Canada’s firearm laws are some of the strictest worldwide, vigorously enforced by police, Crown prosecutors, and the courts. Convictions for unlawful possession carry severe penalties, including up to 14 years in prison. Given the complexity and seriousness of these laws, anyone charged with firearm possession offences should seek immediate legal assistance from an experienced firearms lawyer.
Of all available tools, an affidavit from the complainant is often the most effective. A verbal request alone typically carries less legal weight. A signed affidavit becomes part of the case record and may significantly influence the Crown’s decision. It’s essential to note that the accused and their lawyer cannot assist in or draft this affidavit. The process must be initiated solely by the complainant.
Sexual interference involves any sexual touching of someone under the age of 16. The charge often accompanies sexual assault allegations to increase the Crown’s chance of conviction.
The terms sexual assault and rape are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. For starters, while one is a criminal offence in Canada, the other is not. Rape hasn’t been listed as an offence in Canada’s Criminal Code since 1983, but that doesn’t mean that the act of rape isn’t extremely illegal. It is simply covered under the broader umbrella category of sexual assault.
If you are convicted of a sexual offence in Ontario, one of the automatic consequences is being listed on the Ontario Sex Offender Registry (OSOR), governed by Christopher’s Law. This provincial registry was created in 2001 in response to the tragic case of Christopher Stephenson, an 11-year-old victim of a repeat sexual offender. The registry’s primary purpose is to assist law enforcement in tracking and monitoring high-risk sexual offenders.
It’s virtually impossible to overstate how critical it is to be cognizant of age gaps in relationships. And it’s even more vital when young people are involved. Why? Based on the situation, dating a minor can be deemed illegal per Canadian law, and if you’re found guilty of an offence, you could end up dealing with very steep consequences.
Assault with a weapon and aggravated assault are serious offences under Canadian law with potentially severe penalties. A strong legal defence strategy depends on several factors, including weapon type, injuries, and the context of the offence.
Recording without consent may seem necessary or even justified, perhaps for legal or insurance-related reasons. But before you grab your device and hit “record,” it’s essential to learn the privacy laws in Canada and what they allow.
Domestic assault in Ontario is taken extremely seriously by both law enforcement and the courts. Still, many people are surprised to learn that terms like “domestic violence,” “spousal abuse,” or “intimate partner violence” are not explicitly defined in Canada’s Criminal Code.
In this article, we review the basics of emotional abuse law in Ontario, explore how family law and criminal law treat family aggression and discuss how domestic violence affects custody.