It is against the law to drive while under the influence of marijuana. It has always been assumed that cannabis, like alcohol, impairs the perception, coordination, reflexes and judgment necessary for the safe operation of a motor vehicle. And, of course, there have been governmental studies addressing the question: Does marijuana impair driving? Interestingly, however, the findings do…

When people think of domestic abuse, they often focus on domestic violence. But domestic abuse includes any attempt by one person in an intimate relationship or marriage to dominate and control the other. Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose only: to gain and maintain total control over you. An…

What is sexual abuse? Sexual abuse is when an adult, adolescent or older child uses a younger child or youth for his or her own sexual pleasure. Sexual abuse can happen to both males and females, children and youth. It also includes “exploitation”—trafficking, prostitution and child sex abuse images (pornography). Children or youth can be sexually…

A white collar crime is a crime that is often committed by a professional that involves some type of fraud or deception that results in financial gain to the perpetrator or others. White collar crimes are serious offenses that must be taken seriously.  It is important to contact a lawyer as soon in the process…

What is impaired driving? What is DUI? Impaired driving is a criminal offence pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada. The offence occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while his or her ability to do so is impaired by the use of alcohol or drugs. DUI (or driving under the influence) is simply a…

What is the Youth Criminal Justice Act? Young people have rights and responsibilities when it comes to dealing with the police and breaking the law. A crime is an act that breaks one of Canada’s criminal laws. A crime is sometimes called “an offence”. For example, if someone robs a bank, they have committed the…

Manslaughter is an unlawful killing that doesn’t involve malice aforethought—intent to seriously harm or kill, or extreme, reckless disregard for life. The absence of malice aforethought means that manslaughter involves less moral blame than either first or second degree murder. (But plenty argue that some instances of felony murder, a form of first degree murder,…

Gang crimes are a central focus of police activity. In Ontario, the Crown has designated special teams of prosecutors for these offences. In order to protect yourself and your legal and personal interests, you need the services of a criminal defence lawyer with experience and legal skill, so that you have the same resources as…

A firearm is a portable gun (a barreled ranged weapon) that inflicts damage on targets by launching one or more projectiles driven by rapidly expanding high-pressure gas produced chemically by exothermic combustion (deflagration) of propellant within an ammunition cartridge.[If gas pressurization is achieved through mechanical gas compression rather than through chemical propellant combustion, then the gun is technically an air gun, not a firearm. Weapons Charge Lawyer…

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: their child has been charged with a crime. But in some cases, that nightmare can be made worse if their child’s criminal conduct can lead to criminal charges for the parents themselves. Thankfully, in most situations, this is not the case. As a general rule, if a minor commits a…