Alberta needs a civilian board to oversee police forces in the province, so it is encouraging to see the province moving in that direction. According to media reports, the justice department has awarded a $150,000 contract to consultants so they can study different models of independent police complaint oversight, with an end-of-June deadline to report […]
Police in Alberta should not be left to police themselves Read More »
When any Canadian is charged with committing a crime, not only are they innocent until proven guilty but the court has to reach that verdict and decide on sentencing in a ‘reasonable’ amount of time. Sadly, that is not happening on a routine basis in the Alberta justice system at present, which opens up a
All criminal trials must be completed in a ‘reasonable’ time Read More »
When investigating allegations about the production, distribution and viewing of child porn, police must not violate an accused’s rights as granted by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These include being free from unreasonable search and seizure and to have a timely trial after a charge is laid. To read more, click here. More
Defences for those who are facing child porn charges Read More »
If you believe viewing or storing a small amount of child pornography is not a serious crime, think again. In Alberta, convictions for such offences are almost certain to be followed by jail sentences ranging from a few months to several years. In some circumstances, a conditional sentence order (house arrest) may be available, but
Jail is almost a certainty with child porn convictions Read More »
Theft and fraud are two of the most common offences committed in Canada. But if the amount stolen or defrauded is more than $5,000, the penalties for each crime rise substantially, with 14-year prison terms the maximum punishment for fraud. To read more, click here. More from Dunn & AssociatesWhite-collar crime in Alberta can take
Large theft and fraud offences can result in jail sentences Read More »
If you have been charged with a drug offence, you are not alone. Information from Calgary police show that in 2020, 365 possession charges were laid, along with 162 charges for possession for the purpose of trafficking. Any of those charges may have led to jail time for those charged, depending on the drug they were
Legal defences for those facing drug charges in Alberta Read More »
Some people believe that if a complainant in a sexual assault investigation asks for charges to be dropped, the issue will just go away. It is not that simple, as a Crown attorney can decide to proceed with the case, even with an unwilling alleged victim. To read more, click here. More from Dunn & Associates:
Only the Crown can have sex assault charges withdrawn Read More »
Police and the Crown treat assault allegations seriously, which is why it is why you should consult with an experienced criminal lawyer if you are being investigated for this offence. In all cases, the best line of defence depends on the circumstances and the evidence. To read more, click here. More from Dunn & Associates: Understanding
Circumstances dictate which defence is best with assault charges Read More »
With many sexual assault allegations, the key issue is whether consent was given. The court has determined that consent is an ongoing conversation – perhaps non-verbal – between partners to make sure both are comfortable at all stages of physical interaction. If a person allows you to kiss them, that does not give you permission
Consent is a key issue with many sexual assault allegations Read More »
