By LegalMatters Staff • Intimate partner violence can occur in a marriage, adult interdependent relationship or between people dating. It is experienced by people of all genders, ages, socioeconomic status, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, with women accounting for the vast majority of complainants. “This form of violence can occur in both public and private […]
Intimate partner violence can take many forms Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Canada’s age of consent is when a young person can be engaged in sexual activity, ranging from intimate kissing and fondling to sexual intercourse. The Criminal Code states that consent is the “voluntary agreement of the complainant to engage in the sexual activity in question.” It adds that consent cannot be
The age of consent is 16 – but there are some exceptions Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • A sexual assault charge can be laid with relatively little evidence, based solely on the allegations of one person. Those convicted will often be given a significant jail sentence. “The Supreme Court of Canada had determined that sexual assault does not depend solely on contact with any specific part of the
What to do if you have been charged with sexual assault Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Social media platforms such as Facebook and Snapchat are used to connect to friends and family. They can also be used to attempt to lure a child into a sexual encounter. In 2002 the crime of luring a child was added to the Criminal Code, making it illegal to communicate with
A harsh sentence could follow a conviction for child luring Read More »
A criminal breach of trust occurs when someone abuses a position of authority for self-benefit and against the interests of the person to whom they owe the duty of trust. This charge is most commonly laid where an employee steals from their employer. Examples of criminal breach of trust could include theft from an employer,
Employee theft is typically involved in a criminal breach of trust Read More »
The term “bail” has been used frequently in news reports lately, particularly in relation to Alberta residents who were charged after taking part in the Freedom Convoy. While most people have some understanding about bail, they may not fully understand what it means and why it is such a crucial part of our justice system.
Bail: a crucial element of the Canadian justice system Read More »
With oil prices surging and the provincial budget balanced, now may be the best time for the province to cut longstanding ties with the RCMP and establish a provincial police force. For its part, the province says it is currently weighing the pros and cons, insisting we have “an opportunity to look at new ways
Now may be the time for an Alberta Provincial Police Service Read More »
Earlier this year more than 10 men were charged with mischief after the truckers’ protest at Coutts, Alta. The charge may not sound serious, but a guilty verdict could be followed by incarceration. When it comes to protestors, the charge can be laid if you destroy or damage property, render property inoperative or ineffective or
The charge of mischief when it comes to protesters Read More »
The media paid plenty of attention to the truckers’ protest in Ottawa and at various border crossings including Coutts, Alta. Unfortunately, much of the coverage was one-sided and unfair to the protesters. We have to keep in mind that the right to protest is fundamental in a free and democratic society. To read more, click
Inconvenience caused by protests is a price worth paying Read More »
I have clients who have seen their cases presumptively adjourned three or four times now due to COVID-19. That is simply not fair, as they deserve their day in court. With each adjournment they grow more frustrated. No one wants the stigma of a criminal charge hanging over their head. They want their legal matters
Justice delayed is justice denied, COVID-19 or not Read More »
