It’s boating season. This week on Weird and Wacky Wednesdays, we cast off from the usual shore and sail with stories of maritime mischief. From yacht thefts to inflatable drug runs, it turns out the world of boats is full of strange and illegal adventures.
…Weird and Wacky Wednesdays: Volume 356 Read More »
If you’ve received a traffic ticket in British Columbia, you might be wondering if it’s worth disputing your ticket in court.
One of the most common questions drivers ask is: “What are the odds that the police officer who issued my ticket will actually show up to traffic court?” Many people believe that if the officer doesn’t appear, the ticket will be dismissed automatically. While this is sometimes true, the reality is a bit more nuanced.
In British Columbia, when you dispute a traffic ticket, a court date is set and the officer who issued the ticket is notified and expected to attend. If the officer fails to show up without a valid reason, the ticket is usually dismissed. This is because the officer is required to present evidence and answer questions about the circumstances of the alleged offence. Without their testimony, the court typically cannot proceed with the case.
So, what are the actual odds? While there is no official statistic published by the courts or police, anecdotal evidence and reports from lawyers suggest that police officers attend traffic court in the vast majority of cases—often estimated at 80% to 90% of the time. Police departments in BC take traffic enforcement seriously, and officers are generally scheduled and required to appear for court dates. In some cases, officers are assigned specific court days as part of their regular duties, making their attendance even more likely.
However, there are situations where an officer may not attend. Scheduling conflicts, illness, vacations, or emergencies can sometimes prevent an officer from appearing. In rare cases, administrative errors or changes in employment status may also lead to an officer’s absence. If the officer provides advance notice and a valid reason for not attending, the court may adjourn the case to another date rather than dismissing it outright.
It’s important to understand that relying solely on the hope that the officer won’t show up is a risky strategy. Even if the odds seem favourable, there is no guarantee. If you have a strong defence or believe the ticket was issued in error, it’s always better to prepare your case thoroughly and consider seeking legal advice.
If you’re facing a traffic ticket in British Columbia and want to maximize your chances of a successful outcome, contact Acumen Law Corporation or lawyer Kyla Lee. Their experience in traffic law can help you navigate the process and give you the best possible chance in court.
What Are the Odds of a Police Officer Showing Up to Traffic Court in BC? Read More »
Welcome to “Cases That Should Have Gone to the Supreme Court of Canada, But Didn’t!”
In this episode, Kyla Lee from Acumen Law Corporation discusses the case of Alberta lawyer Shawn Beaver, who was disbarred after misappropriating over $300,000 in client trust funds. Mr. Beaver challenged his disbarment on the grounds that mental health issues contributed to his misconduct—a claim ultimately rejected by the Alberta Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear the appeal, missing a vital opportunity to define how mental health should be considered in professional discipline cases.
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This week on Driving Law, Kyla Lee and Paul Doroshenko dig into a BC Supreme Court appeal involving a man convicted of using a bobcat to threaten two unhoused individuals on his property.
…Episode 409: Bobcat Assault Appeal, Charter Delay Victory, and Tailgating HypocrisyRead More »
Episode 409: Bobcat Assault Appeal, Charter Delay Victory, and Tailgating Hypocrisy Read More »
Receiving a speeding ticket in British Columbia can be stressful, but many drivers are even more concerned about how multiple tickets might affect their ability to keep their licence. The rules around licence suspensions for speeding tickets in BC are strict, and understanding them is crucial for anyone who spends time on the road.
…How Many Speeding Tickets Before Suspension in BC?Read More »
How Many Speeding Tickets Before Suspension in BC? Read More »
It’s summer, and that means it’s road trip season. And what’s a driving vacation without a few truly bizarre legal facts to ruin the vibe? This week, we’re taking a weird and wacky tour through some of the strangest laws you could run into on the open road.
…Weird and Wacky Wednesdays: Volume 355 Read More »
Most people think nothing of driving down the road while consuming a Monster Energy Drink or a Red Bull. They think that because there is no alcohol in these drinks, it could have no ability to impact their breath tests. Unfortunately, the scary reality is that many energy drinks do contain trace concentrations of alcohol that can produce false positive readings on breath tests.
…Energy Drinks can Cause False Readings on Breath Tests Read More »
Energy Drinks can Cause False Readings on Breath Tests Read More »
Welcome to “Cases That Should Have Gone to the Supreme Court of Canada, But Didn’t!”
In this episode, Kyla Lee from Acumen Law Corporation discusses a series of constitutional challenges to amendments in the Criminal Code that significantly restricted the use of provocation to reduce murder charges to manslaughter—raising critical questions about legal consistency, federal criminal law, and the right to a fair defence.
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This week on Driving Law, Paul Doroshenko takes the wheel while Kyla is away in court, joined by articled students Alice and Alison for a special in-car recording from his 1953 Buick. The episode kicks off with a reflective discussion about what the students have learned during their time at the firm—covering complex topics like BC’s Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) scheme, the science and limitations of breath testing, and the often-overlooked role that language barriers and misinformation play in roadside legal encounters.
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This week on Weird and Wacky Wednesdays, we’re talking about vanity plates. Some people wish to turn their bumper into a billboard, and in a free society there will always be those who wish to push the limits on freedom of expression. Whether they’re clever, crude, or just confusing, sometimes they hit a nerve with the authorities. When that happens, things can get weird.
…Weird and Wacky Wednesdays: Volume 354 Read More »
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