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According to the Innocence Project, 69% of wrongful convictions exonerated by DNA were the result of mistaken identity. Eyewitness accounts tend to weigh heavily in court, so criminal defence lawyers use the mistaken identity defence to discredit these accounts as soon as possible. They may attempt to question the witness’ memory and perception of the event. […]

WHAT IS A LIFE SENTENCE IN CANADA? What is a life sentence in Canada? A life sentence in Canada is 25 years in jail, to be served in a federal institution, and the remainder of the offender’s life will be spent on parole. A life sentence is also the maximum penalty under the Canadian Criminal Code.

Concerns over eyewitness testimony are nothing new in criminal trials. Studies have been showing significant concern over their accuracy, all the way back to the 1960s. Yet now, over half a century later, eyewitness testimony continues to play a major role in criminal trials. In fact, concerns about the reliability of eyewitness testimony were almost

Accepting to enter into a Peace Bond is not an admission of guilt. It is not an admissible of criminal liability or of civil liability. There is no criminal conviction registered on a criminal record and there is no finding of guilty, but there is an acknowledgement that the victim may have a concern for

You’re relaxing in your home when you receive a call from the police. The officer on the line informs you that the police want to interview you for a criminal investigation, that they want to ask a few questions, or maybe even tell you that they want your side of the story. Regardless of how

Mandatory minimum sentences control judicial discretion. This is supposed to help reduce certain crimes by sending a message to the public that these offences will not be tolerated, and they will be punished severely. In Canada, some sexual offences have mandatory minimums. For instance, sexual assault with a victim under 16-years old has a 1-year

In Canada, firearms are heavily regulated and offences are strictly enforced. Offences involving firearms have more severe sentencing. Even improper storage of a firearm can lead to jail time. Firearm sentences can be lengthy in Ontario. If you are facing firearms offences in Toronto, you should hire a criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. MANDATORY MINIMUMS

In some instances, the Crown will offer a diversion, or direct accountability, instead of seeking a criminal conviction. Although ‘diversion’ is not finding guilt, it may require offenders to accept responsibility and not all criminal charges are eligible for diversion. WHAT IS DIVERSION? Diversion is an alternative method of reparation instead of traditional sentencing such as

Most people have heard the warnings that you should not represent yourself in court. A lesson that criminal lawyers watch self-represent accused persons learn everyday in criminal courts. Without a strong knowledge of the law, rules of evidence and legal procedures, you’re bound to make mistakes. Misunderstanding an evidentiary rule or procedure could mean crucial