This summary is called your submission. After the prosecutor and you finish your submissions, the judge gives their decision, or verdict. If you are found not guilty, you are acquitted. The charge is dismissed, and you are free to go. If you are found guilty, you are convicted. The judge will penalize sentence you. The judge may sentence you then, or later. If you are convicted of the criminal charge, the judge will sentence you.
Depending on the offence and your background, the sentence could be a discharge, a fine, probation, or jail. We explain the possible sentences. The judge will want to know something about you before deciding what sentence to give you.
Key information includes your age, whether you are married, how many people you support, if you are working, your income, your plans, and why you committed the offence.
So be prepared with this information in case the judge asks for it. If you can get letters about your character from people, such as an employer, clergyman, or doctor, or even from your family and friends, ask the judge for an adjournment for time to get these letters. Then give them to the judge before you receive your sentence. If you cannot afford a lawyer or get legal aid, try to talk with a lawyer before your trial.
Some legal help is better than none. On your first appearance in court or when you enter your plea, you can talk to duty counsel at the courthouse. They can give you brief advice and speak for you the first time you appear in court. Legal Aid BC has a number of criminal law publications. Dial-A-Law has more information on Charged with a crime in the section on Crime. You are presumed innocent. You have the right to a fair trial. The process in Provincial Court.
Step 1. First appearance. Step 2. Talk with a lawyer. Tip Most courthouses have lawyers called duty counsel. Step 3. Decide how to proceed. Step 4. Arraignment hearing. Step 5. Prepare for the trial. Step 6. Steps in a Criminal Defense Case. Arraignment: Your First Court Appearance. Plea Bargains in a Criminal Case. Legal Elements of Common Crimes.
Expungement and Criminal Records. Should I just plead guilty and avoid a trial? Is the public defender a real lawyer?
Can I change defense lawyers after I've hired one? How long after arrest do I find out what the charges are? See All Common Questions. Related Products More. Criminal Law: A Desk Reference. Legal Research. The Criminal Law Handbook. View More. How It Works Briefly tell us about your case Provide your contact information Choose attorneys to contact you.
Sustaining many lies is all but impossible. The truth may not always be on your side, but massaging the facts to fit your argument is a path to disaster. All this advice is easy to give, but extraordinarily hard for an amateur to follow. This article is more than 5 years old.
Rupert Myers. More people than ever seem to be defending themselves. If you do it, make sure you understand the law, know the lingo and how to play the system. Understand the law.
Legal aid cuts have led to surge in DIY defence, says charity. Read more.
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