How Probation Works
In Canada, the courts have the authority to issue a probation order that restricts the activities and behaviour of an offender. These restrictions are often related to the charges or…
Street Checks and Knowing Your Rights (Canada)
Nova Scotia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mark Furey, directed the province’s police force to stop using street checks as a quota system or performance measurement tool. His decision…
How to Write a Character Reference Letter for Court
A magistrate or judge will read the character reference before deciding what penalty to impose. The reference is most helpful when it is written by someone who has known the…
Impaired Driving Guide
How Drugs and Alcohol Affect Your Driving Many drugs, including those prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter, can impair your ability to drive safely. For example, smoking,…
Theft Charges in Canada: Understanding Under and Over $5,000
What is theft? Theft is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Generally, theft occurs when a person fraudulently and without colour of right takes, obtains, or withholds…
Robbery Charges in Canada: Definition, Penalties, and Defences
What is robbery under the Criminal Code? Section 343 of the Criminal Code states that everyone commits robbery who: (a) steals and, for the purpose of extorting whatever is stolen,…
Mischief Charges in Canada: Under $5,000 vs. Over $5,000
Mischief Over/Under Charges What is mischief? The definition of mischief is found in the Criminal Code at section 430. Generally, mischief occurs when a person does any of the following:…
Impaired Driving in Ontario: Laws, Penalties, and What to Expect
How drugs and alcohol affect your driving Many drugs, even those prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter, can impair your ability to drive safely. For example, smoking,…
Break and Enter Charges in Canada: What You Need to Know
Under the law, you may have several valid defences to a break charge, including violations of your rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Entering a guilty plea to…
Drug Charges in Canada: Offences, Penalties, and Defences
Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, various criminal charges can arise from the possession or trafficking of drugs and controlled substances. The level of severity of a drug charge…