The criminal justice system in Calgary is a complex system designed to keep the public safe and administer justice. It is made up of many different agencies and organizations, each with its own area of expertise. If you find yourself in legal trouble in this city, it’s key to find the best Calgary criminal defence lawyer. But for now, keep reading to learn more about the justice system in Calgary.
The Calgary Police Force
The Calgary Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is a police force that is responsible for policing in Alberta, Canada. The force is divided into two divisions: “City Patrol” and “Specialized Units.” City Patrol is responsible for general policing duties in the city, while Specialized Units are responsible for more specialized duties, such as traffic enforcement, crime scene investigation, and forensic identification.
The Calgary RCMP has a long and distinguished history, dating back to 1873 when the North-West Mounted Police was established. The current force was created in 1892 when the North-West Mounted Police merged with the Dominion Police. The Calgary RCMP has played a major role in the development of Calgary and Alberta and has been responsible for many significant arrests and investigations over the years.
The Crown Prosecutor
If you are facing criminal charges in Calgary, it is important to have an experienced criminal lawyer on your side. The Crown prosecutor is the government lawyer who represents the interests of the state in criminal proceedings. The prosecutor has a great deal of power and discretion in criminal cases. As the accused, it is important to know what the prosecutor is looking for and what you can do to improve your chances of winning your case.
The Crown prosecutor is responsible for screening cases and deciding which ones to prosecute. The prosecutor must consider a number of factors, including the seriousness of the offence, the availability of evidence, the public interest, and the interests of the victim. The prosecutor may also consider whether the accused is likely to plead guilty and whether a prosecution is in the public interest.
The Courts and Hearings
The Court system in Calgary is divided into three levels: Provincial Court, Court of Queen’s Bench, and the Supreme Court of Canada. The Provincial Court is the first level of court and deals with less serious offences such as traffic violations or small claims disputes. The next level is the Court of Queen’s Bench, which hears more serious criminal cases and civil lawsuits. The highest court in Alberta is the Supreme Court of Canada, which hears appeals from decisions made by the lower courts.
People who are accused of a crime have the right to a fair trial, which includes having their case heard by a judge and jury if it goes to trial. In some cases, such as when someone is facing a life sentence, they may choose to have a judge alone decide their case. Cases in Calgary can be heard at any one of five courthouses: downtown, north end, east end, south end, or west end.
The Prison System
The prison system in Calgary is made up of two parts: provincial jails and federal prisons. Provincial jails are operated by the government of Alberta. Federal prisons are operated by the government of Canada. People who are convicted of crimes can be sent to either type of jail, depending on how serious their crime was. Overall, the criminal justice system is an important part of Calgary. It helps to ensure public safety and punish those who break the law. The system is not perfect, but it plays an important role in our society.