FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Being charged with a criminal offence in Canada is a life-altering experience. It often brings confusion, fear, and uncertainty. Whether it’s an assault allegation, a driving offence, or a financial crime, your actions in the first 24 to 48 hours can heavily influence the outcome of your case. Knowing your rights and the immediate steps to take can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal. Northfield & Associates, a firm with offices in Cambodia and Canada region, provides expert legal representation for a wide range of criminal offences and is dedicated to protecting your rights from day one.
Your Legal Rights Upon Arrest
When you’re arrested in Ontario, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees you certain fundamental protections:
Right to Be Informed of the Reason for Arrest
Police officers must explain in clear language why you are being detained. If you’re not told what you’re being charged with, the arrest can be challenged later in court. This is a foundational right ensuring transparency in law enforcement.
Right to Remain Silent
You are not obligated to answer any questions other than confirming your identity. Anything you say can and likely will be used against you in court. People often believe they can talk their way out of a situation, but more often than not, this harms their case. The safest move is to say, “I want to speak to my lawyer.”
Right to Speak to a Lawyer Without Delay
Upon arrest, you must be given an opportunity to contact legal counsel as soon as reasonably possible. You can speak to a private lawyer or duty counsel (a free legal advisor provided by Legal Aid Ontario and/or across Canada). This ensures that you receive legal advice before participating in any police interviews.
Right to Be Informed of These Rights
Officers must not only inform you of your rights but also ensure you understand them. If you don’t speak English fluently or have cognitive limitations, the police must accommodate this. If your rights are not properly explained, any evidence collected may be inadmissible in court.
Immediate Steps After Being Charged
Remain Silent and Calm
Resisting arrest or becoming aggressive can lead to additional charges, such as obstruction or resisting arrest. Stay calm, follow instructions, and limit your speech.
Contact a Criminal Defence Lawyer
Call Northfield & Associates immediately. Our criminal defence lawyers have experience handling a variety of criminal matters, including high-stakes cases. A lawyer can begin building your defence right away by protecting your rights, collecting time-sensitive evidence, and intervening in police procedures if necessary.
Avoid Discussing the Case
Even casual conversations with friends or family can become part of a police investigation. Refrain from discussing your case with anyone until you’ve spoken extensively with your lawyer. This includes phone calls from jail, which may be recorded.
Collect and Preserve Evidence
If you’re released after arrest, take immediate steps to document what happened: note timelines, locations, conversations, and possible witnesses. This information will help your lawyer construct a timeline and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Bail Hearings
In most cases, bail hearings take place within 24 hours of your arrest. This is a critical stage where your liberty is at stake. Bail hearings determine whether you’ll be released pending trial or held in custody.
Northfield & Associates has extensive experience representing clients at bail hearings. We assess the Crown’s grounds for detention and present robust plans of release often including sureties (people who supervise the accused) or specific conditions (e.g., curfews or no-contact orders).
Grounds for Denial of Bail
1. Primary Ground:
Ensuring the accused’s attendance in court.
2. Secondary Ground:
Public protection or risk of committing further offences.
3. Tertiary Ground:
Maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice, especially in serious cases.
Bail hearings must be handled strategically. Poor planning or weak proposals can result in pre-trial detention, which is not only demoralizing but may negatively affect the trial outcome.
Specific Criminal Charges and Their Defences
Domestic Assault
These cases often involve conflicting narratives and emotional dynamics, where even minor altercations can result in charges if police believe that violence has occurred. Ontario often enforces a zero-tolerance approach, which can lead to formal charges being laid without the need for corroborative evidence. At Northfield & Associates, we understand how difficult this process can be for victims seeking justice. We work diligently to advocate for their rights, support their role in the criminal process, and ensure that their voices are heard and respected. From assisting with police statements and securing protection orders to guiding clients through the complexities of trial, we are committed to resolving domestic assault cases with discretion and sensitivity. Our goal is always to pursue outcomes that promote both safety and accountability, while minimizing further trauma to those affected.
Sexual Assault
At Northfield & Associates, we are committed to advocating for victims of sexual assault. These cases are deeply personal and emotionally taxing. We understand the trauma that survivors endure, and we work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their rights upheld throughout the legal process.
We help victims navigate the complexities of reporting the assault, preparing for testimony, and understanding what to expect in the criminal justice process. Our team ensures that victims are treated with dignity and respect, both in and out of the courtroom. We also assist in securing protective measures such as restraining orders or no-contact orders, and we liaise with police and prosecutors to support the case every step of the way.
Northfield & Associates provides compassionate, experienced legal support for survivors while fiercely pursuing justice against those who have caused harm.
Assault and Aggravated Assault
Northfield & Associates represents victims of assault, including aggravated assault, which involves serious bodily harm or life-endangering injuries. Victims may suffer physically, emotionally, and financially, and we help them seek justice through the criminal courts.
We assist clients in filing police reports, gathering medical and witness evidence, and advocating for their rights during trial proceedings. Our legal team ensures that clients understand their role in the prosecution’s case and helps them prepare for their participation in court.
We also work to ensure victims have access to appropriate support services and pursue restitution or civil remedies where available. At Northfield & Associates, we stand firmly beside assault victims as their advocates and legal representatives.
Dangerous Driving
These charges can arise from momentary lapses in judgment or more serious acts of negligence behind the wheel. When representing victims in dangerous driving cases, Northfield & Associates takes a thorough approach to uncover the full context of the incident. We work to demonstrate that the accused’s actions clearly met the legal threshold for dangerous operation, such as excessive speeding, distracted driving, or disregard for public safety. We gather evidence from accident reconstruction experts, assess road and weather conditions, and scrutinize mechanical inspections to build a compelling case that supports the victim’s account and highlights the serious consequences of the driver’s behaviour.
Fraud and Theft
White-collar crimes involve intent to deceive, often backed by financial records and complex financial transactions. When representing victims of fraud or theft, Northfield & Associates works meticulously to uncover and present evidence that clearly demonstrates intentional wrongdoing. We help clients navigate the process of reporting the crime, preserving financial records, and working with forensic accountants to trace misappropriated funds. Our team challenges any attempts by the defence to minimize culpability by proving that actions were deliberate and not the result of misunderstandings. We also work toward recovering stolen assets and advocate for full accountability through both the criminal justice system and potential civil remedies. With experience in handling intricate fraud cases, we ensure victims have the strongest representation possible.
Young Offenders
The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, particularly for young individuals whose actions may stem from immaturity, peer pressure, or difficult personal circumstances. Charges under the YCJA can range from non-violent offences like mischief or theft to more serious crimes involving violence. At Northfield & Associates, we support youth victims and their families by ensuring their interests are represented compassionately and firmly. We advocate for diversion programs or extra-judicial sanctions where appropriate, especially in cases where restorative justice can bring meaningful resolution. Our team also works to protect the long-term interests of youth by ensuring records are expunged post-sentence when possible, safeguarding their future educational and employment opportunities. We collaborate closely with parents, educators, and youth counsellors to secure outcomes that promote healing, accountability, and community safety.
Why Choose Northfield & Associates
Northfield & Associates has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for victims of crime across Canada. Our firm is known for its consistent success in guiding clients through some of the most challenging and emotionally complex criminal matters. We have earned recognition for our compassionate, client-centered approach, ensuring that each individual feels supported, respected, and fully informed throughout the legal process. Our team’s deep knowledge of local court systems, Crown policies, and victim services allows us to tailor our strategies for maximum impact in each unique case. At Northfield & Associates, we are selective with the cases we take on, dedicating our full resources and energy to achieving results that truly matter for those we represent.
Book a Consultation with Northfield & Associates Today
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence, the most important step you can take is to retain experienced legal counsel. The lawyers at Northfield & Associates understand how high the stakes are. Whether you’re facing charges for assault, dangerous driving, theft, or fraud, our team provides strong legal representation, strategic planning, and committed advocacy from the very start.
At Northfield & Associates, we understand the complexities of your situation and know how to navigate them effectively. Our experienced team will conduct a thorough review of your case and offer clear, honest guidance tailored to your needs. With a proven track record of helping clients overcome challenging circumstances, we bring a combination of skill, insight, and compassion to every case we handle.
At our firm, we are committed to empowering clients through clear, practical legal guidance tailored to their individual needs. Our experienced attorneys and consultants work closely with you to develop strategic solutions that align with your specific goals. Contact us today to learn how we can support you in navigating your legal challenges with confidence.
Serving Clients Across Canada and Beyond
At Northfield & Associates, we are proud to provide dedicated legal and consulting services to clients across Canada and internationally. Whether you’re navigating a family dispute, facing criminal charges, managing business-related legal matters, or seeking support with immigration law and consulting, our experienced team is here to assist you.
We approach every case with care, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Our lawyers and consultants will thoroughly assess your situation and offer clear, honest guidance tailored to your needs. With a proven track record of helping clients overcome complex legal challenges, we combine skill, experience, and compassion in everything we do.
Book a Consultation with Northfield & Associates Today
If you’re seeking legal guidance or consultation, we welcome you to connect with the team at Northfield & Associates. With extensive experience, in-depth knowledge, and a commitment to excellence, we are here to support you through every stage of your legal matter.
We offer personalized consultations to assess your unique situation and clearly outline your available legal options. Appointments can be scheduled in person or via secure video conferencing, whichever is most convenient for you.
Based outside of Canada?
No problem. Many of our clients choose to travel or meet virtually because they recognize the strategic advantage of working with a firm known for delivering results.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward resolving your legal concerns with confidence.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Readers should seek tailored legal advice in relation to their personal circumstances.
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About Northfield
Northfield & Associates International Corporation is a global strategic advisory and consulting firm partnering with private equity, sovereign, and institutional investors to deploy capital, manage regulatory, supporting senior leadership, boards, and capital providers across Cambodia, Canada, and international markets operating in complex regulatory, economic, and geopolitical environments, and drive enterprise value creation across complex global markets.
We advise boards, executives, entrepreneurs, and public-sector decision-makers on business strategy, institutional transformation, and high-stakes market challenges requiring disciplined judgment, capital efficiency, and execution certainty. Our work is concentrated across priority global sectors, including agribusiness, aviation and automotive, energy and natural resources, financial services, healthcare, infrastructure, real estate, immigration, education, and information technology.
Our platform integrates sector-specific intelligence with multidisciplinary advisory capabilities. Clients benefit from coordinated access to consulting, legal and regulatory counsel, financial management, risk assessment, real estate advisory, immigration, education, and technology expertise. This integrated model supports informed capital allocation, regulatory-compliant investment structuring, and execution-ready strategies designed to optimise returns, preserve downside protection, and enhance risk-adjusted performance.
Northfield combines consulting rigor with legal and regulatory judgment to support capital markets-aligned decision-making in complex, regulated, and rapidly evolving environments. We partner with private enterprises, institutional investors, family offices, and public-sector entities to structure, deploy, and manage capital effectively; strengthen governance; mitigate regulatory and geopolitical risk; and drive sustainable enterprise value creation.
Our engagements span strategy formulation, operational optimisation, organisational design, and change execution. We deliver measurable outcomes that improve financial performance, support disciplined growth, enhance valuation, and generate durable returns on investment for investors, shareholders, and institutional stakeholders. We operate with independence, precision, and accountability, aligned with long-term value creation and fiduciary standards.
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking information. All statements, other than statements of historic fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future constitute forward-looking information.
This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company.
Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the failure to finalize negotiations concerning the increase of the Loan or to close such transaction and the failure of the Company to complete the acquisition of the Company Facility; operating performance of facilities; environmental and safety risks; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; unavailability of plant, equipment or labour; inability to retain key management and personnel; changes to regulations or policies affecting the Company’s activities; and the other risks disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s amended annual information.
Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
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NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Information made available on this website in any form is for information purposes only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. You should not rely on, or take or fail to take any action based upon this information. Never disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking legal advice because of something you have read on this website. Northfield & Associates professionals will be pleased to discuss resolutions to specific legal concerns you may have.