When you are arrested or detained in Calgary, the police have a number of powers to investigate and detain you. It is important that you understand your rights so that you can protect yourself from potential abuse by the police. Keep reading to learn more about your rights when arrested or detained in Calgary.
The Right to an Attorney
The right to an attorney is recognized in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The purpose of this right is to ensure that criminal defendants are given a fair trial. If you are arrested or detained, you have the right to speak to a criminal defence lawyer in Calgary immediately.
When you are charged with a criminal offence, the most important decision you will make is who will represent you. This is a decision that should not be taken lightly, as the lawyer you choose will be responsible for defending you in court. The best way to find a criminal defence lawyer is to do your research. Look for lawyers who have years of experience in the area of law that relates to your case. Many offer free consultations, so be sure to ask them questions about their experience, their fees, and their approach to defending criminal cases. Ultimately, you need to trust your gut when it comes to choosing a criminal defence lawyer. If you don’t feel comfortable with a lawyer and their legal advice, don’t hesitate to find someone else.
The Right To Remain Silent
The right to remain silent when arrested or detained is a constitutional right in Canada. This means that you do not have to say anything to the police or anyone else when you are arrested or detained. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so you must be careful with what you say. For this reason, you may want to speak with a criminal defence lawyer before saying anything to the police.
The Right To Know Your Charges
When you are arrested, you have the right to know why you are being charged or held. The arresting officer is obligated to provide you with a copy of the information sheet, which will include the specific charges against you, as well as the relevant section of the Criminal Code or other statute that you are alleged to have violated. It will also list the potential penalties that you could face if convicted. If English is not your first language, an interpreter will be provided so you can understand your charges.
The Right To Be Released if Arrest Has No Grounds
The law states that you have the right to be released if there are no reasonable grounds for your arrest or detention. This includes being arrested or detained without a warrant. If the police do not have reasonable grounds to keep holding you, they must release you immediately.
If you are arrested or detained, you should ask the police officer why you are being held. You also have the right to contact a lawyer and to have someone notified of your arrest or detention. You should not sign any documents or waive your rights without speaking to a lawyer.
The Right To Get Contact Information for Witnesses
When you are arrested in Calgary, you have the right to get the contact information for any witnesses. This includes names, addresses, and phone numbers. You can also get the contact information for the arresting officer. This information can be helpful in preparing your defense. If you are unable to get this information on your own, your criminal defence lawyer can help you get it.
Overall, it is important to know your rights when arrested or detained in Calgary. This includes understanding what you can and cannot be asked, what you can and cannot do, and what will happen during the process. Knowing your rights can help to ensure that you are treated fairly and that your rights are protected.
