Hicks Adams

The Supreme Court of Canada has laid out new criteria to allow certain complex criminal prosecutions to stretch beyond the strict deadlines imposed by a previous landmark decision on trial delays – a decade-old ruling that has seen thousands of criminal cases tossed out. https://ow.ly/95iH50Z7aLU

Supreme Court clarifies details on strict Jordan time limits on criminal trials Justices reaffirm that some trials can be exempt from the timelines set in the court’s 2016 decision

Bill C-29, introduced in April 2026, proposes a dedicated Financial Crimes Agency to investigate serious financial offences, a landmark shift in how Canada enforces financial crime law.

Our latest blog covers what you need to know: https://ow.ly/lUqw50Z3pxI

Canada's New Financial Crimes Agency: What You Need to Know Learn how Canada’s proposed Financial Crimes Agency under Bill C-29 could reshape financial crime enforcement for businesses and individuals.

At least five inmates mistakenly released from Ontario’s jails remain unlawfully at large. The solicitor general said that, because police hadn’t issued any alerts about the missing inmates, they likely don’t pose a threat to public safety. https://ow.ly/oGju50YUM51

5 inmates still missing in Ontario after accidental release, government indicates | Globalnews.ca After Global News revealed issues with Ontario routinely releasing inmates by mistake, Ford admitted in mid-April that at least six were still on the loose.

In a case arising from a woman’s complaint against her former husband, the Ontario Court of Justice decided which text messages between them constituted admissible evidence for his upcoming criminal trial, with probative value that outweighed privacy concerns. https://ow.ly/UnaI50YP5ZV

Probative value of some text messages outweighs privacy concerns: Ontario Court of Justice Ruling finds these records admissible, helpful in assessing complainant’s credibility

Weapons offences are treated with significant gravity under the Criminal Code of Canada. Charges can arise from the possession of prohibited fi****ms or even everyday objects if they are deemed intended for use as weapons. Even without a prior criminal record, individuals can face severe legal consequences.

The law in Ontario covers various categories, including possession of prohibited weapons, carrying without lawful authority, and possession for a dangerous purpose. Distinguishing between these charges is a critical step for anyone navigating the criminal justice process.

Our latest blog post examines the different categories of weapons offences and the potential legal implications of these charges:

Weapons Charges in Canada: Possession vs. Unauthorized Carrying - Hicks Adams Weapons offences are treated seriously under Canadian criminal law. Charges related to weapons can arise in a wide range of circumstances, from possessing prohibited fi****ms to carrying everyday objects that police believe were intended to be used as weapons. Even individuals with no prior criminal...