Cellphones now facilitate nearly all forms of business and personal activity. And there is no question that cellphones are used to facilitate criminal activity. It has been noted that cellphones are the "bread and butter" of the drug trade and the means by which...
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Ottawa Criminal Law Blog
The Offence of Intentionally Discharging a Firearm
by Bayne Sellar Ertel Carter | May 19, 2021 | Firearms
Imagine a scenario in which an individual fires a gun into the air in a crowded room. The offence of intentionally discharging a firearm being reckless to the life or safety of another person (s. 244.2 of the Criminal Code) is a newer firearm offence that was...
Government Introduces Bill to Get Rid of Mandatory Minimum for Firearms Offences
by Bayne Sellar Ertel Carter | May 12, 2021 | Firearms
As noted in a previous blog post, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, introduced proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The purpose of the Bill is to decrease the...
Using Text Messages from the Complainant at a Sexual Assault Trial
by Ian Carter | May 5, 2021 | Sexual Assault
In many sexual assault trials, an accused person will have a copy of text messages or emails from the person making the allegations (known in the criminal justice system as the "complainant"). Sometimes those communications might be about the offences themselves. ...
Police Need Warrant to Seize Airbag Control Module in Dangerous Driving Case
by Ian Carter | Apr 28, 2021 | Driving Offences
In a recent case before the Ontario Superior Court, an individual was charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. The charges arose out of a collision at an intersection as one the vehicles was attempting to make a left turn. At the outset of...
How much trouble can a teen get into for cyberbullying?
by Bayne Sellar Ertel Carter | Apr 26, 2021 | Criminal Harassment, Youth
Teenagers are typically more technologically savvy and connected than their parents. They use messaging apps and social media sites their parents may not even know about, which means that despite a parent's best efforts, their child can still do things they are not...
Government Introduces Bill to Get Rid of Mandatory Minimum for Drug Offences
by Ian Carter | Apr 21, 2021 | Drug Offences
On February 18, 2021, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, introduced proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The purpose of the Bill is to decrease the representation of...
Driver Acquitted of Impaired by Marijuana
by Ian Carter | Apr 14, 2021 | Driving Offences
In a recent decision from Saskatchewan, a driver has been acquitted of impaired by drug despite the evidence of a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE). The expert had relied on the following evidence in forming his opinion: • Reddish face; • Cannabis on his...
Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
On Behalf of Ian Carter | Apr 7, 2021 | Firearms
In a previous blog we discussed offences that involve possession of firearms. One of those offences that has a unique element is possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm (Section 95 of the Criminal Code). The Crown must prove that the accused:...
Occupying a Motor Vehicle Knowing an Unauthorized Firearm is Present
On Behalf of Ian Carter | Mar 30, 2021 | Firearms
Police stop a vehicle. There is a driver and a passenger. On the back seat lies a 45 calibre handgun in plain sight. As was discussed in a previous blog, the Crown has to prove that an accused has both knowledge of and control over a firearm before a conviction can...
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