Toronto Crimes & Misdemeanours Lawyers Blog

Man from Edmonton arrested after manhunt

2013-06-14T19:44:02Z

Manitoba's Portage la Prairie RCMP arrested a man from the Edmonton area after conducting a manhunt to find him. The man is now facing serious criminal allegations of crimes that he is suspected of committing.

Police have stated that they believe that the suspect was heading to Ontario in an attempt to confront his ex-fiancee. The man's former partner was fleeing the abusive relationship and was staying with family members in Ontario, following a thread of reported car thefts and subsequent manhunts. The woman reported to police that she was afraid the man was trying to find her to hurt her. Police spotted an abandoned vehicle near Lloydminster that was registered to the woman.

]]> RCMP detachment linked a number of stolen vehicles to the man that were following the same direction that he was travelling. There were three stolen vehicles in Kitscoty. Police suspect that there were two more vehicles that were stolen in Saskatchewan. Other vehicles are also expected of being involved in the case once the man crossed into Manitoba. After an alleged home invasion and police pursuit, the man was taken into police custody. He is now facing a domestic violence warrant and several criminal charges, including causing a police pursuit, assault, home invasion and theft. He may face up to 15 charges of vehicle theft.

Toronto criminal defence lawyers help individuals who are facing serious criminal allegations. They may be able to help individuals who face murder charges, assault charges or other charges related to violent crimes. They may also help defendants who are facing charges related to robbery, rape or the use of a weapon. Individuals who are facing a criminal conviction may face numerous penalties, such as a prison sentence, a criminal conviction that forever labels them as felons and large fines, so they may contact a Toronto criminal defence lawyer for assistance and advice.

Source: Lloydminster Source, "Manhunt ends in arrest", Colin, June 11, 2013

Toronto man facing sexual assault charges

2013-06-07T19:11:02Z

The Peterborough-Lakefield police released information pertaining to an alleged sexual assault after a 22-year-old man made a report about an assault that had happened one to two years ago. According to the young man, the sexual assault was committed by a man from Toronto. This man is now facing sexual assault charges.

According to the 22-year-old alleged victim, he was assaulted at a Peterborough home. He says that the sexual assault occurred sometime between November 2011 and December 2012. He accused a man that he knew from the Peterborough home of committing this crime. The man reported the incident on March 31, 2013. The 66-year-old man is facing charges of sexual assault and breach of recognizance for not keeping the peace and also for allegedly not being of good behavior. He is currently in custody and has appeared in court twice.

]]> Individuals who are charged with the offence of a sex crime may face a variety of charges, such as statutory rape, sexual assault, attempted rape, sexual harassment, solicitation of a minor, indecent exposure or child sexual abuse. These crimes pose significant long-term consequences, including the possibility of a long prison sentence and being placed on a sex offender registry. When a person faces charges regarding criminal sexual conduct or allegations of sexual assault, he or she may seek advice from a criminal defense lawyer.

A criminal defense lawyer may be able to help a person who is facing serious charges, such as charges for sexual assault. He or she may ask the prosecuting authorities to evaluate the criminal history of the defendant because more favorable terms may be available for a first-time offender than for a repeat offender. He or she may also be able to conduct an independent investigation into the charges to determine if there is reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime.

Source: myKawartha.com, "Toronto man charged after sexual assault at Peterborough home", May 30, 2013

Mountie files lawsuit for sexual assault

2013-05-31T20:48:00Z

A 52-year-old female RCMP staff sergeant in Ottawa filed a lawsuit against 13 members of the RCMP and is seeking millions of dollars in damages. The woman alleges that these colleagues of sexual assault that occurred in the 1980s when she was working as a constable.

The woman's statement of claim says that she was working for the RCMP Musical Ride, and it was during the course of her employment there that she was the victim of a hazing ritual. She says that she was subjected to the ritual due to her gender. She also alleges that she reported the treatment and was then harassed by the individuals who conducted the ritual. Additionally, the woman alleges that she was shown a sexually offensive video in which one individual simulated a sex act with her while she was asleep on a bus in Alberta. Official records indicate that the woman was the recipient of over 100 substantiated incidences of harassment, making her case the largest internal investigation of the RCMP in history in Ottawa.

]]> The woman says that the RCMP took no real action even though she reported the behavior. She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and she alleges that her marriage was affected because of the actions of the defendants. The woman is seeking over $8 million in damages. She has also listed her ex-husband and two children as plaintiffs for an additional request of damages of $300,000. There are no criminal charges pending regarding the matter as the statute of limitations has run on the alleged offences.

Toronto criminal defence lawyers may assist individuals who are charged with sexual assault or other sex-related crimes. They may be able to raise affirmative defences such as the running of a statute of limitations or a constitutional argument against evidence that was seized.

Source: CBC news, "Mountie sues 13 ex-colleagues for sexual, harassment", CBC news, May 21, 2013

Ontario man charged as second suspect

2013-05-24T21:23:01Z

While police have already filed charges associated with the death of a Hamilton man who took two men on a test drive and did not return, a second suspect is now being implicated for the man's death. A 25-year-old from Oakville is now facing murder charges in the first degree.

According to police, the man is one of the two men that the Hamilton father took for a test drive. The Hamilton man was attempting to sell a vehicle online and took the pair for a drive to test out the pickup truck. Police are in the process of looking for a third person who was reportedly driving behind the pickup truck on the day of the disappearance on May 6. Approximately one week after the test drive, the man's remains were discovered, burned and beyond recognition, at a farm owned by the first suspect who was one of the men involved in the test drive. Police have indicated that they believe that the accused men killed the man the same night of the test drive. They have not formulated a motive.

]]> According to the man's lawyer, he will be pleading not guilty. The man gave his name in court and stated that he understood that he would not be able to communicate with certain people related to the trial. According to court records, the second suspect has five previous criminal convictions, including convictions for drug possession, failure to comply and impaired driving. The man will next appear in court on June 13.

When a person faces serious charges, such as homicide charges or charges related to violent crimes, he or she may face serious long-term consequences. Penalties for homicide charges and other violent crimes include lengthy prison sentences and a lifetime of being branded a felon. Criminal defense lawyer may be able to help defendants by ensuring that evidence is properly obtained and presented by the prosecution or seeking a favorable plea agreement.

Source: Ottawa Citizen, "Second suspect in test drive killing charged with first-degree murder", ALLISON JONES, May 23, 2013

Alleged fugitive sex offender returned to Ontario by RCMP

2013-05-17T19:11:02Z

Langley RCMP have reportedly returned a suspected sexual offender to Ontario. The 27-year-old man, who was arrested by local Mounties on May 3, is wanted for alleged sexual assault.

The Mounties had learned that the suspect was living in the area in February. In March, they took the steps necessary to initiate the process of removing him from the area using the British Columbia Fugitive Return Program, which receives funds through the province's Civil Forfeiture Office. So far, the program has helped authorities return 39 individuals to their home provinces for crimes that they are accused of.

]]> The man is facing three counts of sexual assault in addition to charges of assault, uttering threats, intimidation, forcible confinement, breaking and entering, theft and obstructing justice related to incidents that reportedly occurred in 2010 and 2011 in Elliot Lake.

When a person is facing serious criminal allegations such as sexual abuse or problems with domestic relations, he or she may attempt to learn about his or her rights. A criminal defence lawyer in Ontario may be able to help a person who is facing charges related to sexual assault, statutory rape, criminal sexual conduct, child sexual abuse, child sexual assault or sexual harassment.

In some cases, the criminal defence lawyer may be able to help a defendant receive a reduced prison sentence, especially if the person is a first-time offender. Individuals who are facing these serious allegations may face long-term consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines and having to be placed on a sex offender registry. The lawyer may be able to conduct an investigation into the case to determine if the defendant's rights were violated in any way that could help suppress certain evidence that could be used against him or her.

Source: The Province, "B.C. returns fugitive sex offender to Ontario", May 10, 2013

Woman faces jail after wild ride

2013-05-10T19:09:01Z

A Toronto woman faces a six-month jail sentence after taking her friend's four-year-old daughter without permission and going on a wild car ride. While driving under the influence, the woman caused two accidents. An Ontario Superior Court justice issued a statement expressing his desire for the court to send a clear message that those who drive while intoxicated must be dealt with harshly.

The child and her mother were visiting the accused woman's house when the accidents took place. The mother left her child with the woman while she used the restroom. The child's mother initially believed the two had gone to the store. However, the child's mother became concerned when she noticed an empty Oxycontin bottle. At that point, the child's mother contacted the police.

]]> The accused woman's minivan reportedly rear-ended a vehicle carrying elderly passengers, who were not injured. The woman refused to identify herself and offered the elderly driver of the vehicle money not to call the police. The woman then drove away. After continuing to drive erratically, more onlookers began to call the police. The woman struck another vehicle after crossing a center median, sideswiping the rear of a man's car.

When police arrived on the scene, the woman was confused, unsteady and spoke with slurred speech. The woman began to fall in and out of consciousness and was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a drug overdose. Toxicology results showed high levels of oxycodone and codeine in her system along with traces of methadone. The judge imposed a sentence of six months in jail and three years probation.

Facing a DUI charge can be frightening. The criminal court system is extremely complex, and laymen may not fully understand the nature of the charge and possible sentencing they may receive. A criminal defense attorney may be a helpful ally in navigating the criminal court system.

Source: thestar.com, "Woman jailed 6 months for wild drug-fuelled car ride with child", May 03, 2013

Toronto man charged with 5 counts of sexual assault

2013-05-03T11:46:32Z

Police in Toronto charged a man with five counts of sexual assault in the span of just a quarter of an hour. According to reports, the first incident of sexual assault was called in at 1 p.m., and the man in question was taken into custody by officers at around 1:15 p.m. Several women reported the incident, and the man was also charged with breach of recognizance-peace bond. A court date was set for the following morning. More women may have been involved as well.

The incident reportedly occurred on Queen Street West and Dovercourt Road in the middle of the week and the middle of the afternoon. Daylight assault cases are generally rare, and what prompted the incident was not listed in the report.

]]> In cases like these, it's always possible for the person who was arraigned to have not had a clean bill of mental health or to have been under a toxic influence at the time. The initially reported facts are often incorrect or exaggerated. Sexual assault carries a larger than average penalty, and cases with multiple charges can compound the penalties even further.

If you are facing criminal charges, having a lawyer on your side will allow you to approach any charges laid from a standpoint of legal defense and get to the bottom of the facts of the case. Arrests are not final judgements; anyone arrested is always innocent until proven guilty, and police will often attempt to elicit unprompted confessions and evidence from a suspect until they request legal advice, putting a detained individual in a tough spot.

Source: CP24, "Toronto Police Arrest Sex Assault Suspect," Ashley Stennett, 29 April 2013

Toronto man arrested on suspicion of drunk driving

2013-04-25T20:21:59Z

A man from Toronto is suspected of driving drunk and crashing a stolen vehicle into a tree. He is now facing a variety of charges, including charges for impaired driving.

Police responded to a call from a resident who was concerned that there was a possible drunk driver in the neighborhood. Orillia Ontario Provincial Police officers located the suspected driver by Mississaga Street and saw him run through a red light. They then turned on their lights and followed the driver who did not pull over, reports Orillia Today. Finally, the driver crashed into a tree at the Mississaga Street and Barrie Road intersection.

]]> Police say that the man who crashed into the tree provided them with a false identity and was not compliant with the arrest. He now faces charges that include impaired operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight and probation violation. A female passenger who was with him is being charged with possession of stolen property obtained by crime, obstructing or resisting a peace officer, and failing to comply with an undertaking or recognizance.

Individuals who face criminal charges may be confronted with serious long-term consequences, including serving jail time, having to pay large fines and being placed on probation. Individuals who are in this situation may seek assistance from a Toronto criminal defence lawyer. A lawyer may be able to help a defendant avoid a jail sentence or may be able to get a shorter jail sentence for his or her client through a plea agreement.

Source: Orillia Today, "Alleged impaired driver hits tree," Frank Matys, 8 April 2013

Hamilton doctor may lose license after sexual assault

2013-04-18T15:25:03Z

A doctor who was sentenced for sexual assault of two of his patients may now also lose his medical license. The Hamilton doctor was originally sentenced in 2011 to 16 months in jail after he was convicted of the serious criminal allegations.

If the doctor is found to have "committed an act of professional misconduct by sexually abusing a patient," a discipline panel will revoke the physician's medical license. The disciplinary meeting is scheduled for May 22 and will be a one-day hearing. The doctor was found guilty of abusing two patients who were under anesthesia and of making a pornographic video of one of the women. The doctor's license was previously suspended in 2008 when a fitness hearing panel determined that he was a sex addict and had abused medication.

]]> The sexual abuse charges stem back to the 1990s when the doctor was in medical school. The first patient was admitted to a hospital for surgery when the doctor allegedly abused her as a resident at the hospital, according to the criminal allegations. The other patient was a suspected crack addict. After she was discharged from the hospital where the doctor worked, he went to her home and allegedly abused her when she was impaired by alcohol and drugs.

Individuals who are charged with sexual assault crimes may face long-term consequences, including the loss of a professional license. A Toronto criminal defence lawyer may be able to challenge the evidence presented or the way in which it was collected, clearing a wrongfully accused individual. The doctor in this case seems to have received a relatively shorter sentence than may be typical for such crimes. Sometimes, criminal defense attorneys are able to arrange for plea agreements for their clients that provide reduced sentences in exchange for pleading guilty, as may have been the case here.

Source: Sun News, "Ontario Doctor Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Patients Could Lose License," Sam Pazanno, 5 April 2013

Mother, son arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Innisfil

2013-04-11T16:27:03Z

It seems like something most Toronto mothers would do for their sons: after her son was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, his mother went to pick him up. Shortly after she arrived, however, police arrested her for impaired driving, too.

According to police, the 27-year-old son was pulled over after he was allegedly speeding in Innisfil, at approximately 1 a.m. Investigators administered a roadside sobriety test, which they say he failed. Police arrested him for impaired driving and transported him to a police station near Toronto. When the man's mother came to get him from jail several hours later, the same officer who had pulled over the son said that he smelled alcohol on the mother. She was instructed to take a breath test, which police say that she failed. She was subsequently charged with impaired driving.

]]> Individuals who face charges for driving under the influence of alcohol may be jailed and be subjected to stiff penalties. For example, the mother and son in this case had their licenses automatically suspended for 90 days. Their vehicles were also impounded, and they are scheduled for court in about a month. If convicted, they could face time in jail, fines and license reinstatement issues.

Due to the potential for significant problems associated with a conviction of a DUI charge, many individuals who face drunk driving charges choose to hire a criminal defense lawyer. A lawyer may be able to raise challenges to the way that a field sobriety test was administered or methods that could have caused an erroneous blood-alcohol concentration reading. The lawyer could also work on a negotiation that may prevent the suspect from going to jail.

Source: National Post, "Mom picking up son charged with drunk driving also charged with drunk driving," 25 March, 2013

Drugs seized after police execute warrant, Toronto woman arrested

2013-04-05T19:22:41Z

Two men and one woman were taken into custody recently after police conducted a search of two properties and allegedly found drugs. All three have appeared in Provincial Court and are facing drug charges related to the search and seizure.

On March 23, police officers searched one residential property and one commercial property pursuant to a search warrant. The officers reportedly found and seized cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as cash and a weapon. All three individuals were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. One of the men was also charged with a weapons charge.

]]> When police obtain a search warrant, they must typically have a good reason to suspect that they will find evidence of some type of illegal activity. They must provide enough specific details to demonstrate that there is a fair probability that they will be able to find evidence of the illegal activity within a specified location. If police do not have valid grounds to obtain a search warrant but are provided with one anyway, the evidence related to the search may not be admissible in court if the police activity was a violation of a person's right against unreasonable searches and seizures under Section 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

If an individual accused of drug crimes believes that his or her rights have been violated, he or she may opt to retain the services of a Toronto lawyer who handles criminal defence cases. This individual may be able to explain the rights and legal options available, as well as evaluate his or her case in order to determine that search and seizure protocols were adhered to.

Source: The Telegram.com, "UPDATE: Accused men appear in court in case of seizure of cocaine and methamphetamine," 25 March 2013

Source: Law Central Schools, "Teacher's Backgrounder: Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Search and Seizure"

Ontario hockey player facing two charges for sexual assault

2013-03-28T20:30:27Z

An 18-year-old Ontario hockey player for the Windsor Spitfires is facing two charges related to incidents that occurred in local bar washrooms. One sexual assault charge is in connection with an incident that occurred at a nightclub with other players during a St. Patrick's Day and end-of-season party. The second sexual assault charge comes from an incident that allegedly occurred three weeks prior to the first count. This second incident is also believed to have occurred in the washroom of a local bar.

Authorities say that they spoke with a 16 year old who said that she had been sexually assaulted at approximately 1:50 a.m. They then took the hockey player into custody after he was named by the girl. He was held in custody and had his bail set at $30,000. During this investigation, police learned about another female who said that she was assaulted by the same man at a different bar.

]]> The hockey player is not originally from Canada and appeared in court recently regarding the accusations. He has been banned from drinking, patronizing bars and possessing any weapons. He has also been banned from Essex County. Moreover, he has been ordered not to contact any witnesses, including any of his fellow teammates that may have information about the case. Three other OHL players have faced sexual assault charges this season.

Athletes sometimes face charges of this nature, but they have the same rights as everyone else. Just like everyone else, the government must prove that they committed the crimes they have been accused of and there should be under no harsher scrutiny than anyone else in Ontario. A criminal defence lawyer may be able to provide assistance to individuals in this situation and to provide them with a solid defence.

Source: Canada.com, "OHL player, 18, charged with two counts of sexual assault," Claire Brownell, 19 March 2013

Toronto police reportedly seize weapons and guns during sweep

2013-03-20T03:08:46Z

Toronto's Emergency Task Force recently responded to reports of gun violence at Toronto Community Housing Corporation properties by conducting sweeps at these properties. One of the sweeps occurred at an apartment building on Bay Mills Boulevard in Scarborough, in which officers wore full riot gear outfits and brought assault rifles and battering rams with them. While police actions would indicate that this was a serious or dangerous crime, such as homicide, no one has been arrested.

Approximately one dozen police vehicles along with constable cars were parked outside a Toronto Community Housing Corporation high rise while police officers searched the property. The police later searched another high rise on Glider Drive.

]]> Toronto Police are not revealing information regarding the sweeps. However, reports have surfaced indicating that police officers recovered a variety of guns and drugs, including handguns and sawed-off shotguns. A constable has indicated that no arrests have been made in association with the sweeps and that a summary will be prepared regarding the police activity. If this had truly been a dangerous situation, however, it would be reasonable to assume that police would have arrested someone.

Although no arrests have not been reported, a person who is arrested in a case like this may have an argument regarding the admissibility of evidence used against him or her. A Toronto criminal defence lawyer may be able to argue that evidence should not be admitted when no warrant provided specific details about a property and the evidence in question, as is usually required. This argument could help exclude evidence that could possibly unfairly incriminate a defendant.

Source: Toronto Sun, "Guns, drugs seized in TCHC sweep," Don Peat and Joe Warmington, 22 February 2013

Toronto police search for suspect in sexual assault case

2013-03-12T20:59:14Z

A Toronto cab driver is suspected of committing a sexual assault after a woman got in his cab early in the morning on March 3. According to police, the sexual assault occurred after the woman boarded the cab in the area by Peter Street and Adelaide Street West in Toronto.

The woman claimed that she was leaving a night club in the area at about 3 a.m. when the cab driver drove her to Gerrard Street East and Clonmore Drive. She has said that it was in this relatively secluded spot that she was sexually assaulted.

]]> While the woman has given police a description of the man that she says attacked her, it is unknown how police will use this information in trying to track down the individual she says assaulted her. With a very generic description of the young man and an even more generic description of the van, it is very possible that the police may start stopping everyone who could possibly fit. The problem is, however, that everyone in Toronto and across Canada has rights protecting them against harassment from police.

When a person is being investigated for criminal sexual conduct, he or she may wish to contact an experienced criminal defence lawyer. A Toronto criminal defence lawyer may be able to help a suspect avoid long-term consequences such as prison time, hefty fines or having to add his or her name to a sex offender registry. One way to defeat the allegations is by examining the evidence in the case, which is all too often is only the accuser's allegation.

Source: CTV News, "Police seek suspect after alleged sexual assault by cab driver," Joshua Freeman, 3 March 2013

Toronto residents charged with stunt driving, related offences

2013-03-08T20:31:46Z

Police recently arrested three people within a period of 24 hours in Toronto on allegations of "stunt driving," a term that means driving at a speed of 50 km/h or more over the posted speed limit. These drivers face a variety of driving and traffic offences, but one of the men also faces a charge of impaired driving.

The string of arrests began on the morning of Feb. 24, when a 25-year-old Toronto driver was clocked doing 113 km/h a little after 4:00 a.m. He was charged with impaired driving, and a mere 30 minutes later, a 22-year-old Pickering man was allegedly driving at 144 km/h and was similarly pulled over. He refused to submit to the breath test and was charged for this, as well as for driving with a suspended licence. The following morning at approximately 2:00 a.m., a 37-year-old Toronto man was clocked doing 188 km/h in a 100 km/h zone; police had to give pursuit in order to arrest him for stunt driving. They seized his vehicle and suspended his licence.

]]> All three drivers were charged with stunt driving, and some were charged with additional charges. This charge carries an automatic seven-day suspension of a driver's licence and a week-long impounding of his or her vehicle. Additional penalties may be imposed based on other conduct of the drivers. The maximum fine for a conviction is $10,000, and a person may serve up to six months in jail.

Toronto police say that of the 38 arrests for stunt driving, five of them also included charges for impaired driving.

When a person is charged with drunk driving, stunt driving or similar offenses, he or she may wish to retain the services of a Toronto criminal defence attorney. A knowledgeable attorney may be able to challenge the allegations or help mitigate the consequences of the harsh penalties associated with such charges.

Source: The Globe and Mail, "Toronto police stop man driving 188 km/h on highway," Timothy Appleby, Feb. 25, 2013