Regulatory, Criminal, and Quasi-criminal Offences

Many of Ontario’s laws involve regulation of conduct in various fields, in the public interest. Professionals in these fields can find their licences revoked or suspended if they are found guilty of a regulatory offence, or an offence under the Criminal Code. Companies may be hit with substantial fines if they are found guilty of contravening regulations governing their industry. Lawrences’ Litigation Group has represented individuals and corporations on a wide range of regulatory, criminal, and quasi-criminal offences, including those under the following Acts:

Occupational Health and Safety Act
Highway Traffic Act
Motor Vehicle Dealers Act
Travel Industry Act
Real Estate and Business Brokers Act
Liquor Licence Act
Criminal Code

I have been charged with what my friends tell me is a very minor criminal offence. Do I really need a lawyer? I am applying for a licence in a regulated industry, but the regulator wants to issue me a licence subject to various terms and conditions. Should I agree? I have been charged with selling vehicles without a licence under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. I have been told that I can pay a small fine and then apply for a licence under the applicable legislation. Is that correct? I have a licence application pending in a regulated industry, but cannot get the regulator to make a decision one way or the other. It has been months and my business plans are on hold, at considerable expense to me. Is any way to expedite the process?

Jan 30, 2014 | Case Study

Exporting Goods before Payment

Issue Our client, a car dealership, had delivered four cars to a prospective buyer but had not yet received payment. On follow-up, they found that ...

Dec 01, 2012 | Article

Injuries in the Workplace: When Does Liability Begin – and End?

A recent Ontario court decision about liability for accidental death on premises makes it clear how different the outcome can be for different parties in a case—and how important it is to anticipate and prevent potential legal problems before they arise, if possible.

Jul 01, 2009 | Article

Changes to Ontario Driving Legislation: Is Your Business Threatened?

Transportation is the lifeblood of many businesses. Let’s say that “ABC Delivery Service” prides itself on meeting its customers’ needs. One Friday afternoon, one of its customers, a pharmacy in a small southern Ontario town, needs an urgent delivery.

Apr 01, 2008 | Article

Workplace Health and Safety: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Workplace accidents are costly, not only to the injured party and to productivity, but also to the employer’s liability, since failure to provide a safe workplace can
now be a criminal offence.

Apr 01, 2007 | Article

Pleading Guilty to a Minor Offence? Get Legal Advice First

You have recently been charged with a provincial offence, such as careless driving, and have been summoned to appear in court. A few minutes before court begins, you approach the prosecutor and identify yourself. He looks at the ticket and says, “Don't worry, it’s not a criminal offence; we'll agree to a $200 fine on a guilty plea to an improper lane change, which is fewer demerit points. You'll be out of here in five minutes”. That’s a relief, right? Maybe not.

Edwin Upenieks (Partner)

Michael Prsa (Partner)

William Sirdevan (Partner)

Heather Picken (Partner)

Michael Luchenski (Partner)

Louis Vouloukos (Associate)

Kiran Gill (Associate)

Manpreet Kaur Uppal (Associate)

Julia Chumak (Associate)

Frank Pinizzotto (Associate)