If you are facing criminal charges, you need a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto to look at your case as soon as possible.

There are two main types of jail sentences. People who get less than two years in prison go to jails in their province or territory. People who are sentenced to two years or more go to federal penitentiaries run by the Correctional Service of Canada.

If the jail sentence is 90 days or less, the judge has the discretion to allow you to serve is intermittently. This means that you can go to jail on weekends, and still be able to go to work and/or take care of the kids during the week until the sentence is served.

After serving part of their sentence, some offenders may be released on parole, where they finish serving their sentence in the community. When they do so, they are still under supervision the entire time.

Strategic Criminal Defence is a top Google-rated criminal defence firm in Toronto, with over 500 5-star reviews. Our firm, and our experienced legal team, have defended clients in over 10,000 criminal cases. Leveraging our extensive network of lawyers and decades of experience, we craft defence strategies to help those accused of a criminal offence beat the charge.

The lawyers at Strategic Criminal Defence are both highly experienced and dedicated to defending your rights. Contact a Toronto Jail Sentence lawyer today by calling (647) 986-8077.

Key Takeaways

  • The length of time someone will spend in jail depends on the offence. For example, summary conviction offences, which are less serious, usually have a maximum jail term of two years.
  • More serious crimes, called indictable offences, often result in longer sentences.
  • For many offences, judges have discretion when imposing sentences and must consider factors like your criminal history, your circumstances, and personal situation.
  • You might be able to get out on bail while you wait for your trial.
  • First-time offenders for non-violent crimes often have stronger chances of avoiding jail through alternative sentencing options, especially with proper legal representation.
  • People who commit less serious crimes can sometimes avoid going to jail by doing community service, going to counselling, or going to a restorative justice program.

How can a Jail Sentence lawyer in Toronto help?

Our legal advice can help you know what your rights are from the beginning. Our lawyers know how to navigate the rules of Toronto’s criminal justice system and put the best possible representation forward for you.

A Strategic Criminal Defence lawyer can collect evidence, especially supporting evidence that there are other appropriate options besides jail. This can include character references, proof of employment, and proof of community ties or efforts to get better.

During the sentencing hearing, our lawyers can make a strong case for alternatives that could lower your sentence and/or present options that can address the court’s concerns about public safety and rehabilitation.

If the jail sentence is 90 days or less, the judge has the discretion to allow you to serve is intermittently. This means that you can go to jail on weekends, and still be able to go to work and/or take care of the kids during the week until the sentence is served. If this is a better result, our lawyers can help negotiate for this outcome.

Consequences of a Jail Sentence in Canada

Jail sentences in Canada range from as short as one day to life imprisonment without possibility of parole for 25 years for the most serious crimes like first-degree murder.

The longest jail sentence for summary conviction offences (less serious crimes) is usually two years. Indictable offences (more serious crimes) can result in longer jail terms, sometimes up to life imprisonment.

Hybrid offences give prosecutors the choice to proceed either by summary conviction or by indictment, depending on the circumstances of your specific case. When you receive a jail sentence, you’ll typically serve your time in a provincial correctional facility if your sentence is less than two years, or a federal penitentiary for sentences of two years or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

In some cases, you can do your time on the weekends. This is what is called an “intermittent sentence.” If your sentence is 90 days or less, this may be an option. During the week, you can keep working, going to school, or taking care of family duties.

People who are serving sentences of less than two years live in provincial prisons, which are also known as jails, correctional centres, or detention centres. People who are waiting for their trial and haven’t been granted bail (called “remand”) are also kept in provincial prisons.

People who are serving sentences of two years or more live in federal prisons. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), a federal agency, is in charge of these sites.

Having been in jail makes it harder to find a job. Some jobs, like those in healthcare, education, finance, security, and childcare, can’t hire people who have been convicted of a crime. Many employers check criminal records. When you apply for jobs, you might have to tell the companies that you were convicted.