In the west, especially in nations like Canada, the justice system seems quite eager to charge people with crimes and place them in prisons. The rule of law is most certainly a good thing, but with laws constantly changing, and things like social justice tribunals showing up all over the place, sometimes the idea of “justice” gives way to something else entirely, and people end up being charged with crimes they didn’t commit, or with things that shouldn’t even count as a crime.

Even if one may happen to be guilty of a crime, they are still entitled in Canada to due process and an attorney, to be tried by a jury of their peers, not in the court of public opinion. So the bottom line is that when anyone is charged with a crime, they do have a right to a criminal defence lawyer. Though how should you act immediately after being charged with a crime? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

 Keep Quiet, Always

Keep quiet. Do not say a word. It’s very often the case that police and/or detectives will want to speak with you before you’re charged, and what you say or do not say typically plays a role in whether charges will be filed. Though if you’re charged first, the police may still want to lock you into some story to use against you in court. It’s an old scam that they run, and it can get very dirty in there, where the police your taxes pay for are not on your side. To them, you’re guilty until innocent, not the other way around. So always, always remain quiet. Don’t say anything except, “Lawyer.”

Remain Calm

Being interrogated by police or remanded to a cell, awaiting possible bail, can be very stressful. It can induce a lot of panic and even a lot of rage. It’s quite common for people to end up with additional charges for causing a fit inside of the jail. Yes, it’s a stressful situation, but remain calm. Keep it at the forefront of your mind that, “This is a process now. I can seek a criminal defence lawyer to help me.” That’s what their job is, and you’re entitled to an attorney.

Contact a Lawyer

Contact a criminal defence attorney as soon as you’re charged! It is within your rights as a Canadian citizen to be represented by counsel and to have your attorney present the entire way through, including questioning and even through the bail process. You do not have to wait until you’re eventually released and are setting up for preliminary court dates. Exercise your rights and demand a lawyer. You cannot be denied under Canadian law, so exercise your rights.

Speak Candidly

When with your lawyer, you’re protected by privilege, so speak very candidly. Even if you are guilty, the attorney’s job is not to judge, and that information will not be relayed. The idea here is that the lawyer needs to know every single possible aspect of the case and the charges, and everything about your involvement so that a proper defence can be mounted. If you’re tight-lipped, no strategy can unfold to get you out of the charges.

Prepare for the Worst

It helps to get your mind in a place that’s more prepared to deal with the negative, more so than the positive. Because if you spend the entire time thinking that you’re going to walk away free, charges dropped, it’s a shock to your system if they’re not and you end up in a trial. Though your lawyer is going to do everything possible to get those charges dismissed or lessened. Though it’s up to you to prepare your expectations in such a way that you’re not mentally shocked and rendered incapable of dealing with whatever happens.

It’s not any fun at all, to be sure, to go through criminal charges. Especially for innocent people, they are not only looking at potential jail time but also possibly the loss of their careers and family. This is why it’s vital to always hire a lawyer, and to always be prepared for these situations.