Can the Police detain me on the street for no reason?

The police are only permitted to detain you when they have reasonable grounds to believe, or suspect, that you are engaged in criminal activity. If the police do not have the required grounds the detention is illegal and any evidence they obtain can be excluded at trial.

Simply put, a detention occurs when the police’s actions cause you to reasonably believe that you are not free to walk away. You are protected from arbitrary detentions...

I have been arrested, what can I do?

If you are stopped or arrested, it is very important that you remain calm and avoid conflict with the police. Keep control of your words, body language and emotions so that the situation does not escalate.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which is part of the Canadian Constitution, gives you certain rights in the event of arrest or detention.

If you are arrested or detained you must be:

• Told why you have been arrested or detained
• Told...
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There is evidence against me – Shouldn’t I plead guilty?

Although the police and the Crown Attorney may have a strong case against you, do not simply plead guilty. The consequences of pleading guilty include a lifetime criminal record and the possibility of: jail time, fines, inability to travel to the United States, etc. Those who have been charged with Drinking and Driving and plead guilty not only face the loss of their licence and a minimum of $1000 fine, but can see a dramatic...