Zamani Law Blog

If you’re wondering, “Can I travel to the US with a criminal record?” the answer depends on several factors, including the nature of your offence, how long ago it was, and whether you’ve obtained a US Entry Waiver beforehand. Before attempting to enter the US, explore the legal pathways to...

If you’ve been arrested, the next step for you will be a bail hearing, where a court will determine whether you’ll be released from custody while awaiting trial or remain in custody. Bail hearings in Ontario follow specific procedures that are governed by the Criminal Code of Canada. It’s in...

If you’ve been offered a peace bond in Canada, you probably have questions about how the process works and what the benefits and drawbacks are for you. Learning what’s involved will help you make a sound decision about whether you should consent to enter into the peace bond. Key Takeaways...

If you’re facing a court date in Ontario, you may be wondering how to get criminal charges dropped. Although it never happens in the dramatic fashion depicted on TV shows, the Crown, the complainant, the judge, the defence lawyer, and the defendant can all influence the process. Dropping charges can...

If you are going through the criminal justice system or you have been convicted of a crime, you may be wondering, “How long does a criminal record last in Canada?” The answer is not as straightforward as you might hope. In some jurisdictions, certain records automatically disappear after a set...

When someone is charged with a criminal offence, it will be either a summary or an indictable offence. The category of criminal offence affects everything from the way your case is handled to the penalties to the long-term consequences for the offender. Whatever you know about the criminal justice system...

Getting charged with impaired driving is stressful, but it happens to people just like you every day. Knowing what to expect can make the process much more manageable and will help you make solid decisions for your defence. If you’re facing DUI charges in Ontario, a qualified DUI lawyer in...

Getting arrested can be upsetting and confusing. It can seem as though the police have the ultimate control over the situation, and that you yourself are powerless. However, you have constitutionally guaranteed rights when you are arrested; knowing those rights and taking smart, legally correct steps lets you take some...

In Canada, the term “assault” covers a very wide range of offences, from raising a fist in a threatening manner to stabbing someone. If you are facing simple assault charges in Canada, you may be wondering, “Is assault an indictable offence?” The answer determines the type of penalties that the...

People are often surprised to learn that you can be charged with a driving offence for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while sitting in a parked car. Just being in the driver’s seat with access to the car keys is enough to trigger a care and control...

Assault with a weapon is a serious charge in Canada that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If you have been charged with this crime and are preparing your case, you may be wondering what are the potential defences for assault with a weapon? What is Assault...

People charged with drug-related offences often want to know: what are drug trafficking charges under Canadian law, and how many years do you get for drug trafficking? Drug offences are taken very seriously by the courts, but the penalties for drug dealing charges vary widely and depend on factors such...