Facing an administration of justice offence can be overwhelming, especially if you or a loved one has just been arrested. This is especially true when the offence is added to a preexisting charge you were already dealing with. At Statsny Law, we understand the uncertainty you may be experiencing and the need for urgent action.
Our dedicated team of Toronto administration of justice offence lawyers is here to provide the legal representation you need. We will work hard to guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard. To schedule a consultation with a lawyer, call our Toronto office at 416-303-5164 or email us at info@stastnylaw.com.
What is an Offence Against the Administration of Justice?
Administration of justice offences encompass a variety of actions that, in general, undermine the legal system’s integrity. Generally, people released from custody but charged with an offence must comply with instructions, requirements, or other actions ordered by the court. When they fail to comply with these instructions, they can be assigned new/additional charges and returned to custody. These additional charges are referred to as administration of justice offences as outlined in Section IV of the Canadian Criminal Code.
The most common administration of justice offences include, but are not limited to:
- Failure to appear in court
- Failure to comply with bail conditions
- Breach of bail conditions
- Failure to comply with court orders
- Failure to comply with probation conditions
- Breach of probation conditions
- Obstruction of justice
- Contempt of court
- Public mischief by making false allegations
- Misleading a police officer
- Tampering with a witness or jury
- Perjury
- And more
These offences are treated seriously by courts, as they can significantly obstruct the judicial process. If you find yourself facing any of these charges, it’s crucial to act quickly and seek legal advice.
What Types of Offences Can Statsny Law Help With?
Although, as outlined above, there are many different types of administration of justice offences, some are more common or encompass a range of smaller offences in their definition. Although Statsny Law is ready to help with any and all criminal charges you are facing, we have assisted clients in the past with cases that involve:
Perjury
Perjury occurs when an individual knowingly makes a false statement under oath in a legal setting. As honesty and integrity in testimony are essential for fair trials and due process of the law, perjury is serious.
Perjury is treated as an indictable offence in Canada, which means it carries strict consequences, including:
- A prison sentence of up to 14 years, depending on the severity of the case.
- A permanent criminal record that may have effects on future employment, travel, and other aspects of life.
If you’re facing perjury charges, our team at Statsny Law will investigate the circumstances surrounding your alleged statements, analyze the evidence, and point out any issues related to your intent. Proving perjury requires that the prosecution demonstrate a false statement was made with the intention to mislead the judge or jury. We will work tirelessly to build a defence strategy focused on disputing this point and protecting your integrity.
Contempt of Court
Contempt of court involves behaviour that is disrespectful, defiant, or shows disregard toward the authority of the court. This might range from refusing to answer questions asked in court to disrupting court proceedings or failing to comply with court orders.
Penalties for contempt of court vary based on the type and severity of the offence, but they may include:
- Fines
- Prison time
- Additional criminal charges, like failure to comply or other administration of justice offences
Our administration of justice offence lawyers at Statsny Law will carefully evaluate the circumstances of your contempt charge. We can highlight whether the alleged contempt was due to a misunderstanding, procedural error, or other issue you are not at fault for. Our goal is to help reduce the impact of contempt charges and advocate for alternative solutions.
Obstruction of Justice
Obstruction of justice can refer to a variety of actions that interfere with the legal process. For example, if you are charged with obstruction of justice, it may be for:
- Intimidating a witness
- Tampering with evidence
- Misleading police during an investigation
- And more
The offence is considered highly serious as it normally prevents the justice system from carrying out its duty effectively. If you are indicted for obstruction of justice, you can face prison sentences of 2-10 years, a permanent criminal record, or additional charges.
Statsny Law’s team will assess your obstruction charge with a detailed, evidence-focused approach. We examine the context and intent behind the actions in question. This is because, to prove obstruction, the prosecution must demonstrate that your actions were made with the purpose of interfering with justice. We can also challenge procedural mistakes or ambiguities in evidence to work towards a reduced sentence or potential dismissal of charges.
Failure to Appear
Failure to appear is a charge that arises when you do not attend a scheduled court appearance. It might be interpreted as a sign of disrespect towards the judicial system and may lead to additional legal issues. This is especially true if you are already facing an ongoing charge.
The penalties associated with failing to appear will depend on the original charges you are facing and other circumstances. They might include:
- A warrant for your arrest issued by the court
- Fines and additional criminal charges added to your original case
- Increased penalties on your original charge
- And more
At Statsny Law, we know missing a court date can be unintentional or result from factors beyond your control, like medical emergencies, transportation issues, or scheduling conflicts. Our lawyers will work to address any warrant that may have been issued and advocate for fair consideration of circumstances leading to the missed appearance. This way, you can focus on addressing your original case with our team.
What if I Already Have an Ongoing Criminal Matter?
It’s common for individuals charged with an administration of justice offence to already have an ongoing criminal charge. If you do, it’s essential to address any additional administration of justice offences with care. We recommend that you speak to your lawyer as soon as possible to discuss the implications of your new charges. Handling multiple legal issues simultaneously can be challenging, but our team can assist you in managing both matters.
Contact Statsny Law for Help With Your Administration of Justice Offence Today
If you or a loved one is facing an administration of justice offence in Toronto, time is of the essence. Our dedicated team of lawyers at Statsny Law is ready to provide the support and guidance you need. We understand this is a critical moment in your life, and we are here to help you regain control.
To schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced Toronto administration of justice offence lawyers, call our office at 416-303-5164 or email astatsny@statsnylaw.com. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and work towards a resolution. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone – reach out to us as soon as you can.
