The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) is the federal law that governs how criminal charges are handled for young people in Canada. It’s meant to recognize that youth are different from adults in terms of development, maturity, and responsibility. The YCJA creates a separate justice system for youth that focuses on rehabilitation, reintegration, and accountability […]

The Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) is federal legislation in Canada that creates and governs the national sex offender registry. The registry is designed to assist law enforcement in preventing and investigating sexual offences by maintaining up-to-date information on individuals convicted of certain sexual crimes. If you are convicted of a designated sexual offence, […]

Theft and fraud are two of the most commonly prosecuted criminal offences in Canada and they often catch people off guard. What might seem like a “minor” incident, like forgetting to scan an item or shoplifting a $30 product, can still result in a criminal record that affects your future employment, travel, and more. If […]

In Canada, section 160 of the Criminal Code makes it a criminal offence to engage in bestiality, which is defined in law as any contact, for a sexual purpose, with an animal (Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, s. 160). This modern definition was introduced on June 21, 2019, through Bill C-84, in direct response […]

Animal cruelty is taken seriously in Canadian law, with offences covered primarily under Part XI of the Criminal Code, as well as under provincial laws such as Saskatchewan’s Animal Protection Act, 2018. These laws recognize that animals are sentient beings and protect them from unnecessary pain, suffering, or neglect. The main Criminal Code provisions dealing […]

Robbery is one of the most serious violent offences under Canadian criminal law. It involves theft that is carried out with violence, the threat of violence, or intimidation. If you or a loved one is facing a robbery charge, it’s critical to understand your rights, the potential consequences, and how a criminal defence lawyer can […]

Under the Canadian Criminal Code, when a matter goes to trial, there are several stages that it goes through, including a preliminary inquiry. Though not as well-known as trials, preliminary inquiries can play a pivotal role in building a defense and shaping case outcomes. It is essential to understand how running a preliminary hearing may […]

In Canada, individuals who are subject to the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) may have the opportunity to end their registration obligations before the full duration expires—provided they meet specific legal requirements. The procedures and criteria for seeking early termination are outlined in sections 490.015 and 490.016 of the Criminal Code of Canada. Eligibility […]

Some offenders are sentenced to a conditional sentence order (CSO).  A CSO is considered a custodial sentence served in the community, where the risks can be managed (SCC R v Proulx). Usually, an offender is placed on strict conditions, including the statutory conditions (keep the peace) in addition to curfew, abstain, non-contact, or other clauses. […]

A traffic stop can be a stressful experience, especially if you are unaware of the full force of rights available to you and what steps you may take in such a situation. Being aware of what to do during a traffic stop in Saskatchewan may help alleviate some of your stress and ensure that the […]