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When one is charged with a criminal offence in Ontario, part of the legal process is ensuring the accused gets a bail hearing in a timely manner – this is a constitutional right for anyone charged with a criminal offence who is held in custody. The purpose of the bail hearing is... Continue Reading

In Toronto and everywhere else in Canada, if you threaten another, where you state that you will seriously injury or kill them, burn, destroy, or damage their property, or poison, injure, or kill their pet – you could be charged with the criminal charge of Uttering a... Continue Reading

One common question that arises when someone is a first-time offender for a DUI is whether they need to hire a DUI lawyer in Toronto – or anywhere else for that matter. The answer to this question can be complicated due to the nature of DUI offences and the specific circumstances... Continue Reading

When we talk about the taking of another’s property or money, two criminal offences that come to mind for most people are robbery and theft. While these crimes have some similarities, they are actually two different types of criminal offences with key differences. Continue Reading

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a delay in criminal proceedings in Toronto Courts, as well as Ontario Courts. During the past several months the Courts have only been addressing urgent matters relating to criminal proceedings, like bail hearings. Continue Reading

When you are pulled over by the police, it can be rather stressful. You may not know what you did wrong and the reason why the police have stopped you.  If this happens to you, take a deep breath – remember you have rights that are guaranteed to you under the Canadian... Continue Reading

One common myth about being charged with a DUI in Toronto is that it is not a profoundly serious offence. Some people also believe a DUI is a traffic offence. Due to these misconceptions, unfortunately, people will sometimes plead guilty to the DUI just to have the matter... Continue Reading

Back in March, the Ontario Court of Justice decided to suspend all non-urgent criminal proceedings until after May 29, 2020.  This date has since been amended.  Criminal offences, like impaired driving, shoplifting, drug offences, youth court cases, and so on, will still be... Continue Reading

Several rights come into play when an individual is arrested and charged with a criminal offence.  One of those rights is the right to have a bail hearing and the right not to be denied reasonable bail without just cause.  For many minor offences, the police have been granted the... Continue Reading

One common misconception some people have is that they can easily represent themselves when charged with a DUI. While this is certainly their right, what they fail to understand is they are not well-versed in criminal law and criminal law proceedings. Continue Reading

Domestic assault is a serious criminal offence and the Courts view this type of assault as very serious in nature. Due to the fact that the victim knows their assailant, often in a familial relationship, those charged with, found guilty/convicted of domestic assault often face... Continue Reading

The YCJA (Youth Criminal Justice Act) outlines the procedures and rights of youths between the ages of 12 and 17 who have been charged with a criminal offence in Ontario. With the passing of the Cannabis Act, it has raised many questions for youths and what is legal and what is... Continue Reading

Police throughout Ontario will kick off the 2019 holiday RIDE program on Saturday, November 23, 2019, and will continue until January 2, 2020. The program is a series of checkpoints that are set up throughout the province, including here in Toronto. Continue Reading

With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada, DUI and impaired driving laws had to be modified to include impairment by cannabis. The newly modified laws have outlined different provisions that include significant penalties and consequences if convicted and found... Continue Reading

Even though marijuana has been legalized for recreational use in Canada, it does not mean you can use it freely wherever you want, whenever you want. There are specific regulations one must follow when using recreational marijuana. If you fail to adhere to these, you could end up... Continue Reading

According to the Canadian Criminal Code it is illegal to knowingly threaten to cause death or bodily harm to a person.  Section 264.1(1) also makes it clear that it is a criminal offence to knowingly threaten to burn, destroy or damage real or personal property, or to threaten to... Continue Reading

Every Canadian has certain legal rights and protections afforded to them by law. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of these rights and protections. While no one ever wants the police to show up at their door uninvited, it does happen. When they do knock on your door, you will... Continue Reading

Domestic assault is a special type of assault that is considered a hybrid criminal offence (it can be prosecuted summarily or by indictment) involving people considered to be in an intimate relationship. Domestic assault offences could range from assaults between married spouses... Continue Reading

When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office, he promised to legalize cannabis (marijuana) for recreational use. Initially, July 1, 2018 was said to be a deadline for the first legalized sales of marijuana in the country. Even though the bill (Bill C-45) passed the House of... Continue Reading

It is late at night and your phone starts ringing. You pick up the phone and find yourself talking to a local law enforcement officer. They are calling to inform you that your adult child was arrested and has been detained for some criminal offence. They let you know that your... Continue Reading

In today’s social media driven society, stalking is a growing concern for many people. We share a lot of personal information about ourselves on social media sites that others can often easily access without our permission. Aside from being stalked online through social media... Continue Reading

Being charged with any sexual assault offence is a serious crime. If you are convicted and found guilty of the offence, not only can you face imprisonment, you can also have your reputation ruined for the rest of your life. Further, you can be placed on the Sexual Offender... Continue Reading

During the holiday season, the number of people charged with impaired driving and driving under the influence (DUI) offences increases significantly. Part of the reason for this increase is people do not plan ahead when heading off to holiday parties and celebrations. Continue Reading

One common misconception many drivers have is that impaired driving offences only apply if one drinks and consumes alcoholic beverages. However, this is not true or accurate. The Criminal Code of Canada and Highway Traffic Act define impairment offences as those that limit or... Continue Reading

Youths, under the age of eighteen can be charged with criminal offences just like adults. They are bound by the same laws and held accountable for their actions when they commit a crime as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada. While the law, as governed by the Youth Criminal... Continue Reading