We at Acumen Law know that these are scary and unusual times for everyone. We all have to take precautions to reduce the risk of spread of this disease and to protect our loved ones and ourselves.
However, we also know that at Acumen Law we need to ensure that we are taking adequate precautions to protect you and your rights.
All Acumen Law offices remain OPEN for business during this time frame, with some adjustments.
First, our offices will not be scheduling any in-person appointments, nor will we be accepting walk-in appointments for the foreseeable future. Anything that we are working on for you, including consultations, can be done remotely.
If you require a consultation, please contact our office by telephone or email using the contact form on our website. We are still answering telephone calls 24/7 in case of emergencies. Additionally, we are in the office working on your cases, though in a reduced capacity.
To reduce the spread of or potential for spread of disease, we have instituted strict protocols that anyone who is ill is to remain at home. Anyone who has had contact with an infected person is also to remain at home and work from home. Our staff and lawyers in our office are working staggered shifts, to prevent workplace overlap. Anyone who wishes to work from home is being allowed to do so.
This means that it may take longer than normal for someone to answer your questions about your case. Please be patient during this unusual time.
If you have an upcoming court appearance your appearance will be adjourned. All matters between now and May 4, 2020 are being adjourned until after that time.
If you have an upcoming trial, your trial will be adjourned. All trials between now and May 4, 2020 are being adjourned and will be rescheduled as of mid-May or mid-June. You will not be required to attend court for your trial if it is taking place between now and May 4, 2020. Any trials scheduled after that will proceed as normal, unless further notice is given.
If you have an upcoming traffic ticket, your traffic ticket hearing is already adjourned. All traffic tickets set for hearing between now and May 4, 2020 are being adjourned and will be re-set with our office after the courts resume normal operation. If you disputed your ticket yourself, you will receive a new date in the mail and we ask that you notify us of that as soon as possible.
Rest assured, we are working as hard as we can on your case and others that come to us in the meantime.
If you have a hearing with RoadSafetyBC, your hearing will proceed as normal. These hearings are conducted by telephone and we already have procedures in place to allow us to do them remotely. Your case will not be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Finally, if you have received a driving prohibition, please call our office as soon as possible. We are still working to fight driving prohibitions through review letters and review hearings during this time. Adjudicators at ICBC and RoadSafetyBC are still conducting hearings and making decisions about your driving privileges. Nothing about the COVID-19 outbreak has stopped this process.
It is important that if you are facing a driving prohibition you contact us as soon as possible. The limitation periods that you are facing continue to apply during this time.
In the meantime, wash your hands, avoid contact with other people, and be respectful to the needs of others. Things will return to normal soon, and we will still be here to service all your legal needs then, now, and in the time in between.