Charged in Brampton? First 48 Hours | Criminal Lawyers Brampton

The first 48 hours after an arrest are often the most confusing and the most important. Decisions made in this short window, including what you say to police, how bail is handled and what you post online, can affect the entire course of your case. Whether you were arrested by Peel Regional Police or released with a court date, this guide explains what to do right away and why speaking with experienced criminal lawyers in Brampton should be your first priority.

Step 1: Use Your Right to Remain Silent

Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you have the right to remain silent. Police are allowed to ask you questions, and they are trained to make conversation feel informal and harmless. However, anything you say can be used as evidence. Politely provide your identification when required, then clearly state that you wish to speak with a lawyer and do not want to answer questions. Explaining your side of the story to police rarely helps and frequently hurts.

Step 2: Ask for a Lawyer Immediately

Section 10(b) of the Charter guarantees your right to retain and instruct counsel without delay when you are arrested or detained. Police must tell you about this right and give you a reasonable opportunity to exercise it. You can call a lawyer of your choice or use free duty counsel. If police continued questioning you after you asked for a lawyer, or delayed your access to one, that may become an important issue in your defence later.

Step 3: Understand How You Were Released

After an arrest, there are generally three possibilities:

Released by police with an undertaking or appearance notice that lists a court date and possibly conditions
Held for a bail hearing, which must normally take place within 24 hours before a justice
Released after a bail hearing with conditions, sometimes with a surety

Read your release paperwork carefully. Note your first court date, and write down every condition, such as no contact with certain people, staying away from specific addresses or not possessing weapons.

Step 4: Follow Every Condition Strictly

Breaching a release condition is a separate criminal offence. Even something that seems minor, like replying to a text from a person you are ordered not to contact, can lead to a new charge and make bail much harder in the future. If a condition is unworkable, for example if it prevents you from going home or seeing your children, do not ignore it. A lawyer may be able to apply to vary the condition with the Crown’s consent or through the court.

Step 5: Stay Off Social Media

Do not post about your arrest, the complainant, the police or the incident. Do not delete existing posts or messages either, as that can raise other legal problems. Prosecutors and police regularly review public social media, and a single comment can be used against you.

Step 6: Start Gathering Information

While events are fresh, write down everything you remember for your lawyer only. Include times, locations, names of witnesses and any nearby cameras, such as store, doorbell or dashcam footage, that may have recorded what happened. Video evidence is often overwritten within days, so acting quickly matters.

Step 7: Prepare for Your First Court Appearance

Most criminal cases in Peel are heard at the Brampton courthouse. At the first appearance, the Crown usually provides initial disclosure, which is the evidence against you. Very few cases are resolved on the first date. A criminal lawyer in Brampton can appear on your behalf in many situations, request disclosure and begin assessing your options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Talking to police without legal advice
Contacting the complainant to “sort things out”
Missing a court date, which can lead to a warrant for your arrest
Assuming a charge will simply be dropped because you are innocent
Waiting weeks before speaking with a lawyer

Why Hiring Experienced Criminal Lawyers in Brampton Early Matters

Early legal advice can shape the outcome of your case. A defence lawyer can represent you at a bail hearing, protect you from self-incrimination, preserve key evidence and identify Charter violations from the start. They can also open early discussions with the Crown about diversion, a peace bond or a withdrawal where appropriate. For people with immigration concerns or professional licences, early advice is even more critical because some outcomes carry serious collateral consequences.

If you have been arrested or charged, contact one of the trusted criminal lawyers Brampton families rely on. A. Dhillon Law offers a free, confidential consultation and can help with bail hearings and every stage that follows.

The first 48 hours do not have to define your future. Stay calm, stay silent and get the right legal help as soon as possible.