Latest News

A weapons prohibition order is issued by a judge under either section 109 order or section 110 order of the Canadian Criminal Code. The order prohibits a convicted person from using or possessing restricted or prohibited firearms, crossbows, prohibited devices, ammunition, prohibited ammunition and explosive substances. It is considered an ancillary order after a person has […]

A Gardiner Hearing is when evidence is called during sentencing after an accused person has entered a guilty plea to outstanding charges, or in very rare instances has been found guilty after a trial. During a Gardiner Hearing evidence is presented to the Judge on aggravating or mitigating facts that are in dispute by either the Crown

Netflix’s Killer Inside is the latest documentary to pose the question, “what role does traumatic brain injury play in criminal activity.” Following the story of Aaron Hernandez, it looks at the potential link between the prevalence of concussions and CTE in the NFL, and violent crimes. The idea of CTE having possible ties to violent crime is

The OCJ is adjourning all criminal matters as a result of the COVID-19 precautions. Starting Monday, March 16, 2020, the Ontario Court of Justice suspended the regular daily operations of all trial courts. All scheduled trials, set-date appearances, scheduled appearances and motions have been adjourned automatically for 10-weeks. The Covid-19 Court adjournments are intended to

While the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice are being forced to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic by embracing the widespread use of telephone conference calls, video appearances and virtually courtrooms where all the participants are appearing remotely. The courts are also continuously considering how the COVID-19 precautions are impacting on

What Are Temporary Absence Permit (TAP) Requests? TAPs allow inmates serving a sentence, of less than two years (provincial sentences) to be released into the community before their parole eligibility dates. TAPs can be granted for periods ranging from several hours to attend a funeral, to several days to visit a child in the hospital

As concerns around COVID-19 spreads, we take a quick look at a common question during any outbreak. Can you go to jail for spreading a contagious virus or disease? It is rare for a person to be held criminally liable for spreading a virus, although it can happen. Knowingly spreading HIV, for instance, can lead

When going away on vacation, tourists get all sorts of advice on how to protect their belongings. Using a money belt to avoid pickpockets, having lockable zippers on luggage and bags, and only carrying around as much money as you’ll need for the day. It’s pretty much the same advice anywhere you go. But there’s

Toronto’s drug laws have been changing since the legalization of marijuana, but how police identify grow ops has not changed much. Pardons for marijuana possession allow some people to clear their criminal records. For other offences, like drug cultivation, selling to minors, and DUI offences, the sentencing for marijuana charges is more severe. Although Toronto residents can now