Céline Dostaler

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

Finding the best defence strategy for suspects charged with robbery

Those charged with robbery may feel their world has been turned upside down. If a weapon was involved in the alleged incident, the penalty upon conviction could include time behind bars. There is also a social cost, with friends, family and business associates questioning if they can still trust you. An experienced defence lawyer can advise […]

Finding the best defence strategy for suspects charged with robbery Read More »

Understanding the charge of being unlawfully in a dwelling-house

If someone is in any sort of residence and they are uninvited, they could be charged with being unlawfully in a dwelling-house. It is assumed they have criminal intentions, such as theft, or perhaps to provoke an unwanted encounter with the home’s residents. To secure a conviction, the Crown must prove the accused had no

Understanding the charge of being unlawfully in a dwelling-house Read More »

When violence is part of theft it becomes a robbery

There are two essential elements of robbery: the theft or extortion of property and the utilization of a weapon (or even just the implied threat of violence). The justice system treats this crime seriously. It was once even punishable by death, according to the Canadian Encyclopedia. Life imprisonment is the current maximum penalty if a

When violence is part of theft it becomes a robbery Read More »

White-collar crime suspects need to speak to their lawyer first

When people are told they are been investigated about their possible role in an alleged criminal activity, their immediate impulse may be to give their side of the story, thinking that will exonerate them. That is not a wise strategy. Their words may still implicate them. If you are being investigated for your involvement in

White-collar crime suspects need to speak to their lawyer first Read More »

Various defences possible for those accused of white-collar crime

When I have a client who is facing charges such as fraud, embezzlement or others considered a white-collar crime, the first thing I do is sit down with them and review all the evidence the police must release through disclosure, as well as any documents they have that support their side in the case. This

Various defences possible for those accused of white-collar crime Read More »

White-collar crime evidence usually consists of financial records

Proving that an individual or a firm committed a white-collar crime such actions as tax evasion, fraud and money laundering is difficult in many cases, as much of the evidence will be in form of detailed paper and electronic records. As defence counsel for those charged with these crimes, part of my work involves carefully

White-collar crime evidence usually consists of financial records Read More »

canadian press

White-collar breach of trust a betrayal of shareholders

If you are a high-ranking official within a company or organization and improperly use its money or your influence for your personal benefit, you could be charged with criminal breach of trust. According to the s. 336 of the Criminal Code, breach of trust occurs when “a trustee of anything for the use or benefit, whether

White-collar breach of trust a betrayal of shareholders Read More »

White-collar crimes cause ‘more financial harm’ than other offences

White-collar crime, a term that encompasses frauds and thefts committed by business and government professionals, is not dependent on the threat of physical force or violence. Yet it is not a victimless crime, as a single scam can wipe out someone’s life savings or cost a group of investors dearly. As the Canadian Encyclopedia explains,

White-collar crimes cause ‘more financial harm’ than other offences Read More »

White-collar crime convictions often lead to time behind bars

The court weighs many factors when deciding the sentence in a white-collar crime, which includes securities fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion and money laundering. While the Criminal Code spells out maximums (two years less a day and a $5,000 fine for fraud below $5,000 and a maximum of 14 years in prison for fraud above $5,000), in

White-collar crime convictions often lead to time behind bars Read More »