Michael Shapray Blog

Featured image for “Stand Your Ground? Understanding Self-Defence in Canada ”

Stand Your Ground? Understanding Self-Defence in Canada 

Canadian criminal law does not recognize “Stand Your Ground” laws in the way several U.S. states do. Instead, Canada applies…
Featured image for “Necessity as a Legal Defence in Canada: When It Applies”

Necessity as a Legal Defence in Canada: When It Applies

In Canadian criminal law, necessity as a legal defence in Canada is recognised as a narrow exception that excuses a…
Featured image for “Understanding Your Rights Under Canadian Criminal Code”

Understanding Your Rights Under Canadian Criminal Code

Being approached by the police can be stressful and confusing. Whether you are stopped on the street, pulled over while…
Featured image for “Top Defence Strategies in BC Criminal Law Cases”

Top Defence Strategies in BC Criminal Law Cases

When facing a criminal charge in British Columbia, the right legal strategy can make all the difference between conviction and…
Featured image for “Changing Your Criminal Defence Lawyer: When and How”

Changing Your Criminal Defence Lawyer: When and How

Facing a changing criminal defence lawyer is one of the most stressful and complex experiences a person can endure. Having…
Featured image for “Sexual Assault vs. Sexual Interference: Legal Differences in BC”

Sexual Assault vs. Sexual Interference: Legal Differences in BC

In Canada, offences involving sexual misconduct are treated with the utmost seriousness. While sexual assault vs. interference may sound similar,…
Featured image for “BC’s Drug Treatment Court: An Alternative to Jail”

BC’s Drug Treatment Court: An Alternative to Jail

When people struggle with addiction, involvement in the criminal justice system often follows. Substance use can lead to charges such…
Featured image for “Appealing a Criminal Conviction in BC”

Appealing a Criminal Conviction in BC

A criminal conviction in BC does not always mean the matter is final. If you believe an error occurred during…
Featured image for “The Stages of a Criminal Trial in BC”

The Stages of a Criminal Trial in BC

Facing a criminal trial in BC is overwhelming, especially in the early stages of the process. Gaining a clear understanding…
Featured image for “Understanding Bail and Bail Hearings in BC”

Understanding Bail and Bail Hearings in BC

An arrest can be one of the most stressful experiences in a person’s life and bail hearings in BC. In…
Featured image for “Legal Options For Domestic Violence Charges in BC”

Legal Options For Domestic Violence Charges in BC

A heated argument with a loved one can spiral quickly, and words or actions you regret might seem fixable until…
Featured image for “Impaired Driving Laws in BC: What Has Changed?”

Impaired Driving Laws in BC: What Has Changed?

Alcohol has played a role in how we mark special occasions for a long time. We use it to relax,…