News
Why do you have the right to remain silent?
The Presumption of Innocence and Police Conduct: Why You Have the Right to Remain Silent Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees all citizens: “the right to life, liberty, and security of the person and the right not to be deprived...
What to Expect from Your First Experience in the Canadian Justice System and Criminal Trial
Unfortunately, the Canadian criminal justice system rarely offers a pleasant experience for the accused. If you have found yourself charged with a crime, be prepared to brace yourself for a stressful and unpleasant courtroom experience. Hiring a lawyer...
Is Impaired Driving a Criminal Offense?
Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of either alcohol or narcotics is a very serious issue both from a legal standpoint and from a safety perspective. Intoxicated motorists create genuine road risks to both themselves and other drivers. The real public...
You Just Received a 24-Hour Alcohol Prohibition – What Does That Mean?
Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of ether alcohol or narcotics is a very serious issue both from a legal standpoint and from a safety perspective. Intoxicated motorists create genuine road risks to both themselves and other drivers. The real public safety...
How Legalized Marijuana Will Affect You
British Columbia has announced that it will legalize and regulate the use of recreational marijuana in the near future. Once legalized, anyone over the age of 19 will be allowed to buy marijuana from either privately or publicly owned marijuana...
What to Do When Police Want to Interview You in a Criminal Investigation
Criminal investigations are commonplace and occur on a daily basis for all sorts of crimes ranging from petty theft offenses to more serious charges such as arson, rape or murder. The range of police interviews is similarly broad and can range from...
Changes in Mandatory Minimum Sentencing
Changes in Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Canadians have recently heard a lot about mandatory minimum sentences (MMS) for criminal and drug offenses. A survey concerning the MMS was conducted by the federal government. This has resulted in some commentators wondering if...
The delay on Canada’s prospect of legalizing marijuana
The delay on Canada's prospect of legalizing marijuana After many years of marijuana being smoked in secrecy or eliciting arrests when smoked publicly, Canada is considering legalizing its usage. Amidst the numerous onlookers to the House of Commons health committee...
Social Media Bans: Reasonable Or Foolish?
Social Media Bans: Reasonable Or Foolish? With the way technology progresses, it is sensible to update laws and punishments to accommodate the situation. For instance, when someone is legally prohibited from communicating with another person: years ago, the...
Understanding the Difference Between a 24-Hour Alcohol Prohibition and a 24-Hour Drug Prohibition
Understanding the Difference Between a 24-Hour Alcohol Prohibition and a 24-Hour Drug Prohibition Many people believe that a 24-hour drug prohibition and 24-hour alcohol prohibition are the same thing. They are actually very different, from the procedure to review and...
What Constitutes Public Intoxication?
What Constitutes Public Intoxication? First thing to be aware of—being intoxicated in public is not a violation of the Criminal Code of Canada. This means even if you are arrested or detained for public intoxication, it will not appear on your permanent record....
You’re RIGHT To Remain Silent – Here’s Why
You're RIGHT To Remain Silent – Here's Why As many times as we have heard the words on TV, few people understand their right to remain silent when being questioned by police. One recent story illustrates why it is so important to know, understand, and exercise this...