Author: Rachel Lichtman

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 can be thin—and a mistaken belief defence must meet...

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 may be available is essential to protecting...

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 manage individuals before trial or as a preventive measure to protect others...

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 type of evidence is gathered, presented, and...

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 carrying a knife, understanding the law is critical to...

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 Canada,...

Being charged with domestic assault can upend your life overnight. One of the most urgent and emotionally distressing questions people ask is: “Can I go back home after a domestic assault charge?” The answer depends on the outcome of your bail hearing, the terms of your release, and the legal strategy your defence lawyer pursues. This article explains when and how you may be allowed to return...

In many domestic assault cases, the complainant later decides they no longer want the accused to be prosecuted. Whether it’s due to reconciliation, a change in perspective, or concerns about how the charges will affect family life, one of the most common questions asked is: Can domestic assault charges be dropped by the victim in Canada? The short answer is no—not directly. Once a domestic...

A charge of domestic assault involving choking is among the most serious and aggressively prosecuted offences in Canada’s criminal justice system. Unlike a typical assault allegation, choking is considered a higher-risk indicator of escalating intimate partner violence. As a result, the legal consequences and societal stigma are severe—and the Crown will often seek detention or significant...

A charge of domestic assault with a weapon is among the most serious allegations an individual can face in Canada’s criminal justice system. While it shares legal elements with general assault charges, domestic assault with a weapon carries additional legal, procedural, and social consequences due to its classification as an intimate partner violence offence. This article outlines everything...