Mandatory Minimums for Drug Offences
Drug charges in Canada can lead to serious legal consequences—including jail time, even for first-time offenders. While sentencing in most criminal cases allows for judicial discretion, certain drug offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) have historically carried mandatory minimum sentences. These minimums remove flexibility and can dramatically raise the stakes for anyone […]
Youth Record Disclosure Rules
A youth criminal record is not the same as an adult criminal record—but that doesn’t mean it disappears entirely or can never be disclosed. In Canada, youth record disclosure rules are governed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), which offers young people special protections while still holding them accountable for their actions. However, in […]
Consent and Mistaken Belief Defence
In sexual assault cases, two of the most complex and scrutinized legal concepts are consent and mistaken belief in consent. These issues often form the core of the trial, especially when there is no physical evidence or witnesses beyond the complainant and the accused. In Canadian criminal law, the line between consent and criminal liability […]
Theft from Employer Charges
Being accused of theft from your employer is a serious matter under Canadian criminal law. These charges can involve more than just losing your job—they can lead to a criminal record, jail time, and long-term damage to your personal and professional reputation. If you’ve been charged, understanding how these cases are handled and what defences […]
What Is a Recognizance Order?
A recognizance order is a legal mechanism in Canadian criminal law that allows a person to be released under certain conditions—usually as part of a bail arrangement or peace bond. It is a formal promise, backed by a monetary pledge, to abide by the terms imposed by the court. Recognizance orders are commonly used to […]
Social Media Evidence in Criminal Cases
Social media is now a powerful—and often dangerous—source of evidence in criminal investigations. What you post, like, message, or share online can be used in court to build a case against you or others. In Canadian criminal law, social media evidence is increasingly central to how charges are laid, prosecuted, and defended. Understanding how this […]
Weapons Charges for Carrying a Knife
Many Canadians are surprised to learn that carrying a knife—something as ordinary as a pocketknife or utility blade—can result in criminal charges. Whether or not a knife is considered a weapon under Canadian law depends heavily on the intent, context, and design of the blade. If you’ve been charged with a weapons offence related to […]
Criminal Harassment vs Stalking: What’s the Difference?
While the terms criminal harassment and stalking are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they have specific meanings under Canadian criminal law. Understanding the distinction is important if you’ve been accused of either, or if you’re trying to defend yourself against unwarranted allegations. What Is Criminal Harassment? Under section 264 of the Criminal Code of […]