We are often contacted by people who want to fight tickets that they were issued in private parking lots. We don’t deal with these cases because it never makes sense to hire a lawyer for a parking ticket. As well, unlike traffic tickets or driving offences, there is no dispute provision written into law. If […]
What’s the deal with paid parking lots? Continue Reading »
So, you’ve committed a hit and run and now you’re worried about the police finding you. You are already dealing with fear, uncertainty, and the weight of not knowing what comes next. This blog post will help to understand what you need to know and what is likely to happen next if you are involved
I Committed a Hit and Run. How Long Until Police Find Me? Continue Reading »
In British Columbia, as well as the rest of Canada, individuals charged with a criminal offence have the right to seek bail. Bail is the ability to be released from custody while awaiting trial. However, not all bail hearings are treated the same. In certain cases, the usual presumption of release does not apply, and instead,
The Need to Knows of Reverse Onus Bail Continue Reading »
The short answer: Yes, but only in specific, limited circumstances. Under Section 487.11 of the Criminal Code of Canada, police can conduct warrantless searches and seizures. However, these searches are considered prima facie (on the face of it) unreasonable. This means the prosecution must justify the search or seizure as lawful and necessary in court. There are
Can the Police Search Your Phone Without a Warrant? Continue Reading »
Alcohol breath-testing machines, commonly called breathalyzers, are used across Canada to estimate blood-alcohol concentration (BAC). Police rely on them daily, courts admit their results, and lives are shaped by the numbers that appear on the screen. Yet these results are only estimates, and what the machines measure leaves out a large part of what is
Physiological Unknowns in Breath Testing: What the Machines Miss Continue Reading »
Breaking and entering is a serious criminal offence in Canada. While many assume it only applies to theft-related scenarios, the law casts a broader net. Whether a person intends to steal, commit another crime, or simply enters unlawfully, the consequences of a breaking and entering conviction can be severe. What Is Breaking and Entering? Under
Breaking and Entering in Canada: What You Should Know Continue Reading »
You have been released on a criminal undertaking in British Columbia—maybe with conditions like a curfew, a no-contact order, or a restriction on where you can go. But life moves fast, and sometimes those conditions do not fit your reality for long. Maybe you got a new job, need to care for your children, or
What is a Criminal Undertaking and How Can I Vary One? Continue Reading »
Let’s say your significant other shared some embarrassing information about you in public. It is not uncommon for someone to jokingly react with “I am going to kill you!”. However, you may want to think twice about that comment. Let’s talk about uttering threats under the Criminal Code. What Is Uttering a Threat? Under Section
What Does it Mean to Utter a Threat? Continue Reading »
What is assault in Canada and how can I be convicted of assault without touching anyone? It may sound surprising to hear, but you could be found guilty of assault without violent or forceful contact. When most people think of assault, they imagine a physical altercation — a shove, a punch, or some form of
Can I Be Convicted of an Assault if I Never Touched Anyone? Continue Reading »
Most people have heard the term “criminal harassment,” but many are not exactly sure what it means, or how serious it can be. Whether you’ve been accused of harassment, know someone who has, or just want to stay informed, understanding the basics can make a big difference. What Is Criminal Harassment? Criminal harassment happens when
The Need to Knows About Criminal Harassment Continue Reading »
Canada has some of the strictest firearm laws in the world, with regulations in place to ensure public safety and reduce the risk of violence. Not only can an individual receive a prohibition from possessing, using or owning firearms when they are convicted of a criminal offence, but they can also receive a firearms prohibition
Understanding Firearm Prohibitions in Canada Under Section 117.05 Continue Reading »
If you have been charged with a crime and placed under a no-contact order by the police or court, you may be able to have it removed or modified. The conditions can be modified to include exceptions for contact via text/phone or in public place. This generally depends on the severity of the alleged offence, the complainant’s wishes
How to Remove a No-Contact Order in Canada Continue Reading »
