2. Understand what can happen if you plead guilty

When you plead guilty, you: 

• agree that you committed the crime 

• give up the right to a trial and making the Crown prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt 

• tell the judge that you understand what can happen when you plead guilty, including going to jail, getting a criminal record, or getting deported 

If the judge does not think you understand these things, they can refuse to accept your guilty plea. If this happens, the court will adjourn your case so you can speak with your lawyer or duty counsel.  

If you're not a Canadian citizen, talk to a lawyer about the potential immigration consequences before pleading guilty.   

If the judge accepts your guilty plea, they find you guilty. Then your lawyer and the Crown will suggest a sentence. But the judge doesn't have to give you that sentence. The judge decides your sentence based on what they think is appropriate and reasonable.