Drug Charges and Your Rights Under Calgary Law: A Calgary Defence Lawyer's Advice: Part 3
Continuing advice on your rights when charged with a drug-related offence in Calgary, straight from a criminal defence lawyer to you.
Parts 1 and 2 of this article looked at three of your rights when you've been charged with a drug-related crime, or any crime at all, in Calgary. In Part 1, you were reminded that you have the right not to say anything (beyond providing some basic identifying information) to the Calgary Police or other law enforcement officers until you have consulted with a defence lawyer. Exercising this right ensures that your defence starts off in the best manner possible, as anything you say is only likely to hurt your case.
In Part 2, we discussed your right to be treated as innocent until proven guilty, and your right to always have your Calgary defence lawyer by your side whenever you're questioned by law enforcement or the Crown prosecutors involved in your case. The first means that you can't be punished or treated as though you're a convicted criminal simply because you're facing a drug-related charge; the second means you can always have a knowledgeable legal professional by your side whenever you need to make statements or decisions that will affect your case.
Here, we're going to talk about another important right you should keep in mind when you're facing a drug-related charge in Calgary. This isn't a right enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms or any other document, but it's an important right all the same.
You Deserve Compassion When Facing a Drug Charge in Calgary
Everyone has the right to be treated with understanding and compassion, no matter what their circumstances and regardless of whether or not the law recognizes this "right." You should be treated with respect by the Calgary Police, by the Crown prosecutors, by the judge in your case, and especially by your defence lawyer. Your lawyer is your partner, working on your behalf to get the best possible outcome for you and your family, and that requires mutual trust and respect.
Being charged with a drug-related crime often carries a stigma, no matter what the eventual outcome of the case is. This stigma is changing over time, but it shouldn't be even a tiny part of your relationship with your Calgary defence lawyer. An experienced defence lawyer understands that mistakes happen, both regular Calgarians and Calgary police officers make mistakes all the time, and either one can lead to a drug-related criminal charge. That mistake shouldn't ruin your life, though, and the right defence lawyer recognizes and remembers that fact while pursuing the strongest possible defence for each and every client.
You don't deserve anything less.
Contact an Experienced Calgary Drug Defence Lawyer Today
If you or a family member has been charged with a drug-related offence or another crime, don't wait to get the legal help that you're entitled to. For a free initial consultation with one of Calgary's most dedicated defence lawyers, with years of experience handling drug-related and other offences, please contact my office today.