Goldwater, Dubé: Your Criminal Lawyer Montreal
If you have been charged with a criminal case, it may help if you hire a criminal lawyer in Montreal from Goldwater Dube. Book an appointment with us today.
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You may have made a mistake or you may have been falsely accused. You may have done wrong, but need help to benefit from a fair sentence, or to get charges reduced. Whatever the case, you need an attorney to defend you and navigate the criminal justice system.
Accused of a crime or offense? Contact us. We will work to ensure you get a fair hearing.
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Associate
Called to the Quebec Bar in 2016, Me Audrey-Anne Laforme practices criminal and family law at Goldwater, Dubé since 2022. When it comes to criminal matters, she specializes in cases of sexual abuse, physical assault, domestic violence as well as accusations of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Me Laforme excels in Court with her professional rigour and meticulous preparation. Her listening and analytical skills enable her to develop individualized strategies, and find suitable solutions to meet the needs of her clients.
Criminal Attorney in Montreal
If you were arrested or detained for a criminal offence in Montreal, it is vital to seek the help of a criminal defence lawyer immediately.
In addition to having a criminal record, criminal offences carry severe penalties such as imprisonment and hefty fines. But, criminal charges do not always have to lead to a criminal conviction. Experienced Criminal defence lawyers provide legal counsel and representation to those suspected or charged with a crime. If you choose your lawyer wisely, you get a reduced charge or walk free.
At Goldwater, Dubé, we understand the urgency behind criminal cases and are ready to provide legal representation in your criminal proceedings today. Our criminal defence lawyers can defend your rights and fight your criminal charges.
Understanding Criminal Law in Montreal
Criminal offences in Montreal are governed by the federal Criminal Code. If you are accused of a crime, you are presumed innocent, and the burden of proof is on the Crown prosecutor, also known as the prosecuting attorney, to show that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If the prosecution decides to lay charges against you, you must appear in court and defend yourself before a judge. In this case, an experienced criminal defence lawyer is indispensable if you want to fight the criminal charges against you. They can investigate your case, build a strong defence, and plead for your release or lesser charges.
What Are the Types of Criminal Offences in Montreal?
There are three main categories of criminal offences under the Canadian criminal code, including:
1. A summary conviction offence:
Summary offences, such as minor assaults or offensive behaviour, are the least severe criminal offences in Canada. They are typically heard in a provincial court and carry lower penalties.
2. An indictable offence:
Indictable offences are serious crimes tried in court. They carry harsher penalties, including life imprisonment. Some examples of indictable offences include assault causing bodily harm, sexual assault, and murder. These offences are usually heard in a Court of Quebec or Superior Court.
3. A hybrid offence:
Hybrid offences can be prosecuted as summary or indictable offences, depending on the circumstances. An example of a hybrid offence is domestic assault.
The statute of limitation for bringing claims of a summary offence is one year. However, you can generally be charged with an indictable offence at any time after it happens.
What Are the Consequences of a Criminal Conviction?
Besides the penalties imposed by the judge, such as fines and imprisonment, having a criminal record can have the following consequences:
- Denial of immigration, refugee, or citizenship status
- Inability to obtain professional licenses
- Inadmissibility to other countries (e.g., the United States)
- Loss of child custody rights
- Loss of driver’s license
- Loss of employment
- Loss of future career opportunities
- Loss of government benefits
- Loss of housing opportunities
- Loss of scholarship opportunities
Short and long-term consequences of a criminal conviction can turn your life upside down.
Contact Goldwater, Dubé criminal lawyers for a chance to walk free.
OUR EXPERTISE
HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE
SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT
THREATS AND AGGRESSION
The Criminal Process in Montreal
The criminal process in Montreal is regulated by the Code of Penal Procedure of Quebec. It can differ depending on the circumstances, but it usually looks like the following:
Arrest
After a police officer arrests you, they will place you in a detention facility. If the police decide to release you, they will give you an appearance notice before a court judge. If they decide not to, you will remain in jail until your bail hearing, also called interim release hearing, is scheduled.
Interim Release Hearing or Bail Hearing
Within twenty-four hours of your arrest, the judge will hold an interim release hearing to decide if you should receive bail or remain in jail awaiting your trial. They usually approve bail unless they reasonably believe that:
- You will not appear in court.
- It is necessary to maintain public confidence in the judicial system.
- It is against public safety.
- You will fail to follow the bail conditions.
- You are accused of murder or other serious offences and fail to convince the judge to release you.
The judge may set a financial condition for your release. Otherwise, you will remain in custody until trial.
Pretrial Hearings
The prosecution will usually disclose all evidence against you at your first appearance. This includes police reports, any witness statements, photographs or audio recordings.
After the disclosure, you may plead guilty, plead not guilty or request to postpone the plea date. If you plead guilty, you will be sentenced immediately. If you plead not guilty, the court will set a trial date.
You may also choose to enter a plea bargain with the prosecution. Your criminal lawyer can assess the possibility of a favourable plea deal depending on the weight of your charges.
If you are charged with serious offences, you may be given the option to choose between a bench or jury trial.
Trial and Sentencing
During your trial, the prosecution will make their case and present evidence to convince the judge or jury of your guilt. In their rebuttal, your defence team will contest the prosecution’s claims and present counter-evidence to disprove them. Your defence will also cross-examine witnesses.
If the jury or judge finds you guilty, you will be sentenced following the provisions of the criminal law. If they do not, you will be acquitted.
Why Choose Goldwater, Dubé Criminal Lawyers?
When you work with a criminal lawyer from our law firm, you can rest assured that you are receiving the vigorous legal representation you need. Our criminal lawyers provide the following legal services:
- Represent you in the investigation, pretrial hearings, and trial
- Investigate your case and analyze the prosecution’s evidence
- Build an effective defence
- Advise and guide you through the criminal justice system
- Negotiate with the crown prosecutor for a favourable plea deal
Criminal Defence Lawyers at Goldwater, Dubé Can Help
Being accused of a crime can be life-altering. It is advisable to contact a criminal lawyer at Goldwater, Dubé immediately. This allows us to act before you incriminate yourself or get arrested.
Our lawyers are familiar with the intricacies of the criminal and penal law. We can use our experience to protect and defend your rights during the criminal process.
If your case goes to trial, our team will fight aggressively for you in court. We use strong advocacy strategies, present persuasive arguments, and cross-examine witnesses effectively.
We have experience defending our clients in different areas of criminal law, including:
- Harassment and assault
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Threats and aggression
We understand the severe consequences of criminal convictions and will fight to reduce or dismiss your charges. Contact Goldwater, Dubé today for legal representation and advice.
ARRESTED OR DETAINED?
CALL NOW FOR A SAME-DAY CONSULTATION.
Given the urgency of criminal matters, it is important to get legal representation right away. You may speak to one of our lawyers today and book an in-person, phone or video consultation (by Zoom, Teams, FaceTime or Skype).
For urgent criminal matters, we have a dedicated phone line to call so you can arrange a consultation the same day.
HIRING OUR FIRM & BECOMING A CLIENT
Start by requesting a consultation with one of our lawyers who will assess your case, answer any questions you may have, and advise you as to your best defense.
We will request a retainer if you decide to move forward. Depending on your needs and wishes, we are prepared to act on your behalf immediately.
We have lawyers to fit every budget all of whom will work with the same rigour and precision for which our firm is known.
For follow-up questions, contact us or book a consultation. We’re just a click, tap, or email away.
INQUIRE ABOUT YOUR CASE
Let us know about your legal issue. We will get back to you to help with your next step.
DO YOU NEED A LAWYER?
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