If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Canada, you may be wondering what the minimum and maximum sentences are for your particular offence. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are some general things you should know about minimum and maximum sentencing in Canada.
The Principle of Proportionality
In Canada, the criminal justice system is based on the principle of proportionality. This means that the sentence imposed by the court should be proportional to the seriousness of the offence and the offender’s degree of responsibility.
Minimum vs. Maximum Sentences
When determining the sentence for a criminal offence, Canadian courts will consider both the minimum and maximum sentences set out in the Criminal Code. The minimum sentence is the minimum amount of time that an offender can be sentenced to for a particular offence, while the maximum sentence is the maximum amount of time that an offender can be sentenced to.
In some cases, the minimum and maximum sentences may be the same. For example, the minimum and maximum sentence for murder could be life in prison. In other cases, the minimum and maximum sentences may be different.
The sentence imposed by the court will also consider any aggravating or mitigating factors present in the case. Aggravating factors are circumstances that make the offence more serious while mitigating factors are circumstances that make the offence less serious.
Some common aggravating factors include the use of a weapon, the presence of multiple victims, and the fact that the victim was a vulnerable person. Some common mitigating factors include the fact that the offender has no criminal history, was acting in self-defence, and has taken steps to make amends for their crime.
Call a Saskatoon Criminal Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, it is important to speak to a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. A criminal lawyer in Saskatoon like Linh Pham can help you understand the minimum and maximum sentences that may apply to your case and any aggravating or mitigating factors that could impact your sentence. They can also advise you on how to best defend yourself against the charges and ensure you receive the fairest possible outcome.