Criminal Offences
Sexual Offences
Sexual assault is the unauthorized, intentional touching of another person in circumstances of a sexual nature. Section 271 of the Criminal Code deals with sexual assault and Section 151 of the Criminal Code sets out the law for sexual interference. A lawyer can explain the implications of allegations of a sexual nature.
Over 80mg%, refusal to blow, Impaired & Driving Offences
The Criminal Code sets out the consequences of impaired driving, driving while prohibited and other offences. Motorists often lose their license pending a disposition in court and a conviction for a driving offence (for instance for a second DUI) often includes mandatory minimum jail sentences. Hefty fines, losing one’s license, jail time and requiring the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle are all possible consequences. A lawyer can explain the potential consequences in your particular scenario.
Criminal Harassment
Criminal harassment is defined as knowingly or recklessly harassing another person in a way that causes them to reasonably fear for their safety. A section 810 Criminal Code peace bond is a common resolution for such cases but a wide range of sentences are possible for criminal harassment.
Homicide
Homicide includes allegations ranging from manslaughter to murder and is likely the most serious offence in the Criminal Code. Those accused of homicide are faced with the prospect of a significant period of incarceration and sage legal counsel from a lawyer is essential to determining possible defences.
White Collar Crime
Fraud, forgery, and other offences, often involving financial transactions are significant and sometimes involve mandatory minimum sentences. These offences are serious even though they often occur in a business context and the victim usually suffers a financial loss. Fraud generally requires the element of loss and dishonesty on the part of the accused. Several other Criminal Code offences can be considered white-collar crimes. A lawyer can help understand the particulars of your case.
Drug Offences
Despite the recent legalization of cannabis, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act continues to tightly regulate and criminalize the possession and movement of numerous drugs. The Criminal Code also deals with offences including possessing the proceeds of a crime. Drug cases frequently involve search and seizure issues with warrants and Charter of Rights challenges. A lawyer with experience in this area can assist in understanding the potential defences which may exist in your case.
Weapons & Firearms
The Criminal Code criminalizes several firearms-related offences including, but not limited to, possession of a firearm, improper storage, carrying a concealed firearm, and others. The federal government introduced mandatory minimum sentences for several firearms-related offences and there have been recent amendments to many of these laws. Crown prosecutors treat firearms offences seriously given the nexus between firearms, organized crime, and public safety issues. A lawyer can help identify the possible consequences of a firearms charge.
Mischief
Mischief is described in the Criminal Code as interference with another individual’s property—regardless of whether this involves destroying, damaging, or obstructing another’s enjoyment of property. The consequences of a conviction for mischief are wide-ranging and depend on the particular circumstances of the case.
Assault, Aggravated Assault, Domestic Assault
The consequences of a finding of guilt for assault range from an absolute discharge to a hefty jail term depending on the type of assault (simple, aggravated, etc.) and the circumstances (bodily injuries, etc.). The unauthorized application of physical force, whether actual or threatened, is considered assault. Related offences, such as uttering threats to cause physical harm, are also included in the Criminal Code. The consequences of a conviction for assault or a related offence are wide-reaching. A lawyer can assist in understanding the potential consequences of the charges you face.