Assault in Canadian law encompasses almost any intentional act of violence towards another person without consent. Even uttering threats in Canada may constitute assault. While most assault cases involve physical contact, simply waving your fist at someone might be assault. As can threatening someone verbally. Uttering threats is a charge that may arise out of […]
Why uttering threats in Canada can get you in trouble Continue Reading »
When a person is in contact with the police, their information is stored even if that person is later found not guilty or released without charge. This is known as a non-conviction record. While this information is shared between police in different jurisdictions and is used every single day in investigations, the use, or rather
Non-conviction record Continue Reading »
When Covid-19 restrictions are eventually eased it will be a good reason to throw a party. While many people will attend house parties, drink alcohol, and use cannabis, it is a sad fact that some of those people will drive home and crash their vehicles. With that in mind, if you plan to host a
What is social host liability? Continue Reading »
If you get an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) in BC, you can be forced to have a Smart Start ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Aside from being a huge inconvenience, these devices are expensive. Not only do you have to pay to have it installed, but you also need to pay Smart Start
How to get Smart Start requirement reduced or revoked Continue Reading »
A recent case has clarified entrapment law in Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that police conducting “dial-a-dope” investigations must form a reasonable suspicion that the person answering the phone is engaged in drug dealing before asking them to sell drugs. From time to time, police receive unsubstantiated tips about phone numbers allegedly used
What is entrapment law in Canada? Continue Reading »
Policing all over the world is under the spotlight following the death of George Floyd in the US. Changes to the way people and law enforcement interact might be on the horizon, but until then you should know what to do when you are pulled over or stopped by a police officer. We put together
What to do when you are pulled over Continue Reading »
For more than 20 years I have defended impaired driving cases, but the last ten years witnessed the most dramatic developments. The last decade of DUI law in B.C. was a huge departure from previous years. The federal and provincial governments have done everything they can to claw back rights under the Charter, to take
Ten Years of the IRP Scheme in BC Continue Reading »
Good news for people cooped up in their homes due to Covid-19 restrictions: drinking in public might be a thing this summer. A Vancouver city councillor plans to present a motion to permit the consumption of alcoholic drinks in designated areas in parks and on beaches. With bars, pubs, and restaurants closed for the foreseeable
Drinking in public: public intoxication laws in Canada Continue Reading »
Police in some parts of Canada are targeting stunt driving in response to a reported increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although traffic has drastically fallen during the outbreak, drivers in B.C. should still be conscious that police are looking out for people driving in an unsafe way. This blog will explore what constitutes stunt driving,
Police targeting stunt driving Continue Reading »
There are several ways that RoadSafety can suspend or put restrictions on your driver’s license for a medical reason. This includes a Driver’s Medical Examination Report, an Urgent Cancellation or Notice to Cancel, an Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA) Review or a Restriction on your license. Below are the ways to dispute each type of prohibition
Disputing a Prohibition from Driving for Medical Fitness Continue Reading »
British Columbia’s chief judge has issued a new practice directive for pre-trial conferences during COVID-19. If you have a youth or adult criminal file at a Provincial Court then you must now have a pre-trial conference. This blog will inform you what you have to give your lawyer ahead of your pre-trial conference and why
How to prepare for pre-trial conferences during COVID-19 Continue Reading »
Almost every person who is charged with a domestic violence offence will be prohibited from going to the family home while they wait for their court case to be resolved. You will usually be permitted to have one visit, supervised by the police, to pick up essential belongings. Other than that, you will need to
Bail conditions if you are charged with domestic violence Continue Reading »
