Common Types of Criminal Cases and Their Defence Strategies
Having a thorough knowledge of varying crimes and their legal repercussions is beneficial, even if you have not been implicated before. Life can take an unexpected turn, and circumstances can cause you to get involved in legal troubles. If such a situation arises for any reason, familiarity with common criminal offences and the defence strategies employed by paralegals will help you navigate through them effectively and with considerably less stress. Mississauga Criminal Defence Services are adept at employing robust defence strategies to avoid harsh penalties and negative legal consequences.
This blog will guide you through frequently encountered criminal cases and the defence strategies used by paralegals.
What is a Criminal Case?
A criminal case involves a situation where an individual is accused of committing a crime. The primary goal of such a case is to determine whether the accused has indeed committed the alleged offence, followed by either a defence or a punishment. To manage this, individuals typically hire criminal defence services to advocate on their behalf during court proceedings.
Common Criminal Cases in Mississauga
1-Assault & Domestic Assault
Assault charges involve the threat or use of force against another person. Domestic assault specifically refers to such actions within a domestic setting, often involving spouses or partners. These charges can be classified as either summary conviction offences or indictable offences, depending on the severity of the incident.
Defence Strategies:
Self-Defence: The paralegal may present evidence showing that the action taken was a legitimate act of self-defence.
Lack of Intent: The paralegal may argue that there was no intent to cause harm, making it an accidental matter.
False Accusation: In domestic cases, the paralegal might show that the allegations are false or made with ulterior motives.
2-Theft Under $5,000.00
This charge involves unlawfully taking property valued at less than $5,000.00. It is often classified as a summary conviction offence, but can carry significant penalties and a criminal record if convicted.
Defence Strategies:
Lack of Intent to Steal: The paralegal may provide evidence showing that you had permission to take the property or believed it was rightfully yours.
Alibi Defence: The paralegal might present evidence proving the defendant was elsewhere during the incident, ruling out the possibility of committing the alleged offence.
Mistaken Identity: If the defendant has been wrongfully accused, the paralegal may provide evidence that shows the accused person is mistaken for someone else who actually committed the offence.
3-Mischief:
Mischief charges involve willfully destroying or damaging property, rendering it dangerous, useless, inoperative, or ineffective. This can also include interfering with the lawful use or enjoyment of property.
Defence Strategies:
Lack of Intent: The paralegal might argue that the damage was accidental and not willful.
Consent: If the property owner consented to the act that caused the damage, the paralegal can use this as a defence.
Identity Defence: The paralegal might provide evidence that the defendant was not the one who committed the act of mischief.
4-Dangerous Driving/Operation
Dangerous driving involves operating a vehicle in a manner that is dangerous to the public, including excessive speeding, reckless driving, or impaired driving. These charges can lead to severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
Defence Strategies:
Challenging the Evidence: The paralegal might challenge the accuracy of the evidence, such as radar gun readings or witness statements.
Necessity: The paralegal might argue that the driving was necessary to avoid greater harm.
Mistaken Identity: The paralegal may provide evidence that the defendant was not the person driving the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence.
Key Takeaway
Handling a criminal defence on your own can be daunting. Each type of criminal charge can lead to complex legal challenges, making it essential to enlist the help of experienced Mississauga criminal defence services. A skilled paralegal will manage your defence, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life with peace of mind.
In summary, seeking professional paralegal assistance will shift the burden of your defence from your shoulders, offering you relief and a better chance at a favourable outcome.
