
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Pleading Guilty to a Criminal Charge (view source)
Revision as of 18:30, 15 December 2014
, 18:30, 15 December 2014→What should you do before deciding how to plead?
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#'''the initial sentencing position''' (what the Crown suggests for the sentence if you plead guilty). Review this material, with a lawyer if possible. There is usually a lawyer available at the courthouse known has duty counsel, who may be able to assist you at no cost and review the particulars with you. You may also wish to hire a lawyer for that purpose. | #'''the initial sentencing position''' (what the Crown suggests for the sentence if you plead guilty). Review this material, with a lawyer if possible. There is usually a lawyer available at the courthouse known has duty counsel, who may be able to assist you at no cost and review the particulars with you. You may also wish to hire a lawyer for that purpose. | ||
If you are charged with a criminal offence, your first reaction may be to plead guilty and get it over with. If you plead guilty, you will have a criminal record and a penalty (sentence). Both these can seriously affect you. A criminal record can prevent you from traveling to other countries, getting certain jobs, being bonded (which some jobs require), and applying for citizenship. Check script [[Criminal Records and Applying for a Record Suspension (Script 205)205]], called “Criminal Records and Applying for a Record Suspension”, for more information. | If you are charged with a criminal offence, your first reaction may be to plead guilty and get it over with. If you plead guilty, you will have a criminal record and a penalty (sentence). Both these can seriously affect you. A criminal record can prevent you from traveling to other countries, getting certain jobs, being bonded (which some jobs require), and applying for citizenship. Check script [[Criminal Records and Applying for a Record Suspension (Script 205)|205]], called “Criminal Records and Applying for a Record Suspension”, for more information. | ||
Even if you believe you are guilty, it’s still all right to plead not guilty, and make the Crown prove the case. The law presumes that you are innocent, and the Crown must prove that you are guilty. On the other hand, if you know that you are guilty and that the Crown can prove it, you may want to plead guilty and avoid an unnecessary trial. You should discuss your case with a lawyer before deciding what to do. | Even if you believe you are guilty, it’s still all right to plead not guilty, and make the Crown prove the case. The law presumes that you are innocent, and the Crown must prove that you are guilty. On the other hand, if you know that you are guilty and that the Crown can prove it, you may want to plead guilty and avoid an unnecessary trial. You should discuss your case with a lawyer before deciding what to do. | ||
