Criminal Lawyers Edmonton | Charged with Assault in Edmonton
Being charged with assault in Edmonton or the surrounding area is a serious matter that can have a serious legal outcome, says Janan Jarrah, owner at criminal lawyers Edmonton law firm eLaw Alliance. What happens after an assault charge can be overwhelming, but staying composed will help you do the right things to protect your rights, yourself and help your criminal defence lawyer build a strong defence for you.
Remain Calm and Composed
Facing assault charges is an emotional situation, but you must stay calm and composed. Emotions can cloud your judgment, so take a deep breath and approach the situation with a clear mind. Reacting while emotional can lead to decisions that are not in your best interest. Being calm helps you to think clearly and act with intention. A clear mind will help you talk to your lawyer, police, judge and others before and during legal proceedings.
Invoke Your Right to Silence
When you are charged, you have the right to remain silent. This means you don’t have to make any statements to the police or investigators without your lawyer present. Politely inform the authorities that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent until your lawyer arrives. Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is what gives you the right to remain silent when detained or charged by law enforcement. Be aware that once you exercise your right law enforcement may continue questioning you, but you do not have to answer. If you answer them, your answers can be used against you in court.
Contact a Criminal Defence Lawyer
One of the most important steps you should take is to consult experienced criminal lawyers Edmonton as soon as possible, such as the experts at eLaw Alliance in Edmonton. A criminal lawyer will provide you with personalized legal advice, guide you through the legal process, and help you understand the potential consequences and options available to you. If you are unable to retain a defence lawyer, you can contact duty counsel until you are able to retain your own lawyer.
Refrain from Discussing the Incident
Avoid discussing the details of the alleged incident with anyone except your lawyer. This includes friends, family members, and even social media platforms. You will preserve the confidentiality of the case, prevent anyone from misinterpreting the case, avoid information leaks that could be harmful to your case. Staying quiet also ensures you limit potential witnesses and protect yourself against potential manipulation by others. Anything you say could potentially be used against you in court, so it’s best to limit your discussions to your criminal lawyers Edmonton.
Document Your Recollection
While the incident is still fresh in your mind, make a detailed account of your version of events. Include information about what led up to the incident, what occurred during the incident, and the aftermath. These notes can be valuable for building your defence later on. Small details that may be forgotten later on can actually make a big impact in your case, and will help your legal team build a timeline that can support your defence and strengthen your credibility, while minimizing confusion or inaccuracies that can happen over time or when recounting the events multiple times.
Gather Information and Evidence
Work with your lawyer to gather any evidence that could support your case. This could include photographs, videos, eyewitness accounts, medical records, or any other relevant documentation. The strength of your evidence can play a significant role in the outcome of your case. The more evidence you can bring to the attention of your criminal lawyers Edmonton, the stronger your case will be. Even if you’re not sure the evidence you have is useful, your lawyers are the ones to make that determination with you.
Comply with Court Orders and Understand Your Charges
If you’re given court orders, such as a court date or conditions for release, make sure to comply with them to the letter. If you do not, you will end up with more legal troubles. Educate yourself about the specific charges you’re facing, and their potential penalties. This knowledge will help you and your lawyers from eLaw Alliance in Edmonton form an appropriate defence strategy.
Avoid Contact with the Alleged Victim
If there’s an alleged victim in the case, you must avoid any contact with them. Even well-intentioned conversations can be misconstrued as witness tampering or witness intimidation, which affects the integrity of the witness’s testimony. You could be in trouble legally, if the judge finds out you influenced their testimony, and you could face negative repercussions.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
Assault charges can be difficult mentally and emotionally, especially as it can take a long time to go through the legal system. And that’s even before you go to trial. If you do end up in court ensure you are as mentally healthy as possible, especially if the trial is going to be lengthy. Make your well-being a priority, and get support from friends and family, or find a great mental health professional. This will be essential throughout the legal process.
Get the Best Outcome for Your Circumstances
The steps you take after an assault charge can significantly impact your case according to criminal lawyers Edmonton Janan Jarrah at eLaw Alliance. Remember to remain calm, seek legal representation, do not discuss the incident with anyone other than your lawyer, help your lawyer gather any evidence they need, and follow all court orders perfectly. With the guidance of a skilled criminal defence lawyer and a strategy, you can work towards the best outcome for your situation.