The Criminal Lawyer’s Association (CLA) is Canada’s largest criminal law specialty association. On 6 July 2021, the CLA published a profile of Michael A. Johnston. Michael’s profile takes a look at what motivates him and what he enjoys most about criminal defence: I most enjoy cases which are tried before a judge and jury. A […]
BestInOttawa is an online publication that does “extensive customer research” to provide “your guide to the best things that Ottawa has to offer, from the top products to the most dependable services.” On 9 July 2021, BestInOttawa published its list of “The Best DUI Lawyers in Ottawa” for 2021: Driving under the influence is a […]
On 25 June 2021, the Supreme Court of Canada released its reasons for the decision in R v Chouhan. Michael A. Johnston represented the Defence Counsel Association of Ottawa (DCAO), which intervened in the appeal. Writing in dissent, the Honourable Justice Côté would have found that the recent amendments to jury trial procedures, including the […]
On 2 June 2021, the West End Phoenix published an article by Eternity Martis entitled “Black in the Jury Box: Systemic Barriers,” part of a four-part investigative series that “explores racial disparities during the jury selection process and looks at how they contribute to a court system that is biased against Black defendants.” The article […]
On 17 May 2021, New Canadian Media published an article by Farah Mustapha entitled "Anti-Lockdown Protests Grow as COVID-19 Spreads," describing the growing number of protests against Canadian lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article quotes Michael A. Johnston: Ottawa lawyer Michael Johnston suggests some people may be taking issue with hastily passed laws during […]
Mr. Johnston came recommended from 2 of my close friends who had success with him in previous cases. Despite being in a global pandemic Michael and his team took my case and handled my matter promptly and professionally going over and above with clear communication and attention to detail. Having to choose Legal representation is […]
ThreeBestRated is an online publication that “was created in 2014 with a simple goal to find you the top 3 local businesses, professionals, restaurants, health care providers, etc., in key cities.” ThreeBestRated published their list of the “3 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Ottawa” for 2021: All of our criminal defense lawyers actually face a […]
I wanted to thank Mr. Michael Johnston for the excellent work he did as my attorney. I know he has a lot of clients, so his quick responses and attention to the details really meant a lot to me. Without Mr. Johnston’s help, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes that […]
On 7 October 2020, the case of R v Chouhan was argued before the Supreme Court of Canada. This case dealt with the constitutionality of recent amendments to jury trial procedures, in particular, the elimination of “peremptory challenges” and the elimination of the “rotating triers” procedure. The Defence Counsel Association of Ottawa (DCAO) intervened in […]
Michael A. Johnston's article "Whelan Still Waiting" has been published in the Criminal Law Quarterly (at (2018), 66 C.L.Q. 19): Patrick Whelan received a "short drop" and died slowly. His procedurally flawed execution was the tragic punctuation to a death sentence passed pursuant to a procedurally flawed trial and appeals. The trial and appeals were, individually […]
