Our Approach at Shikhman Barristers
The Defence Begins With the Evidence
Effective criminal defence requires a careful assessment of what is alleged, what the Crown must prove and what the available evidence establishes.
The legal and factual issues must be identified before a responsible defence strategy can be developed.
Understanding the Allegation
A criminal charge is an allegation, not proof of guilt. The Crown must prove its case according to law.
The allegation must be separated from the evidence offered in support of it. This allows the case to be assessed according to the facts and legal issues – not assumption or public opinion.
The presumption of innocence, the right to counsel and the right to a fair hearing are fundamental protections within the Canadian justice system.
Defending those protections serves both the person accused and the integrity of the legal process.
Reviewing the Evidence
Our lawyers review the available disclosure, including police notes, witness statements, video, photographs, forensic evidence, digital records and other relevant material.
The review considers what the evidence establishes, whether accounts are consistent and reliable, what information may be missing and whether further investigation is required. It also examines whether the authorities acted within the limits imposed by law.
Available 24/7 for Your Call
Legal issues do not always happen during business hours. Shikhman Barristers is available 24/7 to take your call, answer your initial questions, and discuss your next steps.
Identifying the Legal and Factual Issues
Each case raises different questions. The relevant issues may include identification, credibility, reliability, intent, consent, possession or the legality of a search, detention or statement.
Those issues cannot be determined from the charge alone. They emerge through careful examination of the evidence, the circumstances and the applicable law.
The defence is developed according to what the circumstances require, not through a predetermined or standard approach.
Preparing for Each Stage
A criminal matter may involve communication with investigators, a bail hearing, discussions with the Crown, a Charter application, a trial or an appeal.
Each stage has its own purpose and legal requirements. The defence is prepared according to the issues that must be addressed at that point in the proceeding, while considering how each decision may affect the case as a whole.
Clear and Practical Legal Advice
Clients need to understand their options and the potential consequences before making informed decisions.
We explain what is known, what remains unresolved and what the available information means for the next step. Where the evidence or the law creates risk, that risk is addressed directly.
No lawyer can responsibly guarantee the outcome of a criminal case. Our responsibility is to provide sound legal advice, protect the client’s rights and prepare the defence required by the circumstances.
SPEAK WITH OUR FIRM
Request a Confidential Consultation
If you are under investigation, have been arrested or are facing a criminal charge, bail hearing, trial or appeal, contact Shikhman Barristers to discuss your circumstances and understand the next step. If you have been detained or arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer before answering questions about the allegation.
416-365-3151
Toll-free: 1-888-508-9178
Available 24/7
Email: info@crimlawcanada.com
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