Know Your Rights!
June 8, 2020
The police called you, or worse, you’re under arrest. Before you say a word, think hard about what you actually intend to share with the officer running the investigation.
One detail people overlook: the police can legally stop you and approach you with questions. But if you’re arrested or detained, you don’t have to answer them. And talking through the incident with police in the hope the charge will somehow go away? That almost never works out the way people imagine.
“But Kazandji, what if I want to tell them what actually happened?” Hold off. You will have your moment to share the facts, and that moment is at trial. Anything you share with the officers may be used against you, so the one thing to remember is “LESS IS MORE”.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms gives you the right to remain silent. It also gives you the right to be told what is happening, and the one that matters most in the moment: the right to speak with a lawyer. Not sure what information you must provide? Contact a lawyer. Call Fadi Matthew Kazandji at (647)-588-3234. An experienced lawyer can tell you exactly what you’re obligated to disclose to the police, and nothing more. Even if you’re sure you’re innocent, staying silent until you’ve spoken to counsel is often the smarter play.
There are exceptions. Once you’re arrested, you must give police your name, address and date of birth. A motor vehicle incident brings its own obligations, since the Highway Traffic Act requires you to provide information about the vehicles involved and details of what happened. The same goes for regulated activities like hunting, where the law obliges you to provide information connected to the activity.
Remember: whatever you say to the police is collected as evidence, and it can be used against you in a court of law. So from here on out, REMAIN SILENT.
If you’re in doubt, contact Fadi Matthew Kazandji at (647)-588-3234, before a small mistake becomes one that can’t be undone.
At Kazandji Law Firm, our team will fight to protect your rights.