criminal lawyer

[krine]

shity and embarrassing situation:
while driving under suspension got pulled over and gave a false name - eventually charged with resisting or obstructing public or peace officer CC, Section129(a)

can anyone refer/suggest a good criminal lawyer. NOT looking for an RFD deal! - someone trustworthy, honest and willing to make an effort.

charged in Richmond Hill - appearing in Newmarket

thanks in advance,

[Cyber6]

shity and embarrassing situation:
while driving under suspension got pulled over and gave a false name - eventually charged with resisting or obstructing public or peace officer CC, Section129(a)


Did you say you were Paris Hilton??.. :razz:


C.

[ricoboxing]

Call Harry Kapyto, he's not a real lawyer, but a paralegal.
Maybe you can also be on the John Oakley show.

[yao416]

Did you say you were Paris Hilton??.. :razz:


C.

+1

DAmn why do people have to drive when their liensce are susupended!!!@

[sunnybono]

Call Harry Kapyto, he's not a real lawyer, but a paralegal.
Maybe you can also be on the John Oakley show.

I was just about to recommend the same person. Harry is a disbarred lawyer that still practices as a paralegal and is very passionate about his work. Just listen to the John Oakly show on 640am in the mornings (can't remember which day thought)

sk

[krine]

I was just about to recommend the same person. Harry is a disbarred lawyer that still practices as a paralegal and is very passionate about his work. Just listen to the John Oakly show on 640am in the mornings (can't remember which day thought)

sk

i gave Harry a call, booked appointment, thanks. Any other suggestions??

[BadAim]

why was he disbarred?

[Kasakato]

He overbilled the Ontario Legal Plan for $150k back in 85-86 as far as I know.

[Nikita]

A lawyer who is not a member in good standing with the LSUC e.g. a disbarred lawyer, cannot represent you on a Criminal Code charge.

[hagbard]

Criminal lawyer is redundant.

[ricoboxing]

I was just about to recommend the same person. Harry is a disbarred lawyer that still practices as a paralegal and is very passionate about his work. Just listen to the John Oakly show on 640am in the mornings (can't remember which day thought)

sk

Yeah, but he's a real wacko nutjob. He should check into the loonie bin.

[Valek]

Legal Aid can help you with that stuff. Have you talked with any Duty Counsel yet? If not, call up your legal aid office and see if you even qualify for LA.

[TotallyKiller]

Legal Aid can help you with that stuff. Have you talked with any Duty Counsel yet? If not, call up your legal aid office and see if you even qualify for LA.

I'd suggest a good lawyer, not legal aid. Although it seems clear that you are guilty (by admission) of some pretty serious offenses, everyone deserves a dilligent and competent lawyer. Best of luck. Stop driving.

[Shaner]

I'd suggest a good lawyer, not legal aid. Although it seems clear that you are guilty (by admission) of some pretty serious offenses, everyone deserves a dilligent and competent lawyer. Best of luck. Stop driving.

Many good lawyers can be had via legal aid. Just because someone uses legal aid doesn't mean they can't get a good lawyer.

[dre145]

Many good lawyers can be had via legal aid. Just because someone uses legal aid doesn't mean they can't get a good lawyer.

would you be wiling to take your own advice if you were in the same situation??

Im facing a pretty serious charge as well because of a stupid mistake.
Have a lot of defenses but i still might have to pay up 7.5k just for one day in court, that is if I dont get a lower charge from the crown. =/

That being said, i wouldnt trust taking a chance on leagal aid, because ur the one facing the consequences when he/she loses it because of inexperience etc

[Valek]

Legal aid doesn't mean court appointed lawyer. You can get legal aid like: Your lawyer of your choice and if you qualify for legal aid, you can actually get the lawyer of your choice and have the courts pay for that lawyer.

[curtis]

You have no chance of winning. All you can do is try to minimize the consequences.

It's quite clear that you're guilty, and it looks like you're trying to get off. That's not conducive to moral or proper behaviour.

What are you going to argue? 'Making stupid decisions is genetic and out of your control'

'Your honor, I didn't give a false name, the officer is deaf!'

'Actually, my license wasn't suspended, the officer was an idiot. Actually, the whole licensing department is incompetent'

'I thought having a valid license meant I COULDN't drive!'

would you be wiling to take your own advice if you were in the same situation??

Im facing a pretty serious charge as well because of a stupid mistake.
Have a lot of defenses but i still might have to pay up 7.5k just for one day in court, that is if I dont get a lower charge from the crown. =/

That being said, i wouldnt trust taking a chance on leagal aid, because ur the one facing the consequences when he/she loses it because of inexperience etc

[ricoboxing]

To the OP
I am a criminal lawyer, and I suggest you plead guilty with an explanation.
Your explanation would be that you were dropped on your head as a child, which makes you an idiot. It's not your fault, it's your parents fault that you're an idiot!
You will have to pay a fine and do some community service.

[talktwo]

pm sent

[Nikita]

Legal aid doesn't mean court appointed lawyer. You can get legal aid like: Your lawyer of your choice and if you qualify for legal aid, you can actually get the lawyer of your choice and have the courts pay for that lawyer.

Many good lawyers can be had via legal aid. Just because someone uses legal aid doesn't mean they can't get a good lawyer.

Nice to see at least two people know what they're talking about. The vast majority of lawyer accept some legal aid, even pro bono. Seems everyone watches too many crime shows that equate legal aid lawyer for court-appointed (iow...you have no choice of lawyers) and with lawyers who aren't good enough to do anything else. Both very false assumptions in this country. Legal aid is merely the funder for those who can't afford a lawyer, and it pays for whatever private lawyer you retain, if they take legal aid. And as I said the majority of lawyers accept legal aid.

[Valek]

I'm going to have to say however, there is no way you're getting off scott free. You basically messed up, and dug yourself into a deeper hole by providing false information to the officer. What would have just been a routine "driving with a suspended" charge that broke the Highway Traffic Act now includes Obstructing Justice which is covered now under the Criminal Code. You're in a whole other level now. If you cannot find a lawyer, I really do recommend Duty Counsel. They know what they're doing, they've seen enough cases like these to know what to do. The worst that can happen is that they tell you that you don't qualify for Legal Aid. But basically, you're going to have to plead guilty, and if anything have the defence try to downplay whatever your situation was for a lesser sentence, but it's not looking good. Also, it does depend on the Justice as well (Judge). Try doing some online research into what minimum/maximum penalties you're facing. If you're lucky and it's your first offence, you might be able to get community service + a hefty fine + banned from driving for a certain amount of time (Don't drive if you're not allowed to.) You should have at least a couple of months before your first appearence, and your disclosure might not even be ready on top of that, requiring more return trips.

[dazz]

Call Harry Kapyto, he's not a real lawyer, but a paralegal.
Maybe you can also be on the John Oakley show.

BIG MISTAKE. Do not use any of those paralegals. Paralegals
don't know anything. They'll just try to negotiated in court to have your conviction reduced. You can do it yourself just few minutes before the court. You need a real criminal lawyer who knows the law and the way to go around it or you are screwed.
Trust me.

[dazz]

Legal aid doesn't mean court appointed lawyer. You can get legal aid like: Your lawyer of your choice and if you qualify for legal aid, you can actually get the lawyer of your choice and have the courts pay for that lawyer.

Many lawyers won't even take legal aid,because it pays very minimum

[ricoboxing]

BIG MISTAKE. Do not use any of those paralegals. Paralegals
don't know anything. They'll just try to negotiated in court to have your conviction reduced. You can do it yourself just few minutes before the court. You need a real criminal lawyer who knows the law and the way to go around it or you are screwed.
Trust me.

thats why i refered him! so he can get thrown in the slammer!:cheesygri

[Valek]

Many lawyers won't even take legal aid,because it pays very minimum

Not entirely true. It varies from case to case I believe. Because of the charge this person has, if he decided to go with his own lawyer, the lawyer would probably ask him for a fee upfront (Let's say $850 for a start), and then he'd go in, the lawyer and accused would go over whatever there deal is, and then work out more fees and such. It really does suck now that Lawyers only care about money, but there are lawyers (In Toronto) that do their job because they're actually passionate about what they do. His charge isn't a serious serious charge, nor is it a lesser charge where he would get off scott free. I still recommend using ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES because in the end, you're just screwing yourself for not using all available resources. There really is no harm in trying.
Edit: Depending on what your story is and who you contact, lawyers may choose to take the case pro bono because they're already in the building at the time representing other people in the same room, or for other reasons. In most cases, people don't have a lawyer handy to handle any legal troubles they may encounter, so your best bet is to A) Look around and check out what is available. Most lawyers can provide you with their references as well (prior cases etc). B) While looking around, apply for duty counsel. C) While you're applying for duty counsel and ALSO looking around for lawyers (research your head off), inform the lawyers that you're contacting that you will be applying for legal aid (if you choose to) and they'll either tell you that they may still take your case OR they could recommend you to another lawyer that will. Remember, lawyers tend to know other lawyers.

[dazz]

Not entirely true.
Really? Open the yellow pages and call them up. Tell them you are on legal aid. Let us know what will be the response rate. Oh,make sure those are lawyers and not paralegals

there are lawyers (In Toronto) that do their job because they're actually passionate about what they do..

Lol. You can't be serious. Nobody goes into law because they are passionate about it. Well, maybe someone who's studying law. After that it all changes. Sure,there are good and bad lawyers,but at the end they are all after your money. The more you pay,the better service you'll get.

[Xtahse]

to the OP

forget it. just plead guilty .. pay the fine $1500 and get it done with

that's what i did.

P.S - just give them money.. that's all they want.. is $..

canadian law = cash

P.S1- I've got impaired driving ($600) , driving while disqualified ($1500) & obstructing peace officer ($250) .. total cost me $2350

the officer who caught me was like "yeah you are going to the jail for a long time.. i was like dude.. (of course no jail time) this is traffic violation. anyways pay the fine and just don't do it again

[Shaner]

OP - If you don't have money to shell out for a lawyer, show up to court your first day and see if you can speak to the prosecutor. If they are asking for jail time, go get yourself a good lawyer. If they are willing to accept probation and/or community service, it might not be a bad idea to plead guilty (assuming you are guilty).

If you are guilty and the facts of the case are as you described, it won't be easy to get off completely. It might be possible if you get yourself a top notch lawyer, otherwise a lawyer will likely get you the same sentence you can get yourself, probation and/or community service.

Just admit to the prosecutor that you made a huge mistake, you're remorseful and you'd like to get on with improving your life.

A criminal record sucks, but so does spending $5,000 on a good lawyer for a crime that wouldn't even result in jail time. Shoot for 12 months probation and maybe 30 hours of community service. Complete your sentence then look towards getting a pardon. I believe you have to wait 5 years after the completion of your sentence, but I could be wrong.

[Shaner]

to the OP

forget it. just plead guilty .. pay the fine $1500 and get it done with

that's what i did.

P.S - just give them money.. that's all they want.. is $..

canadian law = cash

P.S1- I've got impaired driving ($600) , driving while disqualified ($1500) & obstructing peace officer ($250) .. total cost me $2350

the officer who caught me was like "yeah you are going to the jail for a long time.. i was like dude.. (of course no jail time) this is traffic violation. anyways pay the fine and just don't do it again


Actually those crimes you described are not traffic violations, they are criminal offences. Most sentences don't result in fines. Most result in probation and/or community service. Canadian law does not equal cash and I have no idea where you got that idea.

[Xtahse]

Actually those crimes you described are not traffic violations, they are criminal offences. Most sentences don't result in fines. Most result in probation and/or community service. Canadian law does not equal cash and I have no idea where you got that idea.


well, i walk into court and plead guilty .. the judge mention the fine and i went ahead pay the fine at the office counter and walked out..

no community service.. 15 months license suspension.. uh.. i think that's it.. oh wait .. i have criminal records but that's not a big deal to me since i got double citizenship .. so i'll just live&work in taiwan for awhile.. well for 5 years then i'll go back to canada



so yah

p.s - i love canada .. LOL

p.s1 - actually i talked to the duty council and he was the one who asked me first thing can you pay a heavy fine i was like how much he's like 2g.. i was like yeah no problem.. so he purpose to the judge how a heavily fine would "teach me a lesson rather then throw me in jail"... so yeah that's how i got the $ = everything in court. as long as you are not charged with assault or something.. you will walk

[Valek]

Really? Open the yellow pages and call them up. Tell them you are on legal aid. Let us know what will be the response rate. Oh,make sure those are lawyers and not paralegals



Lol. You can't be serious. Nobody goes into law because they are passionate about it. Well, maybe someone who's studying law. After that it all changes. Sure,there are good and bad lawyers,but at the end they are all after your money. The more you pay,the better service you'll get.

I have Dazz, which is why I'm posting from experience. Thanks. :)

[dre145]

well, i walk into court and plead guilty .. the judge mention the fine and i went ahead pay the fine at the office counter and walked out..

no community service.. 15 months license suspension.. uh.. i think that's it.. oh wait .. i have criminal records but that's not a big deal to me since i got double citizenship .. so i'll just live&work in taiwan for awhile.. well for 5 years then i'll go back to canada



so yah

p.s - i love canada .. LOL

p.s1 - actually i talked to the duty council and he was the one who asked me first thing can you pay a heavy fine i was like how much he's like 2g.. i was like yeah no problem.. so he purpose to the judge how a heavily fine would "teach me a lesson rather then throw me in jail"... so yeah that's how i got the $ = everything in court. as long as you are not charged with assault or something.. you will walk


Lol yea no **** u wont get jail time, i cant believe u didnt get community service...
But either way thats pretty stupid. pardon can take up to 10 years to get rid of ur criminal record, Now u cant drive for 1.5 years and then you need to go thru the program (DUI program) which is about $495 and i suggest u apply right away because of the long list. And then after all of that, once you get your licence back, they can make you get that breath test for your car, which costs a few grand as well.

Not to mention no one will insure you now, and even if some company will you will be paying a **** load per month.

All in all your down about 20 grand because of those charges. If not more considering you may not find a job in canada because of that criminal record, Or at least you wont find a good job.

[Nikita]

A paraglegal has no standing to appear in criminal court at the provicincial, superior or appeal level, so get that thought out of the way right away.

Many lawyers won't even take legal aid,because it pays very minimum

It's also a sure payment rather than chasing a client for payment afterward. Take my word for it, clients will do anything to get away with not paying their lawyer, even when the outcome is favourable. And before anyone says 'get it all up front'....first,it's almost impossible to know exactly how far a case will go, how much in costs will be incurred..so many variable lawyers cannot anticipate. Second, most lawyers who ask for it all up front are the same one everyone refers to as 'snakes' because after all lawyers should be happy to work for free, unlike anyone else anywhere. Most importantly, if the lawyer works out a payment plan as most do, and the client stops paying during the course of the case, there comes a point when the court will not let you drop the case just because you're not getting paid. So Legal Aid has its benefits in that you don't have in private payment.

Not entirely true. It varies from case to case I believe. Because of the charge this person has, if he decided to go with his own lawyer, the lawyer would probably ask him for a fee upfront (Let's say $850 for a start), and then he'd go in, the lawyer and accused would go over whatever there deal is, and then work out more fees and such. It really does suck now that Lawyers only care about money, but there are lawyers (In Toronto) that do their job because they're actually passionate about what they do. His charge isn't a serious serious charge, nor is it a lesser charge where he would get off scott free. I still recommend using ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES because in the end, you're just screwing yourself for not using all available resources. There really is no harm in trying.



Nice stereotype of lawyers, though not at all original and as most stereotypes, wrong for the majority. And btw, the exception you make for some Toronto lawyers being passionate about their work applies everywhere.

Really? Open the yellow pages and call them up. Tell them you are on legal aid. Let us know what will be the response rate. Oh,make sure those are lawyers and not paralegals

Lol. You can't be serious. Nobody goes into law because they are passionate about it. Well, maybe someone who's studying law. After that it all changes. Sure,there are good and bad lawyers,but at the end they are all after your money. The more you pay,the better service you'll get.

Another unoriginal stereotype, again not true of most. The only accurate thing you've said is that there are good and bad.....oddly enough that goes for all professions ;) .

[jcoltage]

Harry Kapyto 100% :D :D :D :D The guy is too good

_ am 640 ........ love the interview where he blamed the jews for global warming.. :D :D him and Mel Gibson are buds
Harry Kopyto

Harry Kopyto is a Toronto legal agent who has gained a reputation as a legal crusader fighting for the little guy. After 30 years of battling in the courts, he has established himself as an articulate, courageous and fearless advocate for the rights of women, tenants, minorities and dissidents. Harry Kopyto’s precedent-setting cases have resulted in more than 70 decisions that have expanded the rights of his clients. Although his license to practice law was taken away from him in the late 1980’s in a controversial decision which involved a split vote by the Law Society, Harry has continued to fight for the rights of the downtrodden and underprivileged. He has been described as a gadfly and a thorn in the side of the judicial system.

Go head-to-head with Harry every Wednesday Morning on the Oakley Show from 9am - 9:30am.

Harry can be reached at 416-533-3343.

[KorruptioN]

DAmn why do people have to drive when their liensce are susupended!!!@

You yourself were bright enough to drive without insurance for a long time.

[Valek]

Nice stereotype of lawyers, though not at all original and as most stereotypes, wrong for the majority. And btw, the exception you make for some Toronto lawyers being passionate about their work applies everywhere.




I said what I said speaking from experience as I haven't spoken with lawyers outside of the GTA: hence the Toronto reference. I spent about two weeks contacting various lawyers last year all through out the GTA, a lot of them pretty much wanted payment upfront just to discuss details and then work your way from there. I mentioned legal aid (unfortunately I didn't make it a research project scientificially) to whomever I talked with; sometimes at the very beginning of the discussion and sometimes halfway through. I've gotten responses ranging from "Okay, we don't think you can afford our services" over the phone, un returned emails from a lawyer that was interested in a case until about the third email in with the mention of legal aid, he stopped responding to my emails, to really good responses such as, "Come on in and we'll discuss things anyway and we'll work our way from there" and "I unfortunately can't assist you, but I can refer you to another lawyer who would be willing to assist you" so it all really does depend on who you talk with and just how many resources you actually utilize. In my case, I eventually spoke with the president of NORML Canada (Who resides in BC), he sent out an email to all his colleagues, and one of his colleagues, a criminal case lawyer in Toronto took my case pro bono, so yeah I recommend fully to use all available resources + do your own research.

[Xtahse]

Lol yea no **** u wont get jail time, i cant believe u didnt get community service...
But either way thats pretty stupid. pardon can take up to 10 years to get rid of ur criminal record, Now u cant drive for 1.5 years and then you need to go thru the program (DUI program) which is about $495 and i suggest u apply right away because of the long list. And then after all of that, once you get your licence back, they can make you get that breath test for your car, which costs a few grand as well.

Not to mention no one will insure you now, and even if some company will you will be paying a **** load per month.

All in all your down about 20 grand because of those charges. If not more considering you may not find a job in canada because of that criminal record, Or at least you wont find a good job.

you are not getting what im saying

canada is not my home & i dont care about the money.... i have 3much

so i rest my case... ****

p.s 20 grand down is nothing.. thanks

[perplexed_one]

you are not getting what im saying

canada is not my home & i dont care about the money.... i have 3much

so i rest my case... ****

p.s 20 grand down is nothing.. thanks

looks like someone's got a sugar-daddy back home;)

[jcoltage]

you are not getting what im saying

canada is not my home & i dont care about the money.... i have 3much

so i rest my case... ****

p.s 20 grand down is nothing.. thanks

Bahh haha if 20 g's was nothing I think you are on the wrong site... .I think rich boys who's parents work theirs ass off to fund there spoiled little kids in foreign land is your web site.... I hate people like you .... half my university dorm was filled with retards like you .. drink and do drugs and then wonder why you fail then go waste more money on useless crap like a 7 inch lcd monitor to see the speed of the fans when you know **** about computers ... spend your money here .. then leave if you don;t care about your money or canada.. I wish your parents to beat your sorry little ass... since they work hard and you care **** about it

I know bashing is wrong but this guy pisses me off... I will take the 2 day ban for this msg if it comes to that..

[krine]

guys come on - all i asked for was a simple referral...why do some people feel they need to judge? I guess there are alternative levels of maturity on this site and it's clearly represented in some of the posts in this thread. Thanks to the small number who actually read the original topic and replied accordingly. I understand my charges and I'm not looking to get off scott free - but i would like to minimize my consequences and possibly fore-go a criminal charge/record if at all possible. If there are any other referrals and/or other relevant experience/opinions please post. Some have been very helpful. Also if someone can direct me to a forum that might be more appropriate I'd appreciate it. Maybe I posted this on the wrong site. After some thought I opted to not meet with Harry Kapyto, not sure it's the representation I was looking for.

thanks again

[weedb0y]

I would advice you to contact Legal Aid and see if you qualify for it. Some times, prosecutors are easy with Legal Aid lawyers as well because its the government funding that is being used to fight the case.

They would rather have it resolved earlier as oppossed to having a full fledge trial. Specially for less serious crimes.

Law believes in rehabilitation.