In Canada, everyone has the legal right to defend themselves or others in self-defence. Section 34 of the Criminal Code states that a person is not guilty if they act in self-defence or defence of another, provided their response is based on a reasonable belief and the acts are reasonable under the circumstances.
Charges ranging from murder to manslaughter to infanticide carry varying levels of moral blameworthiness and criminal punishment.
Canadian police continue to report hundreds of arrests each year for possession, accessing, and distribution of child sexual abuse material. National enforcement operations often involve dozens (and sometimes over a hundred) of suspects being charged in coordinated investigations, underscoring the scale and coordination of police crackdowns. These investigations target both individual users and organized distribution networks, reflecting law-enforcement efforts to both disrupt networks and deter individual offenders.
In the Ontario criminal court, psycholegal considerations can help mitigate accusations and potential penalties. Below, we take a closer look at integrating psychological evidence into the defence and explore trauma-induced defence strategies.
Missing court in Ontario can trigger a bench warrant or a discretionary bench warrant (an order that may give you a chance to attend before being arrested). Failing to attend as required can lead to new criminal charges, with potential jail and fines, even if your original case was minor.
Sexual assault charges in Canada can affect your career even without a conviction. Employers may suspend, investigate, or terminate employees based on allegations alone. Government jobs and regulated professions impose stricter consequences than private sector roles.
According to Canadian assault laws, you can face up to ten years in prison for assaulting someone with a weapon. In cases where an assault causes major injuries, the jail time can increase up to fourteen years.
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.