St. Catharines Criminal Defence Lawyer

Bail Hearing

A bail hearing is one of the first and most important steps of a criminal case, and it occurs shortly after your arrest. It’s held to determine if you’ll remain incarcerated, or you’ll be released, for the time leading up to your trial. One of the most critical parts of any bail hearing is your surety, as they guarantee the court that upon release, the defendant will adhere to all the bail conditions and that they’ll attend court as required. A successful bail hearing gains you some freedom and makes it easier to coordinate with your criminal defence lawyers.

At Zamani Law, we understand that you can never regain lost liberty. This is why we utilize our years of experience and criminal law expertise to prepare the defendant and surety for a bail hearing. Contact our St. Catharines criminal defence lawyers for exceptional legal counsel.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence comprises any assault that occurs within a domestic relationship, for example, between a boyfriend and girlfriend. Due to the relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant, domestic violence cases are quite complex, which is why they’re treated differently compared to other assault allegations. However, upon conviction, one ends up facing the same severe consequences of assault charges, including criminal records and lengthy jail sentences. Therefore, when charged with domestic assault, one should retain an experienced criminal defence lawyer to protect their rights and liberties.

At Zamani Law, we have extensive experience successfully defending clients charged with domestic violence. Our lawyers are well-versed with such assault charges, and they’re determined to achieve the best possible results in every case. Call us for a free assessment of your case.

Youth Offences

Youths and adults are treated very defiantly by the criminal justice system. Young offenders are investigated and prosecuted under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which offers them extra protection and pushes for their rehabilitation rather than deterrence and punishment. Even with the additional protection provided by the YCJA, youth offences still pose severe repercussions, including a criminal record and possible incarceration. Having a criminal record as a youth can derail the rest of your life.

Zamani Law is well-versed with the YCJA, and our lawyers have represented numerous youths facing criminal charges. We strive to ensure that young offenders do not end up with a criminal record by fighting the charges and negotiating alternative measures. If your child or someone you know is charged with a youth offence, contact our St. Catharines criminal defence lawyers for exceptional legal representation.

Driving Offences & DUI

Driving offences, including refusing a breathalyzer, careless driving, driving while suspended, and impaired driving, are serious criminal offences with long-term penalties. Some of the consequences one may face upon a driving violation conviction include fines, increased insurance premiums, jail sentences, license suspension, and possible incarceration. Therefore, it is with good reason that you should seek legal advice when facing driving allegations.

Our St. Catharines criminal defence lawyers have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against driving offence charges. They review the charges and devise the best defence to attain favourable results. If you are facing a driving-related offence, contact us to talk with one of our experienced lawyers.

Drug Crimes

Drug offences are among the most severe charges prosecuted in Canada. According to the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act, drug charges can be laid against you due to possession, trafficking, importation, or production of controlled drugs and substances. A conviction for a drug offence, even possession of small amounts of drugs, carries devastating consequences, including lengthy jail sentences and travel restrictions.

With the legalization of marijuana, drug laws are changing and getting more complicated. Luckily, our lawyers stay updated with all the developments, which benefits our clients. With our expertise and years of experience successfully defending persons charged with drug crimes, we can handle any allegations to attain the best possible results. If you or your loved one require expert legal advice, call our St. Catharines criminal defence lawyers.

Assault & Threats

The Canadian Criminal Code defines assault as the intentional application of force on another person, either directly or indirectly, without their consent. Assault encompasses aggravated assault, simple assault, and assault causing bodily harm. Threats can also be regarded as assault if the actions or words indicate an imminent use of force on another person. Assault and threat charges have dire repercussions, including incarceration and criminal records, which impact the rest of your life. To alleviate the charges against you or get them withdrawn, retain an experienced criminal defence lawyer.

At Zamani Law, we have successfully defended many clients facing assault & threat allegations. This has given us the expertise and knowledge to navigate such offences, develop a strong defence, and protect our clients. If you or someone you know are facing assault or threat charges, reach out to Zamani Law for a free consultation.

Weapon Charges

Gun and related weapon offences are serious crimes that the Crown prosecutes sternly. Some gun offences include possession of unregistered firearms, carrying a concealed firearm, illegal use of a gun, and possession of restricted firearms and ammunition. Whether it’s a standalone charge or connected to other crimes, a gun offence can result in drastic penalties, including long jail sentences and a criminal record. Therefore, don’t take any chance when such charges are brought against you. Retain an experienced criminal defence lawyer to protect your rights.

At Zamani Law, we have a successful track record of defending persons facing gun charges. We review your case’s details and devise a strong, effective defence to help mitigate the allegations. Contact us for a free assessment of your case.

Theft & Fraud

Theft and fraud are serious property crimes with severe long-term consequences on all aspects of your life. According to the Criminal Code of Canada, theft and fraud encompass any acts of acquiring or trying to obtain public or private property through devious methods. Theft and fraud offences carry drastic penalties, imposed depending on the act and value of the property involved. These include loss of employment, criminal records, and incarceration.

At Zamani Law, we are well-versed with the laws surrounding property offences. Through our expertise and experience, we have effectively handled many theft and fraud cases. Therefore, if you or someone you know has been charged with theft or fraud, call our St. Catharines criminal defence lawyers to protect your rights and liberties.

Human Trafficking

According to the Canadian Criminal Code, human trafficking charges can be laid against you if you recruit, transport, receive, harbour, or conceal another person. You can also face charges if you influence or control a person’s movements to exploit them sexually or through forced labour. Human trafficking convictions carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum incarcerations.

When facing human trafficking charges, having an experienced criminal defence lawyer is indispensable. They’ll review the charges and develop an effective defence strategy to get you acquitted or have the charges reduced. Contact our criminal lawyers for exceptional legal counsel.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault allegations are some of the most sensitive, severe, and complex charges one can face. Sexual assault charges encompass unsolicited sexual acts, such as forced kissing, touching, and forced intercourse. These offences pose very severe penalties, including the addition to the National Sex Offender Registry, DNA orders, criminal records, and mandatory minimum incarcerations. Even without a conviction, sexual assault allegations have far-reaching effects on a person’s life.

At Zamani Law, we are highly-experienced in sexual assault offences and all the intricate laws surrounding them. Our team assesses all the details of your case to create a defence strategy that will ensure the best possible results. Call our St. Catharines criminal defence lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Robbery

Robbery entails the use of, or threats to use, force or violence to take or try to take another person’s property. This includes crimes such as forcing someone to give you their wallet to robbing a store or a bank. As a violent crime, robbery poses severe penalties, including lengthy mandatory minimum sentences. Therefore, if you are charged with robbery, get a highly experienced criminal defence lawyer to fight the allegations and obtain a favourable outcome.

Mischief

Mischief charges can result if you willfully destroy or damage property, or render it useless, inoperative, ineffective or dangerous, or interfere with its lawful use. Mischief charges are many, each carrying different punishments depending on the type and value of the property destroyed. For example, a conviction for an indictment charge carries a maximum of 2 years in prison for offences under $5000.

Our St. Catharines criminal defence lawyers are highly experienced in handling mischief allegations and related property offences. This is because they have fought for many clients facing such charges and achieved optimal results. Contact us for a free assessment of your mischief charges.