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When people drive under the influence, there is an increased likelihood of them causing an accident. DUI checkpoints also referred to as sobriety checkpoints, are commonly used to help get drivers under the influence off the road. Continue Reading

When the police or investigators show up at your door to make general inquires relating to a criminal offence, you do not have to answer any of their questions. You have the legal right to remain silent even when not being formally charged for a criminal offence. Continue Reading

After being arrested and charged with a criminal offence in Toronto or the GTA, your constitutional rights afford you the right to reasonable bail. Getting “bail” means getting a conditional release while you await the disposition of your charges – instead of being held in... Continue Reading

Youths are held to the same standards as adults when it comes to following the law. Youths can be charged with theft, robbery, assault, sexual assault, domestic assault, impaired driving, drug offences, weapons offences, and any other criminal offence defined by the Criminal Code... Continue Reading

Shoplifting is often associated with youth mischief.  Of course, youths are not the only ones that shoplift.  Many of those people found shoplifting are surprised to learn that they are not simply let go with a warning or told to simply never return to the store.  The reality is... Continue Reading

Myths about DUIs, and their consequences, are quite common because people charged with a DUI have often never been in trouble with the law before.  Many of those people make ill-informed decisions after making faulty assumptions, receiving advice from friends or family (who have... Continue Reading

A surety is a person who the Court approves to supervise an accused person who would otherwise remain in custody pending his or her trial.  The surety is responsible for supervising the accused throughout their criminal proceeding until it is fully resolved. Typically, this... Continue Reading

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