Nowadays, it can be difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction due to misinformation. It is all too simple for myths to spread and become established truths. If you’ve never been associated with the judicial system or criminal defence lawyers , you may have some misleading information about how criminal justice works.
Popular movies and TV shows frequently exaggerate the criminal justice system, giving people misleading impressions of what happens during an actual trial. Keeping informed about the law can help you protect your rights.
This blog post will address some myths and misconceptions regarding the criminal justice system in Canada.
I Don’t Need A Lawyer
It is your right to have legal representation, and it is always a good idea to exercise that right. Hiring a criminal lawyer is the only way to get the best possible outcome. Never presume that you can handle a legal situation on your own without the assistance of someone knowledgeable about the particulars of your case and the legal system as a whole.
Even if you believe you have little chance of winning your case, consult with a lawyer. If you are found guilty, they can assist you in obtaining a less serious punishment than you would have otherwise received. Do not talk to the police or make any confessions until you have consulted with your lawyer.
Police Must Have A Warrant To Arrest Me
In general, police in Canada require an arrest warrant to enter and search someone’s house for evidence or to arrest someone they think is inside. However, a warrant is not required to arrest someone in general. Warrants are frequently issued solely when police officers require assistance in detaining someone.
There are several forms of arrest warrants, each with its own set of requirements and criteria. If you have an arrest warrant, a professional criminal lawyer will be able to cover all criminal law practice areas to determine what it means for you and how you should proceed.
Criminal Lawyers Are Only Hired By People Who Are Guilty
If you’ve been falsely charged with a crime, you might want to think that proving your innocence can liberate you. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a defence lawyer on your side, you have the possibility of being wrongfully convicted.
Even if they haven’t done anything illegal, people can feel pressured to plead guilty. Alternatively, new evidence can emerge that sheds light on what occurred. Those who retain the services of a criminal lawyer do so to protect themselves. Thus, hiring a lawyer does not make you look guilty in the eyes of the court.
I’m Obligated To Respond To All Questions
Having the right to stay silent implies that you are not required to answer a direct question. You should use this right, especially if you have yet to talk with your lawyer, because whatever you say can be used against you if your case goes to trial. It is critical to comprehend the significance of anything you say.
While some people believe that being silent would give the impression that they have something to hide, your silence does not constitute evidence of your guilt. It is, however, a felony to lie to a police officer, so it is generally preferable to remain silent.
Also Read: Reasons To Hire A Criminal Defense Lawyer
Eyewitness Testimony Cannot Be Challenged
Witness testimonies were once considered irrefutable evidence. But, as time has passed, we’ve learned more about how untrustworthy our recollections can be. Our perceptions of what we see, hear, and feel are more flawed than we would think. Your views may be altered in ways that you are unaware of.
Our memories of events can be changed by new information we discover after they happen. Therefore, eyewitness testimony is never enough to convict an accused person due to memory distortions, confirmation bias, and ambiguity.
About Daryl Royer
Mr. Royer is an Edmonton-based criminal defence lawyer who has handled cases in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Mr. Royer has successfully represented clients accused of murder, impaired driving, drug trafficking, assault, attempted murder, fraud, theft, and several other Criminal Code, traffic, and Revenue Canada offences. Learn more about Daryl Royer and his grip on criminal law.
Need a committed criminal defence lawyer to present your case? Contact Daryl now.