Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Choose a DUI Lawyer Wisely to Find Your Best Ally




A DUI charge is a serious offence with equally serious consequences. It is best to make sure that you find the right legal representation for you to safeguard your chances of keeping your life intact after a DUI charge. But with everything else going on, how do you choose a DUI lawyer wisely?

The right DUI lawyer for you is not just your legal representative. Your DUI attorney is your ally who will advocate for your rights and help you get your life back. Below are some qualities that you should look into before hiring a DUI attorney.

Great Communication Skills

Your lawyer should be able to explain how the law works to you without you having to search for the meaning of certain words. If your lawyer can explain the law to you, then he or she can also present facts in court in an eloquent and understandable manner.

Extensive Knowledge of the Laws and Regulations Concerning DUI Charges

As your legal representative, your drinking and driving lawyer should be someone who knows the ins and outs of handling cases like yours. You need someone who is updated with the latest developments in the law so that your attorney can devise the right defence for your DUI charge.

Good Reputation

The last thing you need is a lawyer who does not have a good track record. By going for someone with a positive reputation, you can have better assurance that your case will be handled properly.

Excellent Rapport

Your lawyer should be able to make you feel at ease. He or she should gain your trust and must be able to relate well with you as well as other people.
Remember that the outcome of your DUI charge can drastically alter your life. It is in your best interest to hire a DUI lawyer that has a solid reputation and is someone that will be your best ally to win your case. Contact Calvin Barry if you need a DUI lawyer in Toronto!

Monday, May 6, 2019

Protect Yourself From Mortgage Fraud and Real Estate Fraud

Mortgage fraud and real estate fraud are on the rise; and the frauds associated with them may take many different forms. As unsavoury as it is to think that these types of fraud happen around us, it is really of little wonder because fraudsters are opportunists and as such, they go for the biggest cons they can accomplish. Examples of the biggest heists in fraud are real estate fraud and mortgage fraud.
It is important to remember that the fraudsters behind mortgage fraud and real estate fraud are con artists who know how to use modern technology to their pull off their fraudulent schemes. They are able to do this because they know how the real estate process works and are able to spot loopholes that they can use against their victims.

Real Estate Title Fraud

Real estate title fraud is often made to look like a legitimate real estate deal by the fraudsters claiming that they now own the  target property because it was sold or gifted to them by the owner. The usual target here are seniors because it is more believable for a senior homeowner to sell or give their home away, aside from the fact that they usually have the largest assets which makes them attractive targets for fraudsters.
The thief obtains the land title of the victim’s home using a fake transfer document. The details in the document are usually compiled from information that were carelessly shared online (like posting photos of official documents on social media) or from a compiled database full of identity-theft data from target victims.

Mortgage Fraud

The title is then used to get a mortgage that the fraudster will never pay. The hapless homeowner is usually informed only when the home is near foreclosure. Imagine losing your home without knowing anything about an unpaid mortgage!
The average real estate fraud costs around $300,000. Nearly none of the fraudsters involved in schemes like this are ever caught and the homeowners are the ones who are left to cope with the aftermath.

How to Prevent Mortgage Fraud and Real Estate Fraud

People who have access to your personal information may use what they know about you to target you for fraud. The first step towards protecting yourself from being a target for fraud is to restrict what personal information you share publicly and limit who can access your information in the real world.
The above means doing all that you can to prevent identity theft and not being too trusting of neighbours, friends, caretakers, or even distant relatives. Your mail, bank statements, deeds and titles, insurance information, and all financial details must be kept where only you or a person you trust can access. This also means not giving away sensitive information over the phone (some fraudsters will pretend to be from the bank), not writing down your credit card details where unauthorized people may see them, and destroying mail before throwing it in the trash; basically following all the sensible steps to avoid fraud.
If you need a private investigator to check your vulnerability to identity theft, mortgage fraud, and real estate fraud, our private investigation services can assess your risk factors and help you address them. Contact Haywood Hunt today!

Take Note of Your Basic Rights When Arrested




Being arrested is not only a physically stressful experience but has a huge emotional and psychological impact too. Imagine losing your freedom, facing the unknown, and being away from your loved ones in a matter of seconds. It is of utmost importance to know your rights when arrested so that you can remain calm and properly address your situation by getting legal counsel as soon as possible.

Know Your Rights


When detained, the Canadian Charter of Rights guarantees that everyone has the following rights.
  • To be informed regarding the reason behind your detention or arrest.
  • To be informed of your right to have access to legal counsel and to contact your lawyer immediately and told that in the event you don’t have a lawyer, you have a right to obtain free legal advice from a Duty Counsel before you make a decision on providing a statement to the police.
  • To be informed that you have the right to remain silent because anything you say can be taken against you by law and in court.
  • To be provided a reasonable opportunity to communicate with your lawyer in private or talk to a Duty Counsel in private.


What to Do in Case of Arrest


Avoid additional charges and problems by cooperating with the arresting officer and not resisting arrest. Make sure that you identify yourself truthfully or remain silent instead of lying. Ask to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible and know that you cannot be detained without due reason (which can be sorted out by your lawyer). Understand that the police have a legal obligation to help you contact your lawyer or get you one if reasonable attempts have been made and your chosen lawyer cannot be reached. If you’re under 18 years of age, your guardians will be contacted along with your defence lawyer.

Contact a Lawyer


Were you or someone you know arrested and you’re looking for a defence lawyer? Contact Calvin Barry for immediate response. Calvin Barry have been a Canadian defence attorney for decades. His expertise in law is one of the best in the field. Talk to Calvin Barry today!