POLICE INTERVENTION

Police are sometimes called to intervene in cases of domestic disturbances. Charges sometimes result when couples allow their anger to get the best of them and can range from charges of disturbing the peace to uttering threats or assaults and, sometimes, more serious criminal charges.

If you are charged by police as a result of a domestic disturbance, remember that you have the right to remain silent. You must properly identify yourself, meaning that you must provide police with an accurate name, address and contact information. Failure to provide this information may result in a charge of obstruct police, obstruct justice or public mischief. Police also have the right to take finger prints at the station if you are charged with a criminal offence. Do not resist. The last thing you want are additional charges incurred as the result of conflict with police.

Beyond this, however, you do not have to give a statement to police about what transpired between you and your spouse and it is better that you do not do so until you are able to secure legal advice. All too often accused persons often make admissions while trying to give police their versions of the circumstances.

Finally, if you are not released by the officer-in-charge, you may be required to appear in court before a Justice of the Peace. If you are held for a bail hearing, police must ensure that you get before a Justice of the Peace within three days of the charge(s) being laid. In this case, it is possible that you might require a surety (someone to ‘bail you out’) if the court is of the view that some sort of security should be provided to ensure the safety of the complainant while the charge(s) against you are outstanding.

If you have been charged criminally as the result of a domestic disturbance, you should be aware that a conviction on one or more charges will result in a criminal record. A criminal record may affect your ability to secure employment or travel in the future.

If you have questions about how a criminal charge in Woodstock, New Brunswick may affect your specific set of circumstances, call my office today to arrange for a no-obligation consultation. You may engage with my office from the comfort of your own home via zoom, skype or google video conference call. Call 506-991-0240

GRANT EDWARD RAYNER B.COMM., LL.B.*

If you are separating from your spouse in the Upper St. John River Valley of New Brunswick, call Langdon Law at 506.497.2560 for a consultation. Offices in Woodstock, Hartland and Florenceville-Bristol.

*Grant is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. He has permission from the Law Society of New Brunswick to practice as a visiting lawyer with the firm Langdon Law pending the transfer of his membership with the Law Society in Ontario to the Law Society of New Brunswick.

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