April 2020

Weird and Wacky Wednesdays: Volume 100

It’s the 100th edition of Weird and Wacky Wednesdays, and can I just say… I can’t believe I have been doing this for that long. You know, this series started as a joke about something silly at the time and now it has grown into one hundred weeks of entertainment and, well, jokes.

First, we look at a case out of Quebec featuring a fantastic high-stakes bet that went awry. Then, we head to Florida for a Florida man that had the worst excuse to explain why there were firearms in his vehicle. And we look at the case of a Florida woman who used an unlikely weapon in an assault on her partner.

Follow the jump to read more of the weirdest and wackiest legal cases from around the globe! …

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How Red Light Camera and Speed Camera Tickets can affect Commercial Drivers

red light camera tickets

Commercial drivers have unique considerations in determining whether to dispute tickets issued from red-light cameras or intersection speed cameras in British Columbia.

A lot of people call me and ask whether they should dispute a red light camera ticket or an intersection speed camera ticket. And the answer for most people is, it depends. But if you are a commercial driver, there is good reason to dispute these tickets. This is because red light camera tickets and intersection speed enforcement tickets can affect your National Safety Code profile. …

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Using a Driving Prohibition Appeal Letter Sample

Driving Prohibition Appeal Letter Sample

One of the most commonly-asked queries we get from individuals who are concerned about driving prohibition letters is whether we have a sample driving prohibition appeal letter that they can use to respond to the pending driving prohibition. A sample letter in response to the prohibition is often requested by people who are concerned about losing their licenses, but also concerned about legal fees.

While it is open to people to write in to dispute their driving prohibitions themselves, I do not recommend this approach. I also do not recommend – if you are doing it yourself – using a sample letter as the basis of your submissions. …

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Reopening Provincial Court While Maintaining Social Distancing

Right now, the BC Provincial Court is looking at options that will allow it to expand the current services it is offering while maintaining a safe environment for court staff, lawyers, judges, and the public. Committees have been formed and are meeting to discuss some options available.

And, as usual, no one asked me! I jest, as there would be no reason for anyone to ask me to join any committee. But as a lawyer who represents only a specific type of case, and deals with the vast majority of driving offences in the province, I thought I would share my thoughts from my specific perspective publicly.

As someone with a non-legal aid and mostly-driving practice, I also had some suggestions unique to these types of files because they touch on different areas than are covered by the people who are committee members.

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The Driver Improvement Program in BC

worried about the driver improvement program

A lot of people receive letters as a result of getting one, or several, tickets. These letters purport to refer the drivers to the “Driver Improvement Program.” But there is very little information about what the Driver Improvement Program in BC is, or how you complete the Driver Improvement Program.

This blog post helps to explain this program. 

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Weird and Wacky Wednesdays: Volume Ninety Nine

For the 99th edition of Weird and Wacky Wednesdays, we look at three fascinating legal cases.

First, we look at a legal case involving a shooting that actually resulted in a medical first! Then, we examine one way that won’t fool the police into refusing to act on your outstanding felony warrants. Finally, we look at why some people probably shouldn’t take their social media so seriously.

Follow the jump to learn more about this week’s roundup of the weirdest and wackiest legal cases from around the globe!

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BC Supreme Court Case Exposes Absurdity in Distracted Driving Laws

supreme court distracted driving

A recent decision released from the BC Supreme Court exposes what is clearly an absurdity in BC’s distracted driving legislation.

As I have said numerous times, the distracted driving legislation in British Columbia is not connected to common sense or rational thinking. It is a series of prohibitions on certain acts, many of which do not pose a danger to the public, while permitting acts that may objectively be more dangerous.

This recent case highlights how poorly-crafted the legislation truly is.

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Weird and Wacky Wednesdays: Volume Ninety-Eight

This week on Weird and Wacky Wednesdays, we look at how comfortable we have become with working from home… and in some cases, a little too comfortable. Then, we examine the most extreme way you can protest a store’s request that you wear a mask inside. Finally, we look at what not to do if you’re wanting a COVID-19 test.

Follow the jump to read more about this week’s weirdest and wackiest legal cases from around the world! …

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Sentencing in Driving Without Due Care Cases That Involve Death

sentencing in driving without due care

The vital role judges play in sentencing cannot be overstated. A system where you have a predetermined punishment for each crime would not be justice. We can see this in sentencing in driving without due care and attention cases that involve death.

While decisions must be consistent and rely on previous cases, our justice system rightly factors in a human element. In this tragic case from Vancouver last year, we can see how the particular circumstances of a case are taken into account to decide a sentence. …

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Is Coughing On Someone An Assault? What Criminal Charges Apply for COVID Spreaders?

coughing assault

With recent news reports of individuals licking deodorant in stores, or spitting on elevator buttons or coughing in the face of police, many people have asked me about what criminal consequences these individuals can face.

Is Coughing On Someone An Assault? What Criminal Charges Apply for COVID Spreaders? Read More »

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