Viewing Posts Categorized "Criminal Law"
Refusing a Breathalyzer
Refusing a breath demand is its own criminal offence carrying the same penalties as impaired driving — and the defences are narrow.
Peace Bonds: When a s. 810 Resolves a Charge
A peace bond can end a criminal charge without a conviction or a finding of guilt. When the Crown agrees, what you give up, and what it leaves behind.
Your First Court Appearance: What to Expect
What actually happens at a first appearance in the Alberta Court of Justice — no plea, no trial, and usually no need for you to attend.
First-Time Impaired Driving Charge: Penalties and IRS
Most first-time impaired driving in Alberta now runs through the Immediate Roadside Sanctions program rather than criminal court. What that changes.
Domestic Violence Charges in Alberta: What Happens After Arrest
An arrest for domestic violence can be one of the most stressful moments in a person’s life. It often happens quickly, sometimes after a heated argument or a misunderstanding that escalates. Regardless of the circumstances, the legal process that follows is serious and can have lasting effects on your family, your reputation, and your freedom.
Impaired Driving in Edmonton: Understanding Alberta’s Tougher Rules
Impaired driving is one of the most common criminal charges in Alberta — and one of the most heavily penalized. With recent changes to both provincial and federal laws, even a single mistake behind the wheel can lead to immediate licence suspension, costly fines, and a lasting criminal record.
Youth Criminal Justice in Alberta: How the System Handles Young Offenders
When a young person is accused of a crime, the legal system responds differently than it does for adults. Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) recognizes that youth are still developing — and that rehabilitation, not punishment, should be the primary goal.
Conditional Sentences in Alberta: How House Arrest Works
Not every conviction in Alberta leads to jail time behind bars. For some offences, judges can impose a conditional sentence — commonly known as house arrest — allowing individuals to serve their sentence in the community under strict supervision.
Understanding Record Suspensions (Pardons) in Alberta
A criminal record can follow you long after you’ve paid your debt to society. It can affect job opportunities, international travel, volunteering, and even your ability to rent an apartment. Fortunately, Canadian law provides a path to move forward — through a record suspension, commonly known as a pardon.
Mental Health Defences in Criminal Cases: How Courts in Edmonton Handle Them
Mental health defences in Alberta, including fitness to stand trial and not criminally responsible (NCR), protect accused persons while balancing public safety. Learn how courts, lawyers, and sentencing alternatives address these cases.
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Recent Trends & Challenges in Alberta
Mandatory minimum sentences in Alberta face ongoing challenges and reforms. Learn where they apply, recent Supreme Court rulings, defence strategies, and what changes mean for those charged in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.
