Vancouver Criminal Law – Disclosure
At your First Appearance it is common that the Crown prosecutor will hand over to you a disclosure package. The disclosure will contain the outline and framework for the case against you. Depending on the type of charge you are facing, the disclosure package may contain:
- Report to Crown Counsel (RTCC)
- Police notes
- Witness statements (transcribed and/or video or audio recordings of them)
- Video surveillance
- Photographs
- Forensic Reports (DNA, fingerprints)
- Audio CD’s (police radio recordings, 911 calls)
It is your absolute right to have all relevant materials disclosed to you so that you are able to make ‘full answer and defence’ to the charges you are facing. A lawyer who specializes in criminal law will be able to review your disclosure with you and be able to determine if there is any relevant materials that are missing and still need to be handed over by Crown counsel.
KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
“Officer, I know my constitutional rights. Firstly, I refuse to speak with you, other than to identify myself. I further refuse to consent for you to search my person, or my residence, or my motor vehicle. I wish to speak to my lawyer immediately. If I am not under arrest, I wish to leave.”