Verbal assault is a phrase you hear mentioned from time to time. But is there such a crime as verbal assault in Canada? First of all, what do people mean when they say verbal assault? They might mean verbal abuse. Using harsh or even violent words is not always enough to constitute a crime in […]
Is verbal assault a crime in Canada? Continue Reading »
The Supreme Court of British Columbia today ruled that the Civil Resolution Tribunal’s (CRT) jurisdiction over motor vehicle accident claims was unconstitutional. The decision paves the way for victims of accidents to once again access the courts for personal injury claims. The CRT will no longer solely be responsible for deciding whether an injury is
Judge rolls back CRT’s accident claims jurisdiction Continue Reading »
It seems like there are a lot of protests going on in the world right now. In Canada, you cannot be arrested for expressing yourself in the form of a protest. You can, however, be arrested if police suspect you committed a crime while protesting. So, is freedom of expression a defence during protests a
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Intoximeters, the manufacturer of the alcohol screening device used by British Columbia police forces, announced the release of a new mouthpiece designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The TestSafe Mouthpiece promises to filter 99.9% of viral and bacterial particles. The news follows concerns I raised back in March when we were still adjusting to the
TestSafe Mouthpiece Continue Reading »
After the dumpster fire of a year that was 2020 we would like to start 2021 off with some good news. Unfortunately, the new year started off with some bad news for drivers – tougher driving penalties. BC Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth wrote an op-ed in which he hinted at tougher penalties for
Tougher driving penalties in store for 2021 Continue Reading »
A nationwide survey has shed light on cannabis users’ driving habits. The Canadian Cannabis Survey (CSS), developed and implemented by Health Canada, looked at a range of behaviours relative to cannabis use, including driving. Among the survey’s insights was data showing a slight decrease in the frequency of people driving shortly after smoking marijuana. What
Canadians’ cannabis and driving habits revealed Continue Reading »
The consequences of dangerous driving can be severe and the law reflects this. It may come as a surprise to some but you can go to prison for dangerous driving causing bodily harm. Before that can happen, however, the Crown must prove all the elements of the offence were met. Depending on the seriousness of
Can I go to prison for dangerous driving? Continue Reading »
Losing your driver’s licence significantly affects your life. There are several reasons why you could lose your licence, but the good news is Acumen Law Corporation is here to make sure you keep your licence in BC. Your driving privileges are constantly under threat in BC. What’s more, getting your licence back after a DUI
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As well as the Responsible Driver Program, another intervention the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles issues is the Ignition Interlock Program. If you have recently received a driving prohibition, you may be unsure about whether you have to install an ignition interlock device. If you accept a driving prohibition or the prohibition is upheld, there is
Will I have to install an ignition interlock device? Continue Reading »
If you have been issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP), a 90-day Administrative Roadside Prohibition (ADP) or a Criminal Code conviction for drinking and driving you may be facing uncertainty about whether or not you will need to enrol in the Responsible Driver Program if the prohibition is upheld. There is no hard and
Will I have to enrol in the Responsible Driver Program? Continue Reading »
Whenever a driver blows a “Warn” or “Fail” on an approved screening device, they have the right to a second roadside analysis. The police officer must take the lower of the two readings. Denying a driver this right is sufficient grounds to overturn an immediate roadside prohibition. Right to a second roadside analysis Section 215.42
Do I have a right to a second roadside analysis? Continue Reading »
If you have recently received an Immediate Roadside Prohibition, you may want to know how to lodge an appeal. This blog will explain the Immediate Roadside Prohibition appeal process and how to avoid some common pitfalls. One thing to bear in mind is that the process is not designed to be easy. In criminal trials,
Immediate Roadside Prohibition appeal process explained Continue Reading »
