KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
FAQ.
Not knowing what to do in a tight spot makes the problem worse. Know your rights and be prepared before it’s needed. Don’t get caught off guard! Find answers to questions frequently asked by others, and explore an extensive hub of legal knowledge that pertains to your case.
CRIMINAL OFFENCES.
Being charged with a criminal offence is a very stressful, challenging and confusing ordeal for anyone. To assist you in your general understanding of the process, we provide the following general information outlining the steps involved for most criminal cases.
Sometimes you are being investigated by the police, your employer, or, some other government organization and you have not yet been charged. It is difficult to know what to do and what your rights are – especially when your employment is on the line. Call us. We can help you develop the best strategy to deal with the complexities of potential criminal charges – we MAY even be able to prevent you from being charged in the first place. Learning your rights and obligations is the best way to avoid a catastrophe.
CHOOSE TOPIC
PROCESS.
There are many more steps in the process in addition to those listed below, however, the steps listed below will provide you with a brief outline of the basic process:
ARREST
On arrest, an accused person has the right to consult with legal counsel of choice prior to making any statements to police. It is crucial that an accused person take advantage of the right to receive timely and effective advice on arrest. Ellis Criminal Law is available 24 hours per day to assist you in this regard.
RELEASE/BAIL
Once arrested, an accused will either be released by police, or, detained in custody overnight. If detained, an accused will be brought before a Justice of the Peace within 24 hours. The accused may then either be released with the consent of the crown prosecutor, or, proceed to a bail hearing to determine whether the accused will be released.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Letter A Court is the gateway into the criminal justice system for those who are released from custody. Video Court is the equivalent court for those who are held in custody. Appearances in video court are by way of video link from a local corrections facility (usually the Elgin Middlessex Detention Centre – EMDC).
TRIAL AND RESOLUTION
Trials are expensive and uncertain. They also take time. From the date you are ready to set your case to trial there is often a 3-6 month wait for trial time. Sometimes a much longer wait is required. That is why – whether you are in custody, or out of custody – every effort should be made to resolve your case without having to go top trial. There are many forms of early resolution that do not result in a criminal conviction and/or criminal record. Talk to us and we can explain your options. In the event an agreeable resolution cannot be found, we’ll also be ready to set a date for trial and effectively advocate for you at trial.
LEGAL TOPICS.
CONTACT US
YOUR TIME IS IMPORTANT, LET'S GET STARTED!
OFFICE
468 Ridout St. N.
London, ON N6A 2P7
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
PHONE
Office: 519-932-1133
Fax: 519-963-0174
Emergency:
Laura Ellis: 226-926-4767
Ron Ellis: 519-851-6677
Stephen Troyer: 548-881-8877
Available 24/7
NO MATTER HOW BAD IT GETS, WE HAVE YOUR BACK.
TESTIMONIAL
“Ron and Laura Ellis were absolutely great lawyers when I found myself needing a criminal lawyer. In the end they got my charges taken from a federal charge with jail time to a provincial charge with probation and community service. They are very professional, kind, helpful and understanding and they all make sure you are well informed and walk you through the whole process step by step. If I had questions about anything I could text or call them and I would hear back immediately or within a couple hours 7 days a week. They made sure I understood everything that was going on and gave me their honest opinions and options I had and in the end stood behind my decisions. Even after my court process was over Laura still helped with getting my personal property back and answered my questions about the process of that right away. I definitely 100% recommend this law firm for anyone that finds they need a lawyer. So if you find yourself in a situation that you need legal help give them a call. You will get amazing help from them. And they work on cases together so you get even better legal advice and help.”
T.M.