Simple Steps to Protect Your Rights If You Are Charged With Assault

In Canada, one is entitled to some fundamental legal rights if you are charge with assault or any other criminal offence. This is true in British Columbia, and also in the provinces and territories. We are going to list below some of the key legal rights that you have, first if/when you are arrested and later during a trial. What is important to understand is that you have to exercise these rights and not waive them in order for them to be useful for you.

Right to be told why you are being arrested.

Right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Right to remain silent.

Right to a lawyer.

You are protected from unreasonable search and seizure.

Right to a timely trial.

Right to a bail hearing and reasonable bail.

Right to an interpreter.

These are important rights and a criminal lawyer will help you to maintain and protect them which is why you need to hire an attorney as soon as possible if you are charged with a crime such as assault.

One of the rights that people have difficulty exercising is to remain silent. Keep quiet! Do not discuss your case with friends, relatives, or on social media. Anything you say can be used against you if possible by the prosecution, so do not give them any openings. Talk to you lawyer and do exactly as your lawyer advises you to do.

Your lawyer will know much more about how the process works, and your best chance at a good outcome is to follow his or her advice. 

Gagan Nahal is a criminal defence lawyer based in Surrey, British Columbia, although he has represented clients across Canada. He works vigorously and tirelessly defending his clients. 

If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to Mr. Nahal, please call him directly at (604) 527-4769.