Pot pardon legislation doesn’t ‘go far enough'
Impeding legislation which would grant free pardons for Canadians convicted of simple marijuana possession is a “great start” but could be better, says Ottawa criminal lawyer Céline Dostaler.
Reasonable expectation of privacy depends on context
A recent Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision about privacy provides some important guidelines as invasive technology becomes more available.
In criminal proceedings, testimony is evidence
People charged with domestic violence are often surprised to learn that they can be convicted solely based on their partner’s testimony.
No evidence to prove gun bans work
A handgun ban will not reduce crime, and it may even encourage the growth of the illegal ownership of these weapons.
How to approach plea-bargain negotiations: A guide for new lawyers
While plea negotiations should be part of every criminal defence case, law schools provide only an academic sense of how they’re conducted, and offer little practical guidance.
Holiday RIDE Program Facts Every Ontario Driver Needs to Know
With the holiday season underway, so too are the holiday RIDE Program checkpoints. Each year, law enforcement agencies across Ottawa and throughout Ontario set up checkpoints in an effort to curtail impaired driving from both alcohol and drugs.
Cannabis-intoxication cases may bog down courts
Both technical and legal uncertainty about how using marijuana may cause driving impairment threaten to hamstring the court system as lawyers put the new laws on trial.
Charges for virtual crimes growing in digital era
It may be fun and exciting for couples to photograph each other during intimate moments, but Ottawa criminal lawyer Céline Dostaler says those who do run the risk of facing criminal charges if the photos are published online.
Understanding the legal landscape of domestic assault
“When clients seek my counsel in these situations, I typically go over the facts as to what the Crown is alleging and come up with a plan as to how we’ll proceed,” she says.
Presumption of innocence critical in sexual assault claims
The #MeToo movement has seen many high-profile people fall from positions of power, with some facing criminal charges.
