Criminal Law Questions From Penticton Clients
You ask and I answer
Why should I hire a defence lawyer?
Because the law is more technical than it looks. Plenty of people who think they were caught red handed have a defence they would never spot on their own, like an unlawful stop, a delay in letting them call a lawyer, or a search that went too far. Get advice before you plead guilty to anything in Penticton court, because a guilty plea is very hard to undo.
Does it make a difference what lawyer I hire?
It can be the biggest decision in the whole case. I have taken over files where a previous lawyer said there was no defence, and then won them. Preparation is what separates results, and some lawyers prepare more than others.
Can I go to jail for my first offence?
Yes, for some charges. Serious assaults, trafficking and theft from an employer can all lead to jail even with no record. For many first offences, though, the realistic outcomes are a fine, probation, a discharge or a peace bond. Figuring out which range you are in is one of the first things we will talk about.
Will I lose my licence if I plead guilty to impaired driving?
Yes. A conviction for impaired driving, over 80 or refusal brings a mandatory driving prohibition of at least one year for a first offence. In some cases you can drive during part of it with an ignition interlock, but the prohibition itself cannot be avoided after a conviction. That is a big reason the charge is worth fighting.
Do I have to come to Penticton for every court date?
Not always. A lawyer can often appear for you on routine dates in Penticton Provincial Court, which helps if you live in Oliver, Osoyoos, Princeton or out of province. You will need to be there for a trial or a guilty plea, and I will let you know well ahead of time.
I was arrested in Penticton over the weekend. What happens next?
Most people are released by police with a court date at 100 Main Street and conditions to follow. If you were held, you go before a justice for a bail hearing, often by video. Either way, call before your first appearance so the disclosure comes to me and we can start planning.
How much are your fees?
It depends on the charge and how much court time the case needs. A one day trial costs less than a week long one. I charge a flat fee instead of billing by the hour, so you know the cost up front. We will go over it at the free consultation.
Can you guarantee a result?
No, and no honest lawyer can. What I can promise is a straight answer about your chances and full effort on your file, whether that ends in an acquittal at trial or the lightest sentence the facts allow.
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