FAQ
What should I do if the police contact me and want to ask questions?
Fast Answer: If police contact you about a criminal investigation, it is important to understand your rights before making a statement.
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Even if you have not been charged, what you say may affect the investigation. Jonathan J. Israels is an experienced Vancouver criminal defence lawyer and former Crown Prosecutor with 27 years of practicing exclusively in criminal law. He regularly advises people who are under investigation or have been contacted by police.
Should I speak to a criminal lawyer before I have been charged?
Fast Answer: Yes. Do not wait until charges may be laid to seek legal advice – speak with Mr. Israels, so that he can provide you with options on how to handle your circumstances – allowing you to make an informed decision.
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Getting advice early may help you understand your rights, how to deal with police and what to expect next. Jonathan regularly assists clients during the investigation stage, including situations where charges have not yet been approved.
Can a criminal lawyer help prevent charges from being laid?
Fast Answer: In certain circumstances, Mr. Israels will proactively communicate with police or Crown Counsel prior to charges being approved and provide information relevant to the charging decision.
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Every case is different and there is no guarantee that charges can be prevented. Mr. Israels represents many clients during the pre-charge investigation stage with success.
What is the difference between being investigated and being charged?
Fast Answer: A criminal investigation occurs while police are gathering evidence and determining whether an offence may have occurred.
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Mr. Israels will attempt to speak with police and at times, is able to conclude a client’s file/close the investigation without any criminal charges being recommended to the Crown Counsel office.
In B.C., Crown Counsel applies its charge assessment standard when deciding whether a prosecution should proceed/charges laid. As with dealing with police, should charges be recommended against a client, upon instructions to do so, Mr. Israels will proactively engage with the Prosecutor in an effort to end the prosecution.
If I am arrested for domestic assault, can I talk to my partner or go home?
Fast Answer: A person arrested for domestic assault may be released with conditions, most likely including conditions preventing contact with their spouse or partner and/or from returning home.
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Mr. Israels will discuss the possibility of amending release conditions to once again permit contact with loved ones.
Can my spouse or partner drop domestic assault charges in BC?
Fast Answer: A complainant does not personally control whether criminal charges continue. In British Columbia, Crown Counsel determines whether a prosecution proceeds.
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Mr. Israels predominantly handles domestic assault related files and will assess the available options to resolve a file – if instructed to do so – based on the circumstances of the particular case.
What should I do if I have been accused of sexual assault in Vancouver?
Fast Answer: Sexual assault allegations are extremely serious and can have significant legal and personal consequences.
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It is important to obtain legal advice from Mr. Israels before discussing the allegation with police or others. Mr. Israels has over 25 years of experience in handling sexual assault cases and other serious criminal offences in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.
Should I hire a former Crown Prosecutor as my criminal defence lawyer?
Fast Answer: Experience and mileage matter.
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Mr. Israels has been in practice for just over 27 years – working as both a former prosecutor and defence counsel – Mr. Israels brings several decades of tried, tested, and true experience as to how criminal cases are assessed and prosecuted, as well as successfully defended. Mr. Israels knows the law from both sides – relying on his dual experience when defending you and your case.
How do I choose a criminal defence lawyer in Vancouver?
Fast Answer: Consider the lawyer’s criminal law experience, courtroom experience, familiarity with the type of allegation involved, communication style and whether the lawyer personally handles the case, as well as reputation.
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Schedule a meeting with the lawyer to ensure a “good fit”. Mr. Israels has been in practice for over 27 years, previously worked as a Crown Prosecutor, and enjoys a favourable reputation in the legal community as well as with his clients.
Who is Jonathan J. Israels?
Fast Answer: Jonathan J. Israels is a Vancouver criminal defence lawyer and former Crown Prosecutor with more than 27 years of Courtroom experience practicing exclusively in criminal law.
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He represents people who are under investigation and/or have been charged with criminal offences in British Columbia.
What types of criminal cases does Jonathan J. Israels handle?
Fast Answer: Mr. Israels represents clients facing a broad range of criminal allegations; primarily focussing on crimes of violence that include assault (all types), domestic assault, assault by choking, sexual assault and related offences, uttering threats, harassment, and other serious criminal matters.
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Mr. Israels also advises people who are under police investigation and have not yet been charged.
What happens at a bail hearing in BC?
Fast Answer: A bail hearing determines whether an accused person will be released while their criminal case proceeds and what conditions may apply.
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Factors can include the alleged offence, criminal history, circumstances of the accused and concerns identified by the Crown.
How long does a criminal case take in British Columbia?
Fast Answer: There is no single timeline.
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The length of a criminal case depends on the nature and complexity of the allegations, disclosure, court availability, negotiations between Crown and defence, and whether the matter proceeds to trial.
What does “charges stayed” mean in BC?
Fast Answer: A stay of proceedings means the prosecution has determined that it is ending the prosecution.
What is a Section 810 peace bond in Canada?
Fast Answer: A section 810 peace bond is a court order that can require a person to follow certain conditions for a specified period.
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It is not a criminal charge, it is not criminal conviction, and it does not involve the imposition of a criminal record. Peace bonds sometimes arise as part of the resolution of criminal matters.
Will an assault charge give me a criminal record?
Fast Answer: Being charged does not itself mean that a person has been convicted/will receive a criminal record.
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Whether someone ultimately receives a criminal record depends on how the case is resolved. Possible outcomes vary considerably, which is why speaking with Mr. Israels is encouraged to determine an Accused’s best course of action to avoid the imposition of a criminal record.