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Céline Dostaler
What Should You Do If Ottawa Police Want to Question You?
Being contacted by police can be intimidating. Many people in Ottawa experience significant anxiety when they receive a call from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), particularly when an officer identifies themselves and asks the individual to come to the station for questioning. In some cases, the officer may even suggest that the person “turn themselves in” for questioning as part of an investigation.
This situation raises immediate concerns. Are you under investigation? Are you about to be charged? Should you cooperate with police? Do you have to answer their questions?
Understanding your rights and obligations under Canadian law is essential. The choices you make in the early stages of a police investigation can significantly affect the outcome of a criminal case. The purpose of this article is to explain what Ottawa residents should do if police want to question them, what your legal rights are, and why speaking with a criminal defence lawyer before interacting with investigators is often the most important step you can take.
Why Ottawa Police May Want to Question You
Police investigations often take time. Before charges are laid, investigators typically gather evidence, interview witnesses, review surveillance footage, and analyze electronic communications. During this process, officers may contact individuals they believe have relevant information.
Sometimes the person contacted is a witness. In other situations, that person is a suspect.
Ottawa Police may reach out by:
- Telephone
- Visiting your home or workplace
- Leaving a voicemail asking you to call back
- Asking you to attend a police station for an interview
It is not uncommon for officers to say something along the lines of:
“We’re investigating something and we’d like you to come in and speak with us.”
Or:
“You should come down to the station to clear this up.”
In more serious cases, police may indicate that they want you to “turn yourself in” for questioning.
Many people assume cooperating with police means answering questions and helping investigators. However, cooperation in the legal sense is more limited. Simply attending the police station may be considered cooperation. Whether you should actually provide a statement is a separate question that requires careful legal consideration.
Are You Required to Speak With Police in Ottawa?
One of the most important legal principles in Canadian criminal law is the right to remain silent.
This right is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly sections 7 and 11, which safeguard fundamental justice and the presumption of innocence.
You are not required to answer police questions if you are a suspect in a criminal investigation.
Police officers are allowed to ask questions. They may encourage you to provide your version of events. They may even suggest that giving a statement will help your situation.
However, unless you are legally required to provide identifying information in specific circumstances (such as when lawfully detained in relation to certain offences), you are generally not obligated to answer investigative questions.
The right to silence exists to prevent individuals from being pressured into making statements that may later be used against them in court.
What Happens When Ottawa Police Call You
A common scenario in Ottawa investigations unfolds as follows:
- An officer from the Ottawa Police Service calls you.
- They identify themselves as a police investigator.
- They say they are investigating a matter.
- They ask you to attend the police station for questioning.
The officer may not immediately tell you:
- Whether you are a suspect
- Whether charges will be laid
- What evidence they already have
Many people mistakenly believe they must immediately comply with the request and attend the station without preparation. This can be a serious mistake.
Before agreeing to meet police, it is critical to speak with a criminal defence lawyer who can assess the situation and advise you on how to proceed.
Police Interviews Are Not Casual Conversations
Police interviews are not informal conversations. They are evidence-gathering exercises.
Anything you say during an interview can potentially be used against you in a criminal prosecution.
Investigators are trained in interviewing techniques designed to obtain statements. These techniques may include:
- Building rapport
- Minimizing the seriousness of allegations
- Suggesting they already know what happened
- Encouraging you to “tell your side of the story”
While these approaches may feel conversational, the goal is often to obtain statements that may assist the investigation.
A statement made during a police interview can become powerful evidence in court.
The Risk of Speaking Without Legal Advice
Many people believe that if they are innocent, speaking with police will quickly resolve the situation.
Unfortunately, criminal investigations do not always work that way.
There are several risks associated with speaking to police without legal advice:
Misinterpretation of Statements
Statements may be interpreted in ways you did not intend.
Incomplete Information
You may not know what evidence police already have.
Inadvertent Admissions
Even seemingly harmless comments can be interpreted as admissions.
Inconsistencies
Small inconsistencies in your account may later be portrayed as dishonesty.
Once a statement is made, it cannot easily be undone.
For these reasons, criminal defence lawyers often advise clients to carefully consider whether making a statement is in their best legal interests.
What Does Cooperation With Police Actually Mean?
There is a common misconception that cooperating with police requires answering all questions.
In practice, cooperation may simply mean:
- Attending the police station when requested
- Being respectful with investigators
- Providing identification if legally required
However, cooperation does not require you to provide a statement.
Many defence lawyers advise that cooperation ends with attending the station if required, and then consulting counsel before answering any questions.
This approach allows individuals to demonstrate respect for the investigative process while still protecting their legal rights.
Why You Should Call a Criminal Defence Lawyer First
If Ottawa Police contact you requesting an interview, the first step should be to consult a criminal defence lawyer.
A lawyer can assist by:
- Contacting the investigating officer
- Determining whether you are a suspect or witness
- Asking whether charges are anticipated
- Learning what the investigation involves
- Advising whether attending an interview is advisable
In some cases, a lawyer may even arrange communication with police without the client needing to attend the station at all.
Legal advice early in an investigation can significantly influence the direction of the case.
Understanding the Possibility of Charges
Another critical issue when police request an interview is whether charges are likely.
Ottawa Police may be investigating allegations such as:
- Assault
- Domestic assault
- Sexual assault
- Theft or fraud
- Drug offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Sometimes investigators want to interview a person before deciding whether to lay charges.
In other cases, police have already decided to lay charges and simply want to obtain a statement first.
A defence lawyer may be able to determine which situation applies.
Understanding whether charges are anticipated is crucial when deciding whether to provide a statement.
What Happens If Charges Are Laid
If Ottawa Police decide to lay charges, several things may occur.
You may be:
- Arrested
- Released on an undertaking
- Released on conditions
- Held for a bail hearing
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, individuals charged with offences must generally be released unless the Crown demonstrates why detention is necessary.
However, the process can vary depending on the nature of the allegations.
In some cases, individuals may be released from the police station with conditions. In other cases, they may be held for a bail hearing before a judge or justice of the peace.
Preparing for this possibility in advance is extremely important.
Preparing for a Possible Bail Hearing
If police are investigating a serious allegation, there is always a possibility that you may be held for a bail hearing after arrest.
A bail hearing determines whether a person charged with an offence should be released while their case proceeds through the courts.
Release conditions may include restrictions such as:
- No contact with certain individuals
- Staying away from certain locations
- Curfews
- Reporting requirements
In some cases, a surety (a person supervising the accused) may be required.
Speaking with a defence lawyer before attending a police interview can help you prepare for the possibility of bail conditions or a bail hearing.
This preparation can make a significant difference in securing release.
Why Early Legal Advice Matters
Early legal advice allows a defence lawyer to guide you through the investigation before mistakes occur.
A lawyer may advise:
- Whether to attend a police interview
- Whether to provide a statement
- How to prepare for possible charges
- How to prepare for bail
Criminal investigations are often strategic. Police gather information carefully and build cases over time.
Having legal representation early ensures that your rights are protected from the beginning.
Common Mistakes People Make When Police Call
Many people unintentionally harm their own legal position by reacting impulsively when contacted by police.
Some common mistakes include:
Attending the Station Alone
Walking into a police station without legal advice may place you in a vulnerable position.
Trying to “Clear Things Up”
Many individuals believe they can quickly resolve a misunderstanding by explaining themselves. Unfortunately, statements often create additional complications.
Ignoring the Call Completely
Ignoring police contact entirely may escalate the situation and lead to an arrest.
The best approach is to consult a criminal defence lawyer before responding.
The Ottawa Police Service Investigation Process
The Ottawa Police Service conducts a wide range of criminal investigations across the city.
Investigators may work within specialized units such as:
- Major Crime Unit
- Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit
- Drug Unit
- Fraud Unit
These investigators are experienced in gathering evidence and interviewing individuals.
By the time police contact you, they may already have collected significant information.
Understanding this investigative context reinforces why speaking with a lawyer before an interview is so important.
Your Right to Legal Counsel
One of the most important protections under Canadian law is the right to consult legal counsel.
When a person is detained or arrested, police must inform them of their right to speak with a lawyer under section 10(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
However, even before detention occurs, individuals are free to seek legal advice if they believe they are under investigation.
Consulting a lawyer early ensures you fully understand your rights and options before interacting with investigators.
Protecting Your Future
Criminal allegations can have significant consequences, including:
- Criminal records
- Employment difficulties
- Travel restrictions
- Immigration consequences
- Reputation damage
Because of these potential consequences, every interaction with police should be approached carefully.
What may seem like a routine interview can ultimately become a key piece of evidence in a criminal prosecution.
Legal guidance ensures you make informed decisions at every stage.
Ottawa-Specific Considerations
Residents of Ottawa should also understand that criminal cases are typically prosecuted in the Ontario Court of Justice located at the Ottawa Courthouse on Elgin Street.
If charges are laid by the Ottawa Police Service, the case will usually proceed through this courthouse.
Local criminal defence lawyers are familiar with:
- Ottawa prosecutors
- Local bail practices
- Court procedures
- Ottawa Police investigation patterns
This local experience can be invaluable when responding to a police investigation.
Key Takeaways If Ottawa Police Want to Question You
If Ottawa Police contact you requesting an interview, remember the following:
- Police interviews are evidence-gathering exercises.
- You generally have the right to remain silent.
- Cooperation does not require answering questions.
- Speaking to police without legal advice can be risky.
- Charges may already be under consideration.
- Preparing for bail conditions may be necessary.
The most important step you can take is to speak with a criminal defence lawyer before attending a police interview.
Speak With an Ottawa Criminal Defence Lawyer Before Talking to Police
If the Ottawa Police Service has contacted you and asked you to attend the station for questioning, it is important to obtain legal advice before taking any steps.
Early legal guidance can help you understand:
- Whether you are under investigation
- Whether charges may be laid
- Whether you should provide a statement
- How to prepare for possible release conditions or bail
If you have been contacted by police, do not assume that speaking with them will resolve the matter quickly. Protecting your rights at the earliest stage can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.
Celine Dostaler is a criminal defence lawyer based in Ottawa who represents individuals facing criminal investigations and charges.
If Ottawa Police have contacted you requesting an interview, you should speak with a lawyer immediately.
Contact Celine Dostaler today to discuss your situation and obtain confidential legal advice before speaking with police.
Early legal advice can protect your rights and help you navigate the criminal justice process with confidence.
