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Criminal Defence
- Will Court Drop Traffic Ticket Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic?The COVID-19 pandemic invaded many aspects of people’s life. The justice system is one of them. Delays in bringing traffic court cases to a speedy conclusion become more and more common. The public health requirements to limit the spread of the infection are the main cause of these delays. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides… Read more: Will Court Drop Traffic Ticket Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic?
- Being in a bawdy houseCriminal Code of Canada Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam. quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate… Read more: Being in a bawdy house
- Possession of under 5mg of illicit substancesControlled Drugs and Substances Act. This Act of federal legislation describes the offence and punishment. In addition, it lists drugs that are illegal in Canada.
- Shoplifting – Theft Under $5000. Paralegal Representation.Shoplifting is a colloquial term for theft in a retail store. The Criminal Code of Canada doesn’t have a special “shoplifting” provision. However, those accused of shoplifting are charged under s. 322 of the Code. This section deals with theft. Theft occurs when a person takes another person’s property and puts it to their own… Read more: Shoplifting – Theft Under $5000. Paralegal Representation.
- Fraud under $5,000 offence. Defence options with a paralegalCriminal Code of Canada, section 380(1)(b) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam. quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit… Read more: Fraud under $5,000 offence. Defence options with a paralegal
- How to fight a Common Assault Charge with a Paralegal“Assault” is a word we commonly use. Each of us has an understanding of what it means. Typically, when we think about the assault, we imagine someone punching or kicking another person. So, of course, this is an assault. First, however, we should begin by clarifying what “assault” means under the Criminal Code of Canada. … Read more: How to fight a Common Assault Charge with a Paralegal
- How to Fight a Dangerous Driving Charge with a ParalegalFormal Definition of Dangerous Driving Dangerous driving is a criminal offence. The Criminal Code of Canada describes it as operating “a motor vehicle in a manner that is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances, including the nature, condition and use of the place at which the motor vehicle is being operated… Read more: How to Fight a Dangerous Driving Charge with a Paralegal
- How to Choose Criminal Defence: Lawyer or Paralegal?Choosing a representative in a criminal matter is an important and stressful decision. After paralegals became licensed in 2008, Ontarians can now select the class of representatives. So, a lawyer or paralegal? First, consider the type of criminal case. First off, the choice depends on the nature of the case. Paralegals can represent defendants in… Read more: How to Choose Criminal Defence: Lawyer or Paralegal?
- Principles of the Canadian Criminal Justice SystemIn this article, we would like to discuss the fundamental principles of our criminal justice system. There are many memorable statements regarding these principles, such as “innocent until proven guilty.” What we would like to do is give these statements meaning and explain their practical outcomes. Four major principles form the basis of Canadian criminal… Read more: Principles of the Canadian Criminal Justice System
Evictions
- My tenant hasn’t paid rent for two months. How quickly can I evict him?Eviction notice – 14 days As soon as you know that the tenant has not paid rent, you may give the tenant an eviction notice. The notice gives the tenant 14 days to pay or move out. Eviction application If the tenant does not pay rent or move out according to the Notice, you can… Read more: My tenant hasn’t paid rent for two months. How quickly can I evict him?
- How expensive is it to evict a tenant? Fees and expensesSpecifics of the eviction process The Residential Tenancies Act (the Act) sets basic procedures for tenant evictions. However, these procedures are highly technical. Apparently, the legislator wanted to provide tenants with safeguards against arbitrary evictions. Legal technicalities accompany each step of the eviction process. The Act limits grounds for eviction. In addition, the landlord must… Read more: How expensive is it to evict a tenant? Fees and expenses
General Questions
- Do I have to be in the court with my paralegal?This depends on your case. For traffic tickets, your appearance is usually not necessary unless you need to testify at your own trial. A paralegal should advise if you need to come. The Small Claims, criminal, and disability cases do require your presence. For example, the Rules of Small Claims Court require a party’s personal… Read more: Do I have to be in the court with my paralegal?
- I am not in Ontario but have a matter here. What do I do?In many cases, we, undoubtedly, can handle the entire process over phone, e-mail, fax, and other technology. For traffic offences and tenant evictions, your presence may usually not be required. For example, the Ontario Provincial Offences Act allows the defendant to appear through an agent. In criminal matters and small claims, your presence is almost… Read more: I am not in Ontario but have a matter here. What do I do?
Small Claims
- I am already in the middle of the small claims process. Can I still retain you?Absolutely. Undoubtedly, we can come in at any stage. However, we advise against beginning the process by yourself and only retaining representation for a trial. The initial paperwork is central to the entire Small Claims Court process. To this end, it might be more efficient to have representation at the onset of your case. The… Read more: I am already in the middle of the small claims process. Can I still retain you?
- Is there a limitation period for filing a small claim?Yes. The period is generally two years. However, this can sometimes be shorter or longer, depending on the particular case. The Limitations Act sets the basic 2-year limitation period and some exceptions from this rule. Click here to contact us if you need to assess your case.
- I lent in foreign money. Can I claim it in Ontario court?Yes, absolutely. However, you need to convert your loan to Canadian dollars. This is because the Small Claims Court Rules require the plaintiff to make her/his claim in Canadian dollars. Please contact us for a case assessment.
- Small Claims Court Limit Increases to $35,000.00TORONTO – Ontario Government is increasing the maximum amount of claims that can be made in the Ontario Small Claims Court to $35,000. The respective government regulation was made in October 2019. It should help to expedite civil cases which take years in the Superior Court of Justice. It will also allow people to hire… Read more: Small Claims Court Limit Increases to $35,000.00
Traffic Tickets
- AC – Richmond HillLike many others, I was once lost and didn’t know what to do when I had received a traffic ticket of breaching s.136(1)(a). With much patience, Kate, the account manager, pleasantly took me through the steps from my legal rights available to the worst case scenario so that I know what legal procedures that I… Read more: AC – Richmond Hill
Testimonials
- Alex, TorontoSpectrum made dealing with an unpleasant situation in a criminal court significantly less stressful, and helped me defend myself against unwarranted allegations. I don’t know what I would have done otherwise. Thank you so much!
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