Most criminal offences in Canada are codified in the Criminal Code. The Criminal Code contains sections dealing with offences ranging from public order and firearms to driving, assaults, property and fraud. Criminal defence lawyers deal with the offences outlined in the Criminal Code as well as offences contained within the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (“CDSA”) which criminalizes the possession and trafficking of certain substances.
Federal crown prosecutors handle offences under the CDSA while provincial crown prosecutors handle offences under the Criminal Code.