Step One
Do this immediately.
Before anything else, before you speak to police, before you call family.
Call Elias: 647-547-6734
You have the right to retain and instruct counsel without delay. Exercise it. This call is free, confidential, and available around the clock. Elias will tell you exactly what to do and what not to do based on your specific situation.
Call NowCritical
What NOT to do.
These mistakes destroy cases. Most people make them because they don't know better.
Do not speak to police without a lawyer.
You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Anything you say, even something that seems innocent or helpful to you, can and will be used against you. Police are trained interviewers. You are not trained for this. Wait for your lawyer.
Do not try to explain your side right now.
Your explanation can wait. The urge to clear things up immediately is understandable but dangerous. Every word you say without legal advice is a potential problem. The time to tell your story is with your lawyer, when it can be presented strategically.
Do not contact the alleged victim or witnesses.
Even if the contact seems innocent, a text, a call, an apology, it can be interpreted as witness tampering or obstruction. Bail conditions almost always prohibit contact. Violating them is a separate criminal charge.
Do not post anything on social media.
Police and Crown attorneys look at social media. Anything you post, photos, status updates, messages, can become evidence. Deactivate or lock down your accounts until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Do not ignore your release conditions.
If you've been released on bail or an appearance notice, read every condition and follow them exactly. Breaching conditions, even accidentally, results in new charges and can land you in custody while your case proceeds.
Your Rights
What you CAN do right now.
These are your rights. Know them. Use them.
Assert your right to a lawyer.
Tell police clearly: "I want to speak to a lawyer before I say anything." They are required to stop questioning you and allow you to call counsel. If you don't have a lawyer, call Elias: 647-547-6734.
Stay calm and cooperative, without speaking.
You can and should follow reasonable police instructions (don't resist, don't flee). You do not have to answer questions. These are two separate things. Cooperate physically; stay silent verbally.
Write down everything you remember as soon as you can.
Once you've spoken to a lawyer, write down everything: what happened, what was said, who was present, times, locations. Memory fades fast under stress. Your own written record can be invaluable for your defence.
Get your loved ones to preserve any evidence.
If there are text messages, photos, videos, witnesses, or anything else that might support your version of events, have someone you trust preserve it immediately. Evidence disappears. Act quickly.
Why the first hours matter most.
The investigation is already underway. Police are collecting evidence, taking statements, and building their file. Your defence needs to begin at the same moment, not weeks later when you finally get around to calling a lawyer.
Early intervention can mean the difference between charges being withdrawn before court and a trial. It can mean the difference between detention and release. It can determine what evidence gets used against you. The earlier a criminal defence lawyer is involved, the more options are available.
Over 90% of my cases resolve without ever reaching a trial, through negotiations, withdrawals, peace bonds, and strategic dispositions. But building toward that outcome starts on day one.
Don't face this alone.
A single phone call puts a criminal defence lawyer in your corner right now. It's free. It's confidential. It's the most important call you'll make.
Call 647-547-6734Free consultation · Available 24/7 · Confidential