FLO represents persons and corporations charged with the violation of both federal and provincial laws. We are involved and experienced in the Diversion Programs for Minor Offenses. Currently the Ministry of the Attorney General is reviewing guidelines as to the prosecution of minor criminal offenses contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. This would include a screening process by the office of the Crown Attorney to determine what matters should and should not proceed through the criminal justice system. Diversion programs may occur whereby a minor criminal offense could be dealt with by way of community service as opposed to proceeding through the criminal justice system that would lead potentially to a conviction and a criminal record.

For other opinions and information about the criminal justice system, please talk to us.

At FLO, we work with you if you wish to take the Plea Bargains (Both Sides). However, we explain to you in a clear layman language the consequence of it.

The key to understanding plea bargains can be found by examining the term itself. First of all, it is a guilty plea. A plea means no trial, less cost, no chance of "getting off on a technicality" and no risk of an acquittal. In short, a guaranteed conviction.

Secondly, it is a bargain. It's a bargain for the accused, because it means a conviction for a lesser offence, or a lesser punishment for the same offence. It is a bargain for the Crown because the Crown gets a conviction and, a promise by the accused to give crucial evidence in the trial of another accused. Usually, the plea bargain is offered to the lesser players in the crime, in order to secure a conviction of the more important accused.

Without plea bargains, accused persons would go to trial on every charge. They would have nothing to lose. This is an impracticable result. The court system cannot handle such a caseload. Plea bargains give the accused a choice. They also give the accused an incentive to plead guilty: plead now to a lesser offence, or go to trial and risk getting stung with more.

We provide service in the following areas of Criminal Law: Involving other persons: Assault, (common assault, with a weapon, sexual assault, aggravated assault) threatening, harassment, assault bodily harm, etc.;

Driving offences and highway traffic matters: Impaired driving, driving over 80, refusing to provide breath sample, dangerous driving, leaving the scene, careless driving, speeding, driving while suspended or prohibited, driving without insurance, etc.;

Firearms and Weapons offences: Possession of a restricted or prohibited weapon, use of a weapon in the commission of an offence, careless use or storage of a firearm, etc.;

Involving Drug Charges: Drug Charges including Possession, Trafficking, cultivating and Importing Prohibited Substances, etc;

Involving property: Theft, (including shoplifting), joyriding, possession of stolen property, fraud, false pretences, forgery, robbery, counterfeit money, break and enter, arson, etc.;

Involving tax issues: Tax evasion and false declarations under the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act and Retail Sales Tax Act;

Involving the administration of justice: Breach charges (probation, recognizance), obstruction of justice, etc.;

Customs and immigration charges & related matters after conviction: Appeals, parole hearings, pardon applications, US waivers, Canadian immigration rehabilitation certificates, deportations, etc.

Moral Charges: Sexual and pornography charges, prostitution communications, gambling charges, etc.

Other: Causing a disturbance, prowl at night, Provincial Prosecutions concerning the Environmental Protection Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act; Highway Traffic Act; other quasi criminal prosecutions; etc.