Pavan Bassi Legal Handles All Your Criminal Law Matters in Ontario
Summary conviction, youth criminal justice and Controlled Drug Substance Act matters are handled in-house by senior Pavan Bassi Legal agents licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, paralegals holding Class P1 licenses and adequate professional indemnity insurance. Indictable offences for our clients are handled by lawyers holding Class L1 licenses. Reasoning; Paralegals hold P1 licenses and are not permitted to do Indictable offences, which only lawyers are allowed to do. Lawyers hold L1 Licenses.
A criminal charge is a very serious matter. In today’s security-obsessed world, prosecutors and the police are taking a zero-tolerance approach, seeking jail more often and refusing bail. New legislation means tougher sentences and difficult probation conditions. A criminal record is a very serious obstacle to employment, post-secondary education, community work and travel. And it is harder than ever to seek a pardon or expunge fingerprint records.
A Keen Understanding of Criminal Law
Criminal charges and penalties (maximum vs. minimum terms of incarceration, fines, etc.) are set out in the Criminal Code of Canada which is enacted by federal legislation. It applies to all provinces and territories in Canada. All the people in Canada are subject to the Criminal Code. Criminal offences require the prosecuting Crown to prove that there was criminal conduct (known as the Actus Reus or external element) accompanied by a criminal state of mind (known as the Mens Rea or fault element) beyond a reasonable doubt.
The specific elements of each offence can be found in the wording of the offence as well as the case law interpreting it. The external elements typically require there to be an act, within some circumstances, and sometimes a specific consequence that is caused by the action. The mental or fault elements of an offence are typically determined by the use of words within the text of the offence or else by case law. Mens Rea in Canada typically focuses on the actual or subjective state of mind of the accused. Where no standard is explicitly stated, the conduct must typically be proven to have been done with general intent. Where certain circumstances are part of the offence, the accused must have had knowledge of them, which can be imputed based on conduct and other evidence.
If you are charged with an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada you have the right to make a full answer and defence. Pavan Bassi Legal agents fearlessly raise every issue, advance every argument, and ask every question, however distasteful, which they think will help the client's case and endeavour to obtain for the client the benefit of every remedy and defence authorized by law.
Our Process
Usually, on the first court appearance after being charged, the accused is provided with disclosure. Disclosure is the Crown’s case against the accused. Disclosure is in the form of a synopsis of the events that led to the criminal charge being laid, officer(s) notes, videotapes, statements made by the accused, witness statements, and victim statements. Pavan Bassi Legal senior agents have extensive experience in examining and careful perusal of the Crown’s disclosure as against the accused. Any defences that are available are thoroughly explored during resolution and pre-trial meetings with the Crown Attorney’s office.
If you want to avoid penalties that may include jail, fines and community service, it is important to secure competent legal representation. When you want to keep your record clean, come to Pavan Bassi Legal where free initial consultations are offered. Our senior agents have more than 25 years of extensive Criminal Law trial experience. We prepare and deliver expert defence at trial, bringing substantial results, protecting your liberty.
