CRIMINAL LAW BLOG
Insights Into Criminal Law: Stay Informed and Protected
Parents Acting as Sureties: Responsibilities & Risks
Parents acting as sureties is one of the most common scenarios in Canadian bail proceedings, particularly when the accused is a youth or a young adult still living at home. A surety is an individual who takes responsibility for supervising
Youth Bail Hearings: Process, Conditions, and Parental Role
Youth bail hearings are one of the most critical stages in the Canadian criminal justice process for young people. When a youth is arrested and charged with an offence, the question of whether they will be released back into the
Youth Sexual Assault Charges: Legal Process, Consequences
Youth sexual assault charges are among the most serious allegations a young person can face in Canada. These charges not only carry the potential for significant legal consequences but also have lasting effects on a youth’s reputation, education, employment opportunities,
Youth Diversion: Programs, Eligibility, and Benefits in Canada
Youth diversion in Canada is an important alternative to the traditional court process for young people charged with criminal offences. Rather than focusing on punishment, youth diversion programs aim to address the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and give young
Show Cause Hearing: Bail Process, Proof, and Legal Rights
A show cause hearing is one of the most important stages in the Canadian criminal justice process, especially for those facing the prospect of remaining in custody while awaiting trial. Understanding what a show cause hearing is, why it takes
Parental Responsibility in Youth Crime: Duties and Consequences
Parental responsibility in youth crime is an important issue in Canadian criminal law that affects not only the young person charged with an offence but also their family. When a youth is accused of committing a crime, parents and guardians
Recognizance Orders: Conditions, Breaches, and Legal Rights
A recognizance order is a formal court order that requires an individual to enter into a binding agreement to follow specific conditions, usually as part of bail or peace bond proceedings. In Canadian criminal law, recognizance orders are a central
Bail Conditions in Canada
Understanding Bail in Canada When someone is charged with a criminal offence in Canada, one of the first questions that arises is whether they will be released on bail while awaiting trial. Bail, formally referred to as judicial interim release,
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
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
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
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