Céline Dostaler

celine@celinedostaler.ca (613) 695-8595 Cell (613) 863-8595 (24/7)

Many Canadians illegally copy movies, TV shows or software

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Online piracy includes copying, modifying, distributing or selling software or online content, including music movies, TV shows, games and software. According to information from the Motion Picture Association (MPA) of Canada, 26 per cent of Canadian content consumers accessed pirated music, movies, TV shows, video games, e-books and/or software in 2021. […]

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Ransomware a growing problem for Canadian organizations

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • London Drugs had to close nearly 80 stores across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba after a ransomware attack in April 2023. According to the National Cyber Threat Assessment 2023-2024 published by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), ransomware is a persistent threat to Canadian organizations. “During a ransomware attack, malicious

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Large fines can be given with corporate fraud convictions

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Senior officers with corporations could be given a 14-year prison sentence if they were involved in corporate fraud worth more than $5,000. The same maximum penalty also applies if that fraudulent action affects the public market price of stocks, shares, merchandise or anything offered for sale to the public. “Since corporations

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A term in prison almost certain for U.S. child pornography offenders

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Many products flow easily over the Canada/U.S. border, including child pornography, with both countries handing out harsh sentences to perpetrators. “Child pornography is illegal under federal and state laws in the United States and is punishable by up to life imprisonment and fines of up to US$250,000,” says Ottawa criminal lawyer

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Indecent exposure involving children offends public sensibilities

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • If someone deliberately exposes their genitals or nipples to someone under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose they could be charged with indecent exposure. The setting for this crime can be in public parks, changerooms or anywhere children can be found. A related charge involves committing an indecent act.

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Understand the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Most Canadians look for ways to reduce the amount of taxes they pay to the government each year. Some tactics, such as investing in tax-sheltered accounts, are perfectly legal. But other strategies may be regarded as either tax avoidance or tax evasion. While the second can result in criminal charges, tax

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Stiff penalties given for driving under the influence of drugs

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Some people may believe they can drive after consuming cannabis or some other drug. They are risking losing their licence and they could be fined or jailed. That is because the Criminal Code states that it is an offence to operate a “conveyance while the person’s ability … is impaired to

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The age of consent in Canada is 16 in most instances

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Generally speaking, the age of consent in Canada is sixteen. That is when a young person can legally agree to sexual activity, ranging from kissing and fondling to sexual intercourse. But there are some exceptions when it comes to consent. “Sexual activity without consent is a criminal offence, regardless of age,”

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What is the offence of sharing intimate pictures online?

/ Criminal Law /

By LegalMatters Staff • Two common reasons for the non-consensual distribution of intimate images are revenge porn and cyberbullying, though some people may not know what those terms mean. “Revenge porn describes the act of receiving an intimate image or video from someone and then distributing it without their consent,” says Ottawa criminal lawyer Céline

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