Vancouver Criminal Law – FAQ
What do I do if the police contact me?
Immediately call a lawyer. Most times when the police contact you, they will ask you to come to the police station to JUST answer a few questions. Usually they have made up their mind to arrest you and want to lull you into a false sense of security so that you give them a statement detailing your involvement in the incident. By contacting a lawyer, we can protect your rights and make sure that you are not questioned by a police officer.
Should I give a statement to the police?
NO. You should never give a statement to the police. Regardless of your guilt or innocence, a statement can never help your case, no matter what the police try to tell you. They will promise you that they will speak to the Crown prosecutor’s office on your behalf and ask them to go easier on you because you cooperated. This is not true. The police will say whatever they need to induce you into making a statement. Sometimes without the statement they cannot make an arrest.
The police are knocking on my door, what should I do?
Unless they have a warrant or there are exigent circumstances, you do not have to let them in. You do not even have to answer the door. If they say they have a warrant ask them to hold it up to the door or to slip it under the door. The police may break down the door if exigent circumstances exist such as danger of fleeing, hiding someone or some other emergency that would make the getting of a warrant impractical. If they leave a card, immediately call a lawyer. A lawyer can speak to the police to find out what it is that they want.
Can I get a plea offer/reduction of the charges?
Our first and main goal is to get you the best outcome possible. We will speak with the Crown prosecutor in an attempt to have the charges dropped altogether or at least reduced. Our goal is always to have you fully vindicated from the allegations so that you can return to your normal way of life.
How quickly can my case be resolved?
There is no simple answer to this criminal law question, since every case is different. Time frames can differ depending on the details of each case. The court’s scheduling also play a role in how long it takes for a matter to be resolved. We always work towards having your case resolved as quickly as possible.
Do I have to go to trial?
After assessing all the criminal law questions surrounding your case we will decide if it is important for you to go to trial. Trying a case is not a decision to be made lightly. If a favourable plea offer is not made by the Crown prosecutor, we will meet and discuss the possible benefits and ramifications of trying your case. Only then would we reach a decision whether or not to go to trial.
How often can I expect my lawyer to contact me?
We understand how important it is for you to have all of your criminal law questions answered in a timely way. We will call you for a telephone or personal consultation when we receive any new information regarding your case. Additionally, you can always call our office if you have criminal law questions. You do not have to wait for us to call you. When you have criminal law questions it is important that you refer them to those individuals most able to answer them. Getting the help you need, as soon as you need it, is the best way to receive the best result from any pending criminal case. At Tarnow and Company we are dedicated to providing you with the best advice regarding your criminal law questions. Call us today.
How can I set up an initial consultation?
The best way to get answers to your criminal law questions is to set up an initial consultation. Call us with your criminal law questions at our office (604) 278–0555 in Vancouver, BC and we will immediately return your call. We are available 24 hours a day seven days a week. We will set up a meeting at one of our offices as soon as possible to discuss your case.
What happens once I retain an lawyer?
Our office answers your criminal law questions and immediately starts working on your case. The first step taken is to review your case and evaluate it. We then call the Crown prosecutor assigned to your case to ascertain their position.
I have just been arrested, what should I do?
Be calm and respectful towards the police. Insist on calling a lawyer and under no circumstances answer any questions. The police will do whatever they can to induce you into making a statement that will be contrary to your interests. No matter what they say or what they promise you do not answer any questions and ask to call a family member or a lawyer.
How is my case handled?
Answering your BC criminal law questions is just the beginning. Your case will get complete attention and effort from our office. We will prepare your defence and look for any technical issues and defences that could help your case.
Do I need an Lawyer?
Of all the criminal law questions we receive, this is perhaps the number one question. The answer is quite simple. If you are accused of a crime or violation, it is in your best interest to retain an lawyer. Only an experienced criminal lawyer, like those at Tarnow and Company can protect your rights.
What to do if a friend or family member has just been arrested?
Call an lawyer who practices criminal law in your area. If an arrest has been made, time is of the essence. The most important issue at this time is to prevent the police from questioning the person arrested. Once retained, a lawyer may call the police station and speak with arresting officer and tell him that he may not question the arrested person. Often times the police are able to elicit a statement from the accused by using various tactics, which an attorney can put a stop to once he makes contact with the police.