Examples of Quasi Criminal Offences

Some common examples quasi criminal offences include:

• Violations under the Highway Traffic Act.
• Charges under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.
• Workplace incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Environmental protection breaches.
• Employment standards violations.
• Food fraud and false statements.
• Violations of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
• Securities misconduct, including insider trading.
• Infractions under the Income Tax Act.

These quasi criminal cases often stem from a prohibited act or non-compliance with a statute or regulation affecting a regulated industry.

Who Enforces Regulatory & Quasi Criminal Offences?

These offences are typically prosecuted by regulatory agencies, including:

• The Ontario Ministry of Labour.
• The Ontario Securities Commission.
• Municipal bylaw officers.
• Police officers in specific contexts.
• The federal government for national statutes.

Quasi criminal prosecutions may be heard in traditional courts or before specialized tribunals with special jurisdiction over regulated activities.

How Our Toronto Quasi Criminal Lawyer Can Help

Our experienced team defends against quasi criminal prosecutions and regulatory offences with a keen understanding of both criminal and administrative law. We challenge search warrants, contest evidence, and ensure reasonable doubt is presented in all quasi criminal proceedings.

Whether you’re facing a quasi criminal charge or defending your professional licence, we provide a strong defence backed by deep knowledge of quasi criminal laws and applicable regulatory frameworks.

Representing Before Tribunals and Regulatory Bodies

Our firm regularly represents clients before:

• The Ontario Labour Relations Board.
• Financial regulatory tribunals.
• Environmental and workplace safety bodies.
• Municipal hearing panels.

We’re well-versed in the procedures of specialized tribunals and understand how to navigate quasi criminal proceedings with precision.

Defending Against Environmental and Safety Violations

Environmental protection and occupational health laws often impose strict liability. Being found guilty under these regimes can result in substantial fines, licence suspensions, or jail time.

We defend clients accused of:

• Improper waste disposal.
• Workplace injuries.
• Safety violations under the Safety Act.
• Violations of workplace health standards.

In such cases, demonstrating due diligence or a lack of a prohibited act may be a key to avoiding conviction.

Securities and Financial Market Offences

We defend professionals and corporations accused of:

• Insider trading.
• Misleading disclosures.
• False statements.
• Breaches under the Income Tax Act.

These quasi criminal charges often involve complex financial records and expert testimony. Our firm is equipped to handle such matters with discretion and thorough preparation.

Protecting Professionals and License Holders

We understand that a quasi criminal conviction can end a career. We can help:

• Health professionals.
• Financial advisors.
• Licensed contractors.
• Regulated tradespersons.

Our focus is on preserving your licence, your livelihood, and your reputation.

Corporate Liability and Director Responsibility

Directors and officers can be held personally liable for regulatory offences, especially under strict liability offences regimes. Quasi criminal prosecutions may target corporate decision-makers when:

• Unlawful acts occur on their watch.
• Supervisory failures lead to injury or harm.
• Environmental or employment standards breaches arise.

We defend companies and individuals facing criminal charges arising from corporate actions or omissions.

Compliance and Risk Management Advice

The best defence is prevention. We offer proactive counsel to:

• Identify and reduce risk of quasi criminal acts.
• Implement internal policies for reasonable care.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory laws.
• Mitigate the risk of repeat offenders.

This service is ideal for businesses in regulated industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and finance.

The Potential Penalties and Long-Term Consequences for a Quasi Criminal Prosecution

The consequences of a quasi criminal prosecution can be severe, including:

• Monetary penalties.
• Jail time.
• Permanent criminal record.
• Repetitional harm.
• Loss of licence or accreditation.
• Ineligibility for certain jobs or contracts.

In some quasi criminal cases, the penalties rival those of criminal offences. Being found guilty may result in both significant fines and incarceration, particularly for public welfare offences.

Why Choose Our Toronto Regulatory and Quasi Criminal Lawyers?

Our firm combines courtroom experience in criminal matters with a deep understanding of regulatory or administrative law. We have successfully defended individuals and organizations in:

• Criminal prosecutions.
• Quasi criminal prosecutions.
• Regulatory trials.
• Jury trials in criminal code matters.

We are committed to protecting your rights, your business, and your future. Our strategy in every case is guided by a strong sense of justice, a mastery of criminal law, and an unwavering dedication to our clients.