There are few things more stressful than being arrested and charged with a crime. No matter the allegations, you are far from alone. According to data from Statistics Canada, there were 433,788 crime-based incidents reported in British Columbia in 2021 alone. A person who has been charged with a crime has a right to—and should always consult with—a criminal defence lawyer.
That being said, you do not want to wait to hire a lawyer. Once charges are filed, the case is in motion. In other words, you may be falling behind the prosecution in the criminal justice process. When possible, you should seek legal counsel from a New Westminster criminal defence lawyer before being charged with a crime in Vancouver, New Westminster, or elsewhere in the region.
Why it is So Important to Consult With a Defence Lawyer as Soon as Possible
If you believe that you are under investigation or that you could potentially face criminal charges in the future, it is imperative that you consult with a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can provide guidance on your rights and responsibilities and ensure that you know what to do to put yourself in the best position to raise a defense. Among other things, this includes:
- Reviewing and explaining the potential charges and/or liability risk;
- Representing you in any pre-charge police questioning or interrogations;
- Ensuring that you do not make any statements that could be viewed as incriminating;
- Proactively preparing a defense, gathering and organizing exonerating evidence.
The Bottom Line: Seeking professional legal counsel before being charged with a crime is crucial. Doing so will ensure that your rights are protected and it can have a significant impact on your case.
Nicholas J. Preovolos is a Proactive, Solutions-Focused Criminal Defence Lawyer
You do not have to wait until charges are filed to get help from a top-rated Vancouver criminal defence lawyer. Our founder Nicholas J. Preovolos is a proactive, solutions-focused criminal defense lawyer who is dedicated to providing his clients with the highest quality legal representation. With extensive experience in the criminal justice system, Mr. Preovolos understands the complexities of the legal process and the importance of getting ahead of police and prosecutors in a criminal case. Every case is different. The sooner you get started, the better position you will be in to get justice. In some cases, you may be able to resolve criminal allegations without charges ever being filed at all. In other cases, a proactive approach will ensure that key evidence that you need to prove your innocence is collected and preserved.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Top British Columbia Defence Lawyer Today
At N.J. Preovolos Law Corporation, our defence lawyer is a reliable, aggressive, and proactive advocate for clients. We are ready to get started on your case right away. Contact us today to set up your fully confidential, no-obligation consultation. With a law office in New Westminster, we represent clients in Vancouver and throughout the wider region in British Columbia.
N.J. Preovolos Law Corporation is a criminal defence law firm devoted to protecting the rights, interests and future of people who are going through some of the most challenging times that they will experience in their lives. We are here to take care of your legal needs in 2023. If you or someone close to you was arrested and charged with a criminal offence, we are ready to help. To set up a fully confidential consultation with a top British Columbia criminal defence lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact our New Westminster law office today.
We Provide Effective Representation to the Residents of New Westminster, Vancouver, and BC
Nicholas Preovolos is an experienced attorney who is dedicated to providing effective legal representation to the residents of New Westminster, Vancouver, and beyond. We are a criminal defence law firm that helps defendants get justice and the most favorable possible outcome. Along with other types of criminal cases in New Westminster, Vancouver, and British Columbia, we have experience with:
- Assault;
- Civil Forfeiture;
- Criminal Negligence;
- Customs Act Offences
- Domestic Violence
- Driving Offences
- Drug Offences
- Employee Crimes
- Firearms Offences
- Fraud
- Immigration Offences
- Murder or Manslaughter
- Obstruction Offences
- Offences Against Property and Persons
- Peace Bond Issues
- Professional Discipline
- Sex Crimes Charges
- Shoplifting
With a broad history of reviews from our former clients, we have a proven record of success in providing top-quality criminal defence representation in British Columbia. For more information, we encourage you to review some of our featured cases. An exceptional criminal defence lawyer does not have to be cost-prohibitive. We strive to keep our fees reasonable for clients.
Why Rely On New Westminster Criminal Defence Lawyer Nicholas J. Preovolos
Our founder and lead lawyer Nicholas J. Preovolos has spent more than 25 years practicing criminal law in British Columbia. Recognized as an AV Preeminent peer-reviewed lawyer, Mr. Preovolos has deep ties to the community and a commitment to providing first-class legal representation. When you reach out to our New Westminster law office, you will have a chance to consult with a top British Columbia defence lawyer who is prepared to:
- Listen to your story and answer your questions during a confidential consultation;
- Explain your rights, your legal options, and the next steps of the process;
- Investigate the charges, gathering all of the evidence that you need;
- Help you consider all available options for getting charges/penalties reduced; and
- Develop a personalized criminal defence strategy to help you get the best outcome.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Top British Columbia Criminal Defence Lawyer
At N.J. Preovolos Law Corporation, our New Westminster criminal defence lawyer fights to protect the rights, interests, and freedom of our clients. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with a serious criminal offence, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online to arrange your fully confidential, no-commitment consultation. With a legal office in New Westminster, we provide effective criminal defence representation in Vancouver and throughout all of British Columbia.
If you were arrested on criminal charges, you are far from alone. According to data from Statistics Canada, there are more than two million arrests reported across the country each year. There are few things more stressful or intimidating than being arrested and charged with a serious criminal offence. It is crucial that you know your rights. In this article, our New Westminster criminal defence lawyer provides a comprehensive overview of the rights of the accused in Canada.
1. You Have a Right Not to Be Arbitrarily Arrested
Law enforcement officers in Canada cannot arrest a person for a crime without good cause. If they do so, they are fundamentally violating the rights of the accused. You are protected against arbitrary arrest in Canada.
2. You Have a Right to Not Be Unreasonably Searched
Police need good cause to conduct a search of your person or your property. They cannot conduct an unreasonable search without probable cause. If you have been subject to an illegal search, the evidence obtained through it could potentially be excluded from court.
3. You Have a Right to Be Informed of a Charge
Were you placed under arrest? Police have a duty to inform you of the basis for the arrest within a reasonable period of time. If police wait too long to tell you what you are charged with, they are violating your rights.
4. You Have a Right to Not Testify Against Yourself (In or Out of Court)
You have a right to remain silent in Canada. No person can be compelled to act as a witness against themself while in custody or while in court. You can and should exercise your right to remain silent if you have been accused of a crime.
5. You Have a Right to a Trial in a Reasonable Period of Time
You cannot be held on criminal charges indefinitely. You have a right to a fair trial. If you are facing a criminal charge that carries up to five years in prison, you have the right to a jury trial. Regardless, a fair trial should take place within a reasonable period of time after an arrest.
6. You Have the Right to a Criminal Defence Lawyer
You do not have to go up against police or prosecutors alone. Perhaps your most important legal right in Canada is your right to a criminal defence lawyer. It is your right to consult with an experienced British Columbia criminal defence lawyer immediately after your arrest. You should always retain a lawyer for a criminal case.
Speak to Our New Westminster Criminal Defence Lawyer Today
At N.J. Preovolos Law Corporation, our New Westminster criminal defence lawyer has the professional expertise you can trust. If you or your loved one was arrested for a crime in Canada, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, fully confidential case review. With a law office in New Westminster, we provide criminal defence representation in Vancouver and throughout the surrounding area in British Columbia.
There is a lot to cope with when you are suspected of or charged with assault. The immediate downsides of getting charged with assault include keeping track of court dates and losing some of your privileges, such as being allowed to travel to specific regions or own a handgun. There may be life-altering consequences for your claimed crime and the harm it allegedly caused, which might even affect your family. Assault lawyers can help you get back on your feet and fight for your rights, so don’t hesitate to contact them.
Fortunately, a criminal defense lawyer in Vancouver, BC, is aware of the long-term consequences of an assault conviction. They can relate to it because they try to be in your shoes and know how desperate you are to get your life back. They will fight for you and keep you updated throughout the process to ensure your charges don’t jeopardize your life and future.
What can I expect from an assault attorney?
It is possible to employ a variety of defenses in an assault case. Claiming self-defense is a frequent argument that an assault lawyer might use on your side. If it is shown that you harmed another person to defend yourself or someone else, your charges may be dismissed. Self-defense is not usually the ideal strategy for criminal defense, although it may be advantageous in some situations. The best way to find out which legal choices and justifications are suitable for your case is to speak with a Vancouver assault lawyer.
Your lawyer is there to protect your interests
Getting legal representation while facing assault accusations is essential because you have a professional by your side to protect your interests. Because the Sixth Amendment protects the right to counsel in criminal proceedings, the state must appoint one for you if you cannot afford it. You have the right to counsel in most assault situations since even a minor assault may result in prison time in most states.
A qualified criminal defense counsel may also protect your other fundamental rights. You have the right to stay quiet if you contact one as soon as possible. (Remember they want to justify the attack by explaining what led to it. The number of defendants who confess to a crime while attempting to defend themselves in court is astounding.) Officers’ improper conduct, such as searches and seizures, may be detected by a skilled attorney.
Fighting at a trial
If you have ever seen “Law & Order,” you will know that criminal cases are more sophisticated than what you see on the show. A trial might be the last opportunity to avoid going to prison, from opening and closing speeches to calling witnesses to present evidence.
You may even avoid a trial if you have a lawyer on your side. A reputable assault lawyer in Vancouver may be able to bargain with prosecutors on your behalf and get the most favorable plea agreement. They know what prosecutors often give and how your situation might benefit your case. Even if you intend to plead guilty to a charge of assault, a skilled criminal defense attorney may assist you. Contact an attorney right away if you have been accused of assault.
Is an assault attorney able to help me reduce my charges?
When it comes to an assault charge, there are a slew of variables to consider. Depending on the severity of your allegations, a Vancouver assault lawyer may be able to work out a deal with the prosecution to lessen your penalties. Even if you are found guilty on your initial charge, your sentence may be much less severe than if you were found guilty on the lesser offense.
Learn what happens when you are arrested for a crime with the help of a lawyer
Regardless of where your case is in the legal process, an attorney may be an invaluable resource. You must see an expert criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after being accused of a crime. Having an assault lawyer on your side from the beginning of the legal proceedings may be a significant advantage. The last thing you need is to face trial alone. You may choose to defend yourself, but that might not end too well. With a professional in criminal law, you can rest assured that they will have your best interests at heart. Contact an assault lawyer in Vancouver today!
A new year is a time to look towards the future. According to data cited by the Globe and Mail, more than two-thirds of Canadians report that they make a New Year’s resolution. The central purpose of a New Year’s resolution is to take action that will help improve one’s life. If you have a criminal record, one of the single most important things you can do is to take action to expunge it to the maximum extent allowable under the law. In this article, our New Westminster criminal defence lawyer explains the most important things to know about cleaning up your criminal record in 2022.
How a Criminal Record Can Adversely Impact Your Life:
The term ‘criminal record’ is used to describe a broad range of adverse information. As explained by the Government of British Columbia, a criminal record can include everything from outstanding charges to charges that were dropped to convictions. Unfortunately, a criminal record can impact a person in a number of different unfavorable ways, even after a case is fully resolved. A criminal record could have a negative effect on:
- Employment;
- Educational opportunities;
- Volunteering opportunities;
- Mortgage loans;
- Rental housing; and
- Foreign travel, including to the United States.
While a criminal record can make things more challenging, there is good news: Canada has some of the strongest and most comprehensive ‘second chance’ laws in the entire world. In other words, it is easier to erase and/or conceal a criminal record in Canada than it is in most other countries. If you have a criminal record in British Columbia, you may have options available for clearing your name.
An Overview of Criminal Record Laws in British Columbia
Were you charged with or convicted of a criminal offense in British Columbia? If so, there is likely a public criminal record in your case—that is unless you have received a Canadian Pardon. Also frequently referred to as a ‘Record Suspension, a Canadian Pardon is a process through which an individual can erase their criminal records from public view. You do not need to choose specific records. If you are eligible, your entire criminal history can be made confidential.
When granted, a Canadian Pardon application will effectively “separate” a person from their criminal record. All pre-existing records can be sealed (erased) from public view. Many people who have fully resolved their case are eligible to erase their records—so that they can get a true fresh start. To get a pardon, you must submit a comprehensive application. A criminal defence lawyer can help determine if you are eligible and assist with the application process.
Get Help From Our New Westminster, BC Criminal Defence Attorney Today
At N.J. Preovolos Law Corporation, our British Columbia criminal defence lawyer is a skilled, future-focused advocate for clients. If you have any questions about erasing a criminal record in Canada, we can help. Contact usnow for a completely confidential case review. With an office in New Westminster, our criminal defence attorney helps people with erasing records throughout British Columbia, including in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack.
