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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

A criminal conviction does not automatically mean a jail sentence. In some instances, depending on the circumstances and the allegations, judges have access to alternative sentencing options, instead of imposing a jail sentence, the Judge could consider Probation Orders as an appropriate alternative. Probation Orders are not to be considered a sentence but rather a component

Back in October, we discussed Project Community Space, a Toronto Police program meant to help curb gang and gun violence. Record high shootings in the city prompted police to take proactive measures to prevent or reduce criminal activity in high-risk neighbourhoods. 15 weeks and $4.5 million dollars in funding later, Project Community Space has come to

Likes, shares, and emoticons may not have a very gangster image – but they’re becoming an essential part of gang culture. Social media is changing the way gang members interact with their peers, rivals, and community, and does it increase gang violence? CYBERBANGING Cyberbangingis an umbrella term used for gang activity on social media. Also