In a society that prides itself on fairness and equal treatment, it is disheartening to witness instances where the law appears to disproportionately affect some of the most vulnerable among us. For example, consider the implications of BC’s DUI laws when they target individuals living in their vehicles. It’s time we talk about the unjust […]
If you find yourself with an outstanding warrant for your arrest, and you want to travel within Canada, you should be able to do so comfortably, that is until the moment you come face to face with law enforcement. The Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) serves as a vital tool for police officers across the
Travelling with a Warrant Continue Reading »
Surrey B.C. has a policing problem. As the city grew and crime increased, the question of whether Surrey should have its own dedicated police force became a significant civic issue. As of this writing, the future of policing in Surrey is unclear. There are two police forces working in Surrey and it’s unclear whether and
Are Surrey DUIs different because of their policing decisions? Continue Reading »
The 2023 Legal Elite Award winners for this year have been revealed and we are happy to announce Acumen’s very own Kyla Lee is on the list.
Kyla Lee is on the 2023 Legal Elite Awards winner list! Continue Reading »
If you are worried that you have a warrant out for your arrest, but are not 100 percent sure, there are different ways to figure it out. Discovering whether a warrant has been issued for your arrest can be approached in various ways, each with its own considerations.
Is there a warrant out for my arrest? Continue Reading »
Two important court cases were recently released clarifying when the police are prohibited from making an Approved Screening Device (ASD) breathalyzer demand. Police officers in Canada will usually have an ASD with them in their vehicle when they are conducting traffic enforcement or on general duty. If they lawfully stop a motorist, they can make
When are the police not allowed to demand a breath test? Continue Reading »
When it comes to reckless operation of a motor vehicle and behaviour that poses a threat to public safety, if a person is caught driving this way it can lead to a charge of dangerous driving. But, in order to secure a conviction for dangerous driving, the Crown must establish some elements beyond a reasonable
Dangerous Driving in Canada: Risks, Elements, and Consequences Continue Reading »
If you think you may have committed a crime and are concerned that there could be a potential warrant out for you, the most important thing you should know is what exactly a warrant is. In Canada, the court issues various types of warrants for the purpose of arrest. These warrants include arrest warrants, bench
Different types of warrants Continue Reading »
In a previous blog post, we explained what discharges are and the differences between conditional and absolute discharges. But that is not the only important thing to know about discharges. In Canada, it’s important to understand that a discharge should not be mistaken for a criminal conviction. Rather, it serves as a sentencing measure that
Navigating Discharges and Travel Continue Reading »
In Canada, conditional discharges and absolute discharges are two possible outcomes when found guilty of a criminal offence. A discharge allows the accused to avoid a criminal conviction, provided they comply with certain conditions for a set period of time. These conditions may include community service, reporting to a probation officer, and a weapons or
Understanding Discharges Continue Reading »
Here at Acumen, we receive numerous calls from clients who are concerned about whether or not the charges they have received will lead to a criminal record. Being charged with a criminal offence, such as those under the Criminal Code or Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, can lead to a criminal record if convicted. However,
What you need to know about Criminal Records Continue Reading »
Bill 23, the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2023, is new legislation that proposes to implement a requirement for speed limiters on class 7 and class 8 heavy trucks in British Columbia. Under the proposed new sections of the Motor Vehicle Act, heavy trucks will require active and functioning speed limiters with top speeds written into
