Acumen Law Corporation

09/11/2026

Can the police lie to you when they pull you over? Yes. Sometimes. In fact, most of the time.

09/08/2026

A recent BC Court of Appeal decision reducing the life sentences of two young offenders highlights a fundamental principle of Canadian criminal law: adult sentences for youth are the exception, not the rule.

Following the Supreme Court of Canada’s 2025 guidance, courts must give meaningful effect to the Youth Criminal Justice Act’s presumption of diminished moral blameworthiness, rehabilitation, and reintegration—even when the offence is exceptionally serious.

Our latest article looks at what the decision means for youth facing serious criminal charges in British Columbia, the Crown’s burden when seeking an adult sentence, and why the sentencing stage can be so consequential.

https://vancouvercriminallaw.com/youth-rehabilitation-limits-adult-sentencing-bc/

09/01/2026

Can you fight an Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) in BC?

Yes, but whether an IRP review succeeds depends heavily on the facts, the evidence, and the legal grounds available.

Our latest article explains how RoadSafetyBC reviews work, the 7-day deadline, common grounds for challenging an IRP, why some reviews fail, and what options may remain after an unsuccessful decision.

Read the full article to understand the IRP review process in British Columbia.

https://vancouvercriminallaw.com/fight-irp-bc-review-process/

08/26/2026

Received an Immediate Roadside Prohibition in BC, or want to understand how the process works?

Our step-by-step guide explains what happens from the initial roadside stop through to the end of an IRP.

We cover ASD breath tests, “Warn” and “Fail” readings, second-test rights, vehicle impoundment, the 7-day review deadline, RoadSafetyBC reviews, and licence reinstatement.

Read the full guide:

https://vancouvercriminallaw.com/bc-immediate-roadside-prohibition-system-step-by-step/

08/18/2026

How long does a DUI stay on your record in BC?

There isn’t just one “record” to consider. A DUI conviction can affect your criminal record and ICBC driving history differently, and may also have consequences for insurance, employment, professional licensing, and travel.

Our latest article explains how long these records can last, when a Record Suspension may be available, and what you should know about the long-term impact of a DUI conviction.

Read the full article to learn more.

https://vancouvercriminallaw.com/how-long-does-a-dui-stay-on-your-record-in-bc/

08/14/2026

Paul Doroshenko on The Mike Smyth Show: Illegal street racing taking over the streets of Nanaimo

Illegal street racing is taking over the streets of Nanaimo. Is there enough police enforcement to tackle this issue?

RCMP in Nanaimo partnered with a police helicopter service to target dangerous drivers, following multiple complaints from residents about drag racing and other risky behaviour in some parts of the city in recent months.

“I think it’s more of a threat than reality. Because the cost of putting a helicopter in the air and having them just monitor, looking for an offence being committed usually is not really financially viable. The police talk about it all the time… but you can’t find someone in the past 30 years who’s been ticketed from that…” - Paul Doroshenko

Illegal street racing is taking over the streets of Nanaimo. Is there enough police enforcement to tackle this issue?RCMP in Nanaimo partnered with a police helicopter service to target dangerous drivers, following multiple complaints from residents about drag racing and other risky behaviour in som...

08/11/2026

More than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine. A 5.5-year prison sentence. Why wasn’t the sentence significantly longer, or shorter?

Our latest article looks beyond the headline and explains what can drive sentencing in cross-border drug importation cases in British Columbia, from drug quantity and the accused’s role to guilty pleas, personal circumstances, and immigration consequences.

Facing an importation charge? Understanding these factors early can be critical to building an effective defence strategy.

Read more:

https://vancouvercriminallaw.com/cross-border-drug-importation-charges-bc/

08/04/2026

Police can generally walk up a residential driveway to speak with someone. But opening a closed vehicle door is different.

In R. v. Singer, 2026 SCC 8, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that opening a vehicle door on private property can amount to an unconstitutional search under section 8 of the Charter.

That distinction may be critical in impaired driving cases that begin at a home, in a driveway, or in a residential parking area. A case can turn on the exact moment an officer moved from approaching and observing to physically entering the vehicle.

Our latest article explains what the Court decided, how the ruling may affect impaired driving investigations in British Columbia, and why the officer’s notes, video evidence, and sequence of events matter.

Learn how R. v. Singer limits police vehicle searches on private driveways during BC impaired driving investigations.

07/27/2026

Here are the top five ways you can get a false reading on a roadside breathalyzer.

07/14/2026

A recently released British Columbia decision, R. v. Machura, demonstrates how statutory definitions can fundamentally shape the outcome of a case.

The court carefully analyzed the meaning of highway, roadway, sidewalk, and boulevard under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, concluding that these distinctions determined when a driver's statutory duties to a pedestrian arose.

Beyond the tragic facts, the decision offers valuable insight into legislative interpretation, driver obligations, and the importance of road design in public safety.

Read our breakdown of the case:
https://kylalee.ca/where-the-sidewalk-meets-the-road-bc-motor-vehicle-act-definitions/