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 […]

In Canada, upon detention the Accused is eligible to a “ Show Cause Hearing” or a Bail hearing, which serves to determine whether the Accused should be released from custody while awaiting trial. This is an essential legal proceeding as it upholds the fundamental legal principle of presumption of innocence and ensures that pre-trial detention […]

Canada has strict laws surrounding the transfer, possession, and storage of firearms, and these offences are treated seriously under the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act. Many individuals facing these charges are unaware that even a technical breach, like improper storage or transferring a firearm without proper documentation, can result in criminal consequences. If you […]

Impaired driving remains one of the most aggressively prosecuted offences in Canadian criminal law. Whether it involves alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, being charged with impaired driving can carry serious legal and administrative consequences. These offences fall under Part VIII.1 of the Criminal Code, specifically sections 320.11 to 320.4, which were introduced through […]

If you are a permanent resident (PR), international student, work permit holder, or refugee claimant in Canada, a criminal charge can have life-altering immigration consequences. What many people don’t realize is that even a minor criminal conviction can trigger removal proceedings, denial of citizenship, or future inadmissibility to Canada. When criminal law intersects with immigration, […]

When you’re charged with a criminal offence in Canada, one of the most important early decisions you’ll make is how you want your trial to proceed. This choice is called an “election right,” and it determines whether your case will be heard by a judge alone or a judge and jury, and whether it will […]

In Canadian criminal law, a discharge allows an individual who has been found guilty to avoid a criminal conviction, provided certain legal and public interest criteria are met. Discharges are typically reserved for low-level, non-violent offences and first-time offenders where a conviction would cause more harm than good. There are two types of discharges available: […]

Canada is famous for its large landscapes and rich culture. It also has a long history that is deeply connected to horseback riding. Horses have been very important to the country’s growth, from early travel to transportation. But because laws and social norms change over time, there are now questions about what the law says […]