No Jail for Violent Attack on Girlfriend and Car Chase Hit & Run
No Jail for Violent Attack on Girlfriend and Car Chase Hit & Run
Read moreCharge(s):
CC: s.252(1)(b) – Hit and Run, s.266 – Assault, s.249(1)(a) – Dangerous Driving
Allegations:
My client met with his ex-girlfriend and her friend in a parking lot. He became enraged with her, swore at her and threatened her, then punched her in the face several times through her car window. When her friend tried to drive away, he pursued them in his truck, initially blocking their path, then chasing after them and overtaking them at a red light. When they tried to escape, by driving away in reverse, he chased after them, also in reverse, smashed into the front end of their vehicle, and then fled the scene.
Result:
On the day of trial, the complainant showed up, so he changed his plea to guilty on the assault and hit and run charges. The Crown withdrew the more serious dangerous driving charge. He paid a fine for his actions, compensated the owner of the vehicle for the cost of the insurance deductible and was placed on probation for one year. No jail.
Drug Charge Withdrawn
Read moreCharge(s):
CDSA: s.4(1) – Possession of a Controlled Substance
Allegations:
My client was pulled over for rolling through a stop sign while turning right, and then speeding through a playground zone. While dealing with my client, the police could smell marijuana. My client admited to being in possession of marijuana.
Result:
My client was referred to the Alternative Measures Program and the criminal charge was withdrawn, after he completed 30 hours of community service. No criminal conviction.
No Jail for Suspended Driver Following 5th Impaired Conviction
Read moreCharge(s):
CC: s.259(4) – Drive While Disqualified and TSA; s.94(2) – Drive While Unauthorized
Allegations:
My client was caught driving while his operator’s license was suspended due to an impaired driving conviction, entered almost 12 months earlier. Because it was his 5th impaired driving conviction in the past 20 years, he was prohibited from operating a motor vehicle for 3 years.
Result:
The Crown was seeking a substantial period of incarceration and a further driving prohibition of 5 years. The standard penalty for this offence is for a period of incarceration, even for a first offence. However, the judge agreed with my submissions instead, that incarceration was not required in my client’s particular circumstances, and imposed a $2000 fine and the minimum driving prohibition of 3 years. After 12 months, he will again be eligible to drive with an alcohol ignition interlock device. No jail.
Charges Withdrawn on Subsequent Impaired Hit and Run
Read moreCharge(s):
CC: s.259(4) – Driving while Disqualified, s.252(1)(B) – Hit and Run; TSA: s.167(A)(A) – No Licence, s.115(2)(B) – Careless Driving, s.167(1)(C) – Fail to Produce Insurance, s.54(1)(A) – Drive with no Insurance, s.94(2) – Drive while Unauthorized.
Allegations:
My client was a suspended driver due to an Impaired/Refusal conviction. While driving his vehicle, he lost control and slid into a parked vehicle. He failed to remain at the scene and drove away without making any attempt to contact the owner. This was observed by 5 witnesses.
Result:
After resolution discussions with the Crown, all charges and tickets were withdrawn. No criminal convictions.
Meth Dealer Had a Good Defence but Counsel Had to Withdraw
Read moreCharge(s):
CDSA: s.5(2) – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (meth), s.5(2) – Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (marijuana); CC: s.354 – Proceeds of Crime, s.90(1) – Carrying a concealed weapon (baton), s.86(2) – Contravention of Storage Regulations (Ammunition), s.88(1) – Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (baton); TSA offences (no insurance, no license, plate improperly secured).
Allegations:
My client was pulled over for not having his license plate properly secured. While looking in a bag for his registration, the police noticed a large bag of marijuana. Search incident to arrest revealed a bag full of other items in support of drug trafficking (a large bag of meth, a weigh scale, baggies, cash, a collapsible baton, 5 cell phones and a box full of ammo for a 9mm handgun). Moreover, the phones were ringing during his arrest with numerous people seeking what police believed to be drugs.
Result:
My client had a strong defence that would have secured for him an acquittal on all charges. Unfortunately, due to ethical considerations, I was forced to seek to be removed as counsel of record on the day of trial. He will need to obtain new counsel to assist him with his defence at a new trial date. The Crown was seeking 3 or 4 years in jail. He would most likely have been found “not guilty” on everything.
