Sask. could see more COVID-19 fines get dropped, says lawyer
A Saskatoon lawyer says more COVID-19 fines could get dropped.
Fines can be dropped for two reasons: if it’s unlikely the case will result in a conviction or if it’s not in the public interest to proceed.
As more cases get adjourned to the fall, likely when public health restrictions get lifted, lawyer Brian Pfefferle said it’s possible more COVID-19-related charges will get dropped.
“I’d suggest there’s less of a public interest pursuing public health order cases if we’re not in the midst of a pandemic,” he said.
Pfefferle said “due diligence” can be a defence for these types of charges — if a business or person can show they’ve taken reasonable steps to comply with the public heath order, and it was just a brief moment of a breach.
About two weeks ago, a $14,000 fine laid against a Prince Albert church for allegedly violating the COVID-19 rules was dropped because there was evidence the charge would not likely result in a conviction.
“In general, the agency responsible for prosecuting a ticket decides whether it should proceed or not. That may be the police, a prosecution service, or another agency,” according to a statement from Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Justice.
Data from the ministry shows the majority of COVID-19-related fines have not resulted in convictions.
A total of 155 charges have been laid under the Public Health Act.
So far, since April 30, only 17 tickets have resulted in convictions.
The majority of the cases are awaiting a court date.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.