Before discussing the advantages of hiring a lawyer, it’s important to understand what the minimum sentence for DUI offences and refusal to comply entails:

• $1,000 fine and a 12-month nationwide driving suspension for the first offence.
• 30 days jail time and a 24-month nationwide driving suspension for the second offence.
• 120 days of jail time and 36-month nationwide driving suspension for third and subsequent offences.

If another person is physically injured as a result of your DUI offence, then you may be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in jail depending on the severity of the injuries. If the person is killed, then you may get a life sentence depending on the circumstances of the collision.

Here are some advantages of hiring a DUI lawyer if you find yourself in this situation:

• DUI laws can be quite complicated and people can easily lose their case due to a lack of understanding of the laws. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the laws is the only way to ensure that you will not be convicted or at least receive a lighter sentence.

• Criminal courts are known to pursue a DUI conviction very aggressively if there are serious injuries, and when there is an aggressive prosecuting attorney trying to prove that you are guilty at any cost (which is often the case), a lawyer with a lot experience in similar cases can help you get a successful outcome.

• If conviction is unavoidable, then a well-respected and well-prepared lawyer can negotiate a reduced sentence for you.

Since the sentences are harsh, your first aim should be not to get convicted of a DUI at all. But if you are caught red-handed, then it is often impossible to avoid being convicted. In such a case, only a highly experienced lawyer can keep you out of jail and have your sentenced reduced. If you are looking for the best DUI lawyer in Toronto, then you should get in touch with Donna V. Pledge. She has a long track record of successfully defending her clients.

So how do you find the best lawyer money can get? Ask your friends, relatives and business associates. Do thorough online research. Use online directories and referral websites. Make a shortlist of all the criminal lawyers in your area and do a bit of research on each of them.

After you have narrowed down your shortlist, make a phone call to each and request an appointment. Now is the time to select the best criminal lawyer and here are 5 tips on how to do just that:

1. Experience is key: A lawyer without experience has very little chance of winning your case. The experienced attorney will do his or her thing in the court room to win your case, while a rookie may not know the ins and outs of the law to get the job done well. Therefore, you want to ask your lawyer directly if he or she has previous experience of handling a similar case and what the outcome was.
2. Courtroom expertise has no substitute: Ask the lawyer directly whether he is a courtroom lawyer or not. If he is not, then he probably does not know how to analyze your case, negotiate with the crown attorney, and prepare and fight your case. Lawyers who are not courtroom experts often ask their clients to take a plea bargain, which is not much better than losing the case.
3. A good lawyer handles everything personally: Ask the lawyer if she will handle all the essential elements of your case himself. A good and responsible criminal lawyer handles everything himself, including research, investigation, interview, case preparation, analysis, negotiation, pre-trials, depositions and trials. She may delegate some of the non-essential elements to her subordinates, but she will be in the thick of things at all times.
4. Good reputation precedes a good lawyer: If you have heard and read good things about a lawyer (regarding their capabilities), then she is likely a good lawyer. To be sure, search newspaper archives for any literature written about the lawyer. Contact the Ontario law society to ask if the lawyer you are considering is in good standing. Talk to other clients. The best criminal lawyer is always preceded by his or her reputation.

Ready to hire a successful Toronto criminal lawyer? Call us today at 416-630-8702. You deserve the best representation for your criminal case.

Lawyers are humans and they come with the usual strengths and failings expected of humans. Some can be arrogant and intimidating, some vain, while others are interested only in your money and may not be willing to give you the time you need to speed up your legal process. Therefore, you should choose your lawyer only after careful consideration.

Here are some tips on how to start your search for the right lawyer.

1. Find out whether you really need a lawyer: Your search for a lawyer should start with the identification of your need. The first question should be, “Do I need a lawyer?” Sometimes it may be hard to answer this question without help. You can talk to your family, friends, relatives and even a lawyer to determine whether you need a lawyer or not.
2. Determine the type of lawyer you need: After you have decided that you need a lawyer, the next step is to determine the type of lawyer you need. Most of the time it should be pretty easy. If you are facing a criminal case, you will need a criminal lawyer to ensure you get the best defense possible. A lawyer who is experienced in cases just like yours is able to help you towards a more favourable outcome.
3. Ask your friends, colleagues and associates: After you have determined what type of lawyer you need, start your search by asking your friends, colleagues and business associates. They may know a good lawyer personally or may have heard of a lawyer with a good reputation. It’s usually a good idea to hire a lawyer in Toronto through a personal recommendation. However, do not hire one straightaway. Before giving him/her a call, do more research to find out if he/she is up to the task and also the type of person they are.
4. Do research on the internet: The internet is a goldmine of information and it is the best place to start your search for a lawyer. There are a number of online directories with listings of every type of lawyer in Canada. There are also several online lawyer referral services and advertisements by law firms. Make a shortlist of selected lawyers in your area and check their background by visiting their website and making a phone call to the provincial law society.

If you are looking for the right Toronto criminal lawyer for your case, contact Donna V. Pledge today. We can give you free advice immediately on the best approach for your unique situation.

A criminal defense lawyer is a professional who has in-depth knowledge of the criminal code. The only way you can be defended successfully is to hire a lawyer who is experienced in the field and has a long track record of success. After he or she decides to handle your case, your lawyer will do the following:

• Investigate the case and interview witnesses: She will investigate the case and interview witnesses, including you. She may even hire investigators to find the facts. Based on the findings, your lawyer will advise you on the right course of action.

• Research case laws, statues, etc: In order to build a strong case on your behalf, she will research case laws, statues, criminal codes and procedural laws pertaining to your particular case. She will consult with her peers and mentors to get their opinion and advice.

• Build a defense and develop a strategy: Based on your statement, your lawyer’s findings and witness testimony, she will build a defense case and develop a strategy to either get the prosecutors to withdraw the charges or get an acquittal or a reduced sentence for you.

• Negotiate with the prosecutors: If you plea guilty or are found guilty, she will negotiate with the prosecutors to reduce your punishment. If the prosecutors are generous, it often results in a reduced sentence or fine.

• Draft, file and argue motions: She will prepare a draft of your defense, file it in the court and argue a motion to dismiss the case. If she can prove that the case doesn’t have sufficient ground for prosecution, the charges against you may be entirely dropped.

• Advocate for you at the trial: If the charge against you is not dropped, then she will advocate for you at the trial. She may call witnesses to support your case. Your presence may be required in the court during the trial.

• Draft, file and argue appeals: If you lose the case and are found guilty of committing a crime, she may draft and file an appeal with your consent and argue the same in court. If she can provide sufficient evidence, she may even be able to overturn the verdict.

A Toronto criminal lawyer like Donna V. Pledge is an expert dedicated to working towards a successful defense for her clients. If you are looking for the right criminal defense lawyer, contact our team today to discuss your case.

Whether you are guilty or innocent, the only way you can ensure that you are properly defended when charged with a criminal offence is to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer. The following are some of the different types of offences that a Toronto criminal lawyer can help you with:

• Driving offences: Driving under the influence (DUI or DWI) of alcohol and drugs is a criminal offence and punishable up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 according to the Canadian Criminal Code. Causing injury to another person with a DUI has a penalty of a 10 year jail sentence and a fine of $5,000, and causing a fatality can land you in prison for life.

• Assault: Assault is the use of force on another person with intention to cause bodily harm. There are several types of assault charges, including domestic and sexual assault. The maximum penalty for assault that doesn’t result in death under the Canadian Criminal Code is a 5 year sentence.

• Shoplifting: The theft of goods from a retail establishment (shop, department store, supermarket, etc) not exceeding $5,000 is known as shoplifting. According to the Canadian Criminal Code, the penalty for repeat offenders is a fine and a jail sentence. First timers are made to pay a fine as determined by the court and/or do community service. After that they are let go without a criminal record to their name.

• Drug offences: Drug offences include production, possession or trafficking of substances that have been classified as harmful drugs. Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the maximum penalty for drug possession, production and trafficking are 7 years, 10 years and life respectively.

• Fraud: Fraud is defined as wrongful or criminal deception with the intention to make personal or financial gain. According to the Canadian Criminal Code, the maximum penalty is a 2-year jail sentence for frauds of up to $5,000 and a 10-year jail sentence for frauds over $5,000.

• Credit card offences: Credit card offences include theft or forgery of another person’s credit card, possession of stolen credit card, and use of revoked or cancelled credit card. Each offence is punishable by a jail sentence of 10 years under the Canadian Criminal Code.

• Robbery: Robbery is defined as the taking of personal or government property by threat or use of violence. Under the Canadian Criminal Code, the maximum penalty for robbery with or without the use of firearms is a life sentence.

• Extortion: Forcing a person to hand over money, favor or property by threat of force or illegal use of official position is known as extortion. According to the Canadian Criminal Code, the maximum penalty for extortion with or without the use of firearms is a life sentence.

If you have been charged with one of these criminal offences or another type of offence, contact Donna V. Pledge. Our office provides a free consultation to new clients to advise them of their options and answer questions.