AREAS OF PRACTICE
LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION
CRIMINAL LAW
Our lawyers have appeared on criminal matters at every level of court in Saskatchewan. We have experience including the following:
- Impaired driving, exceeding .08, care and control
- Bail hearing and reviews
- Firearms Act matters
- Drug possession and trafficking charges
- Property forfeitures and management
As well as other countless other charges under the Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and provincial legislation.
SERVICES FOR BUSINESSES & PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS
CORPORATE LAW
Our corporate counsel provides small to medium-sized businesses the legal advice they need to comply with industry specific regulations and provincial legislation. We are happy to help guide you through the following:
- Deciding on an appropriate form of business organization;
- Incorporating your business;
- Advising on Directors’ duties and liabilities;
- Labour and employment issues;
- Regulatory compliance (including Occupational Health and Safety);
- Acting as registered office for your corporation; and
- General corporate advising.
DEBTOR/CREDITOR LAW
At Martin Dupont LLP we can help you resolve many of your debtor/creditor issues including:
- Judgment Enforcement and unsecured debt recovery;
- Receiverships
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Commercial Reorganizations
- Filing Builders’ Liens
- Foreclosure Actions
- Secured debts
LAW INFORMATION
Assault
Assault is the act of intentionally applying force to another person without their consent, or attempting or threatening to do so in a way that makes the other person reasonably believe they will be harmed. It does not require physical contact—just the threat or attempt can be enough.
Breach of Probation
A breach of probation happens when a person fails to follow the conditions set out in a probation order by the court. These conditions can include things like reporting to a probation officer, staying away from certain people or places, or not committing another offence. If someone breaks any of these rules, it is considered a criminal offence and can lead to additional penalties, such as fines, jail time, or stricter conditions.
Drug Offence
A drug offence is a crime involving illegal drugs or controlled substances, such as possession, trafficking, production, or importing/exporting. In Canada, including Saskatchewan, these offences are governed by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Penalties can vary widely depending on the type and amount of drug, and whether the offence involves trafficking or production. Even simple possession of certain substances can lead to criminal charges and a permanent record.
Driving Offence
A driving offence is any violation of traffic or vehicle laws while operating a motor vehicle. This can include speeding, impaired driving, driving without a valid licence, or failing to obey traffic signals. In Saskatchewan, these offences are regulated by provincial laws like The Traffic Safety Act and, for serious cases such as impaired driving, the Criminal Code of Canada. Penalties can range from fines and demerit points to licence suspension or criminal charges, depending on the severity of the offence.
DUI
DUI refers to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. A person is considered impaired if their ability to drive safely is affected, or if their blood alcohol concentration is at or above the legal limit of 80 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood (0.08%). Penalties can include fines, licence suspension, mandatory education programs, and even jail time for repeat or severe offences.
Fraud Defence
Fraud defence refers to the legal strategies used to challenge or respond to an accusation of fraud. Fraud generally means intentionally deceiving someone to gain money, property, or another benefit. A defence might involve proving there was no intent to deceive, that the statements made were true, or that the accused reasonably believed their actions were lawful.
Kidnapping Offence
Kidnapping is the act of taking or holding someone against their will, often by force, threats, or deception, and moving them to another location. It usually involves restricting a person’s freedom without lawful authority, and can carry severe penalties, especially if violence, ransom demands, or harm are involved. Kidnapping is different from unlawful confinement because it includes moving the person from one place to another.
Perjury
Perjury is the act of knowingly making a false statement under oath or affirmation during a legal proceeding. This means lying or giving misleading information when you are legally required to tell the truth, such as in court or in a sworn affidavit. In Canada, perjury is a serious criminal offence under the Criminal Code and can lead to significant penalties, including imprisonment, because it undermines the integrity of the justice system.
Sex Offence
A sex offence is a crime that involves illegal sexual activity or behavior. This can include offences such as sexual assault, sexual interference, exploitation, or child pornography. Penalties can range from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the nature and severity of the offence.
Violent Offences
Violent offences are crimes that involve the use of force, threats, or physical harm against another person. Common examples include assault, robbery, sexual assault, and homicide. These offences are treated very seriously under the Criminal Code because they endanger personal safety and public security. Penalties can range from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the severity and circumstances of the offence.
Theft
Theft is the act of taking someone else’s property without their permission and with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This can include physical items, money, or anything of value. Theft is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code, and penalties depend on the value of the property and the circumstances of the crime. Theft under $5,000 is treated less severely than theft over $5,000, but both can result in fines, probation, or jail time.
White Collar Defence
White collar defence refers to the legal strategies used to defend individuals or businesses accused of non-violent, financially motivated crimes. These offences often include fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, or money laundering. A defence may focus on proving lack of intent, insufficient evidence, or procedural errors in the investigation. These cases are usually complex and involve detailed financial records, making experienced legal representation essential.
Youth Offence
A youth offence is a crime committed by a person who is 12 to 17 years old. These cases are handled under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment. Youth offenders may face consequences like community service, counseling, or probation, but jail is generally a last resort. The law also provides special protections, such as privacy of the youth’s identity in most cases.
Family Law
Our experienced family law lawyers can help you with all of your family law issues. We have experience in representing clients in court regarding their family issues or approaching the matter through the Collaborative Family Law process. Our family law practitioners can help you with the following:
- Cohabitation and Pre-nuptial Agreements
- Adoption
- Separation Agreements
- Divorce
- Division of Family Property
- Preparation of Parenting Arrangements
- Spousal Support Issues
- Child Support Issues
- Collaborative Law and Mediation