criminal defence

Lowering the Bar Is Not Access to Justice

The Ministry of Attorney General’s draft recommendations on regulated paralegals propose expanding non-lawyer advocacy into courts and administrative tribunals, including traffic court, some criminal matters, small claims, residential tenancy disputes, workers’ compensation matters, and family law in Provincial Court, with possible involvement in Supreme Court matters under a specialization model. 

The proposal is framed as an access to justice initiative, but make no mistake: It is not. It represents a policy choice to lower professional standards in high-stakes legal environments rather than confront the structural failures the government itself created. 

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Kyla Lee named Corporate Vision: Businesswoman of the Year 2025

Kyla Lee has been named Canadian Legal Businesswoman of the Year 2025 at the Global Business Awards, hosted by Corporate Vision Magazine.

The Global Business Awards is an international program that recognises companies and individuals who are contributing to progress in their industries. Now in its ninth year, the awards have become known for celebrating both large and small organisations that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a commitment to their field.

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Episode 423: Road Rage, “Xavier’s Law,” and Why Due Process Still Matters

This week, we unpack the surge in road-rage cases, why Canada doesn’t need a bespoke “road-rage law,” and the legal flaws in the proposed “Xavier’s Law” that would suspend licences after any fatal crash. We close with a Florida cautionary tale about how small misconduct can snowball fast.

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The Science and “Pseudoscience” of Detecting Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis

A distressed man sitting in a car at night with a police car's flashing lights visible through the window, holding his head in frustration.

I’m often cynical of police methods for detecting impaired driving, but I am cynical with reliable science on my side. The legalization of cannabis brought attention to the problem of identifying people driving while impaired by cannabis. For our practice, understanding the scientific limitations of current detection methods is essential, because it directly impacts how we defend cannabis impaired driving cases.

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A Misogynistic Mess: Heather Mallick’s Shameful Attack on Women in Criminal Defence

@kylaleelawyer

Hey @Toronto Star do better. This is gross and platforming this type of misogyny sets women in the legal profession back. Also – Megan Savard is GOAT level and that’s why she was hired. Not to be a “skirt” #Feminism #Misogyny #LAW #Legal #LegalProfession #WomenInLaw #WomenInCriminalDefense #CriminalDefense #CriminalDefenseLawyer #FemaleLawyer #LadyLawyer

♬ original sound – Kyla Lee

This morning, I opened the Toronto Star and found myself staring at one of the most offensive, regressive, and frankly misogynistic articles published by a mainstream Canadian outlet in recent memory. Heather Mallick’s opinion piece questioning why women defend men accused of sexual offences is not just misguided, it’s dangerous. It is a full-on assault on women in the legal profession, and it deserves to be called out for exactly what it is: sexist drivel cloaked in faux moral outrage.

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10 Common Mistakes People Make During a DUI Investigation

Driver sitting in a car being stopped by a police officer, who is checking a device, possibly related to impaired driving enforcement.

DUI investigations are high-pressure situations that often lead individuals to make mistakes that can significantly impact their cases. Understanding these common errors can help you protect your rights and minimize the consequences of a potential DUI investigation.

Here are the top 10 mistakes people commonly make during a DUI investigation, along with practical advice on how to avoid them.

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Navigating a DUI Charge in Canada: Understanding Your Plea Options

A man holding a beer bottle while sitting in the driver’s seat of a car, illuminated by red and blue police lights.

Facing a DUI charge in Canada can be an incredibly daunting experience. One of the most important decisions you’ll encounter is choosing how to plead. Your plea is your formal response to the charges laid against you, and it can significantly influence the outcome of your case.

It’s important to understand your options and their potential consequences before making this decision.

This post aims to guide you through the various pleas available in a Canadian DUI case, and why securing skilled legal representation is the best was to navigate this complex process.

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Who Has the Toughest DUI Laws?

A black car stopped on a rural road at dusk with a police vehicle behind it, flashing blue lights.

DUI laws vary significantly around the world, and even within Canada and the United States, provinces and states impose different penalties and enforcement practices. The severity of DUI laws often depends on cultural attitudes toward drinking and driving, as well as the government’s focus on road safety. Here’s an exploration of where you’ll find the toughest DUI laws and why understanding them matters.

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Strong Defence Strategies Against DUI Charges in BC

A lawyer and a client discussing legal documents at a desk with a gavel, scales of justice, and a laptop

Facing a DUI charge in British Columbia can be a daunting experience, with the potential for significant disruption to your life.

The consequences of a conviction are severe and can include hefty fines, lengthy licence suspensions, a criminal record and potential jail time. However, it is important to remember that a DUI charge does not automatically mean a conviction. With the right defence strategies and a skilled lawyer, you can fight the charges and protect your future.

This post will explore some of the most effective defence strategies against DUI charges in BC and explain why hiring a skilled lawyer is your best chance at a favourable outcome.

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