A “Good Samaritan” became concerned when she saw our client sleeping on a sidewalk. This individual called 911. Two police officers arrived and approached our client. The police alleged that, in attempting to get his attention, our client revived himself and became combative. Allegedly, our client proceeded to take a swing at the police officers, […]
Our client was employed at a grocery store as a full time night clerk. His responsibilities as a night clerk included disposing of the empty cardboard boxes and packaging materials in a trash compactor. Several nights before the night in question, another employee had reported a smell of smoke coming from the trash compactor – […]
I truly thank Michael Johnston of Shore Davis Johnston for representing my husband at the most trying time of our lives. We are seniors and know nothing about how the criminal legal system works. Michael led us through the legal process with extreme compassion as well as straightforward honesty and excellent professional advice. He attained […]
My criminal trial was one of the most stressful moments of my life. However, I had every bit of trust and confidence in Ms. Hyslop and her abilities. She is intelligent, hardworking, and incredibly astute. She not only met, but exceeded my expectations. Many years from now when I will be a distant memory to […]
When I first met Mr. Johnston I told him I was placing my trust on him. He replied, “I will not let you down”. I originally had five criminal charges against me and the Crown was asking for jail. Not only will I not go to jail, but I also will not have a criminal […]
Being the parents of an arrested child, you have many concerns. Michael Johnston was able to abate our fears and concerns time and time again. He was available almost 24/7 and his response time for emails and phone calls was excellent. We truly felt his commitment to the case was first and foremost and we […]
Following the publication of his article in the Criminal Reports last week, Michael A. Johnston has been cited by the Toronto Star: "Ottawa lawyer Michael A. Johnston, in a paper published last week, argues that up 10 per cent of Canadians are being unfairly barred from jury duty because they have a criminal record. In Ontario, […]
by Michael A. Johnston Data from Statistics Canada shows that although the overall number of youth (including Aboriginal Youth) being held in pre-trial detention has decreased in the past few years, the percentage of aboriginal youth being held has increased dramatically.
by Matthew B. Day Can a trial judge provide a Vetrovec warning for a sexual assault complainant? A series of appellate-level decisions confirms that section 274 of the Criminal Code does not prohibit trial judges from commenting on the evidence of sexual assault complainants and that trial judges have the discretion to provide a Vetrovec-like […]
by Michael A. Johnston We have a system of justice that purports to treat all people equally; Lady Justice is most often blind-folded, for that reason. However, even as an ideal, the concept of equality can have differing effects on differing people. A philosopher once quipped: "the law in its majestic equality forbids the rich as […]
