Understanding the Right to Counsel

Although it is not as famous as some of the other rights listed in said document, the right to counsel is nonetheless enshrined in Section 10 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Since this document is part of the Constitution of Canada, it is as applicable in the province of Ontario as the rest of Canada.

The existence of this particular right has two important implications. First, it means that you have the right to contact a lawyer for legal advice about your situation without delay in the event of either your arrest or your detention. Second, it means that you have the right to be informed about your right to contact a lawyer for legal advice.

The Importance of the Right to Counsel

First and foremost, the right to counsel is important because it is one of the cornerstones of the right to a fair trial. After all, the law is complicated, meaning that a lack of knowledge can create all sorts of hurdles and other serious complications for people who come into contact with the legal system. For most people, this is a problem that can be remedied with an expert’s understanding of both the law and the legal system, which is easiest to find in skilled and experienced Toronto criminal lawyers such as Donna V. Pledge.

In fact, the right to contact a lawyer for legal advice is seen as being so crucial that you will be provided with a lawyer by Legal Aid Canada if you cannot afford the cost on your own. That’s something that speaks volumes about its importance to the legal system.

In more practical terms, you should contact a lawyer for legal advice if you are ever either arrested or detained for the simple reason that it leads to a better outcome for you. Not only will a lawyer be able to explain your situation to you, but he or she will also be able to provide counsel on the best methods with which to defend yourself against the charges brought against you. For example, if the police are asking you questions, having the assistance of a skilled and experienced lawyer will be invaluable; because what you say can be used to prosecute you.

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To learn more about how a skilled and experienced lawyer can help if you are ever either arrested or detained, please contact us as soon as possible.