2. Learn about your rights when you’re charged with a crime
When you’re charged with a crime, you have the right to have a trial in criminal court.
At your trial, the Crown Attorney tries to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you’re guilty. If they can’t, the court finds you not guilty.
You also have the right to have a lawyer at your trial. If you can’t afford to hire a lawyer, you may be able to get help from Legal Aid Ontario.
If you’re found guilty after a trial or after you plead guilty, a judge decides on the . The sentence you can get depends on:
- the crime you’ve been found guilty of
- the circumstances of the crime
- your personal circumstances
It’s important to tell the judge about your personal circumstances including how a sentence could affect your status.
When the judge decides on your sentence, they can consider how being convicted or getting a certain sentence can affect your permanent resident status. They can make decisions that help you avoid being because of a crime.
For example, they can decide:
- whether to convict you or give you an absolute or conditional discharge if you’re found guilty, or
- what sentence to give you if you’re convicted.
If you’re convicted of a serious crime
If you’re convicted of a , Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can take steps to:
- remove your permanent resident status, and
- deport you from Canada.
There may be things you can do to stay in Canada. Get legal help right away.
