Introduction

With technological advancements, it is easier to commit a crime and get away with it. Such crimes are known as white collar crimes and, may also be committed with the help of a paper or a pen. In most cases, such crimes involve more than one person due to different processes involved. Thus, innocent people who may have aided criminal activity unknowingly might find themselves as a target during investigations. These crimes need the expertise of a White Collar Fraud Lawyer Burlington to buy the freedom and rights of the accused.

Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in the number of fraud cases in major governmental organizations. As a result, the number of victims and suspects rose drastically leaving several people spending most of their lives in Jail. White Collar Fraud Lawyer devised several ways of trying to assists these individuals by contesting their crimes in court. In the process, several of the detained clients secured their freedom while the government was left with a task of searching for the real culprits.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: GENERAL PRACTICE DEFINITION

In criminal law, the non-white-collar practice area spans a vast range of matters, and the need for individuals facing the threat of criminal prosecution to secure experienced counsel is great. By contrast to white-collar offenses such as tax violations, bribery, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and the like, which comprise a relatively small percentage of the total number of criminal charges brought each year, non-white-collar criminal charges are those most-typically faced by individuals seeking to retain criminal counsel.

Non-white-collar offenses include felonies, also termed indictable criminal offenses in some states. Included in this category are homicides (ranging from intentional murder to reckless manslaughter and death-by-auto), assault, kidnapping, sexual offenses, robbery, bias crimes, arson, other property crimes, criminal mischief, burglary, theft, forgery, drug offenses, gambling, perjury, firearms violations, and other weapons offenses. Family-related offenses, such as endangering the welfare of a minor and domestic violence, also fall within this group.

White Collar Fraud crimes are heard in either superior court or the district court. Crimes handled by White Collar Fraud Lawyer Burlington include:

• Embezzlement
• Forgery
• Bribery
• Fraud – these may include a presentation of false records, knowingly misinterpretation of vehicle mileage and fraudulent health claims.
• Tax Evasion/Tax Fraud
• Securities Frauds- this is an illegal sale, purchase or offering of securities that can result in a jail exceeding 25 years.
• Money Laundering
• Insider Trading
• Environmental Crimes
• Copyright infringement and Video Piracy

Possible Penalties for White Collar Fraud Crimes.

Penalties of the named crimes may include, or a combination of:

• Fines
• Imprisonment
• Community Services
• Probation
• Disgorgement
• Restitution
• Home Detention
• Forfeitures
• Cost of Prosecution

Some possible defense tactics to be applied by White Collar Fraud  accused persons.

The ideal way to handle such cases is by contacting a qualified Fraud and White Collar Attorney Burlington who will aggressively represent the accused.

White collar crime attorneys focus on clients that have been charged with a non-violent crime related to their businesses or financial operations.This often includes money laundering, securities fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, tax evasion, price-fixing, and health care fraud.White collar criminal lawyers work to refute or reduce the charges brought against an individual and have extensive knowledge of the business regulation and practices as well as legal proceedings.The white collar crime attorneys listed here are recognized by their peers for their professional achievements making it easy to find a reputable lawyer that fits your needs.

Guns have been thrust back into the national discourse recently, in the wake of the mass shooting in downtown Toronto and the federal government’s plans to explore a potential “full ban” on handguns and assault weapons.

There are various measures of these things and you’ve likely heard some statistics thrown around, in isolation. But these numbers don’t always paint a particularly clear picture. Taken together, however, the data provides a more nuanced perspective.

So, to that end, we’ve gathered decades’ worth of numbers from various sources and compiled them into a handful of charts you can explore below.

Let’s start with homicides.

Guns vs. knives

Stabbings and shootings have consistently been the two most common forms of homicide in this country, but it varies from year to year which one leads the way.

Shootings have been on the rise for the past few years, and in 2016 there were more people killed by guns than by knives in Canada.

The use of handguns, specifically, has also been on the rise.

There were 130 homicides committed with a handgun in 2016, Statistics Canada said in a recent report, which was the most in more than a decade.

Handguns accounted for 21 per cent of the total homicides that year, and 58 per cent of the shooting homicides.

In the United States, by comparison, the report notes there were 7,105 homicides committed with a handgun in 2016, accounting for 47 per cent of all homicides south of the border that year.

Of course, not all shootings are fatal, and guns can be used in a variety of criminal ways. So, has gun crime, in general, been rising or falling?

It depends where you look.

Edmonton no longer gun-crime capital

Gun crime tends to ebb and flow in Canada’s largest urban centres.

From 2013 to 2016, Edmonton had the highest rate of violent crime involving a firearm.

But gun crime has been on decline in the Alberta capital and it has since been overtaken, slightly, by Calgary — and even more so by Toronto — on that front.

The rate of violent gun crime (measured in terms of victims per 100,000 population) has been on the rise in Toronto for the past four years.

Vancouver, by contrast, which had the highest rate back in 2012, has seen a steady decline in violent gun crime and, by 2017, it had the lowest rate of five urban centres studied. (Montreal and Quebec City are excluded from this report due to differences in data collection methods.)

The use of firearms in crime raises the question: Where did the guns come from?

In the past, police have said most crime guns were smuggled into Canada from the United States. But there’s some evidence that’s been changing, with police in Toronto citing a recent surge in the number of illegal guns sourced from within our national borders.

And the stats do show an increase in the theft of firearms, but there’s a bit of catch to those numbers.

Guns stolen in break and enters

While legal gun owners are being charged less frequently with unsafe storage of a firearm, the number of gun-theft charges has grown.

But the specific offence of “breaking and entering to steal firearm” was only added to the Criminal Code of Canada in 2008 and Statistics Canada only began tracking charges under this law in 2009.

As you can see, the rate of these crimes has more than tripled since then, but some degree of ramping up is to be expected, as police services across the country adapt to a new law. And the number of gun thefts edged downward in 2017, with 1,175 incidents last year.

The gun-theft data includes break-ins to both buildings and vehicles.

But police admit there’s is no thorough way to account for the origins of all guns that are used in criminal activity.

The RCMP recently told CBC News that “no such data exists” to provide “a complete, national picture of the sources of crime guns.”

It’s not just in crime, however, that guns can bring harm to Canadians.

Every year, hundreds of people are accidentally shot, too.

Some possible defense tactics to be applied by gangs in possession of guns.

One of the safest and legitimate ways to handle cases pending in court is through guns and gang defence counsel Burlington, who are endowed with impeccable skills regarding the possession of guns and ammunitions. The criminal defense lawyer will be in a position to challenge the legality of the search warrant imposed by the law enforcers, limit questioning by the authorities as well as avoid possible detention.

People from all walks of life can experience problems with their drug use, regardless of age, race, background, or the reason they started using drugs in the first place. Some people experiment with recreational drugs out of curiosity, to have a good time, because friends are doing it, or to ease problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression. However, it’s not just illegal drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, that can lead to abuse and addiction. Prescription medications such as painkillers, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers can cause similar problems. In fact, next to marijuana, prescription painkillers are the most abused drugs in the U.S. and more people die from overdosing powerful opioid painkillers each day than from traffic accidents and gun deaths combined.

And addiction to opioid painkillers can be so powerful it has become the major risk factor for heroin abuse. Of course, drug use—either illegal or prescription—doesn’t automatically lead to abuse. Some people are able to use recreational or prescription drugs without experiencing negative effects, while others find that substance use takes a serious toll on their health and well-being. Similarly, there is no specific point at which drug use moves from casual to problematic. Drug abuse and addiction is less about the type or amount of the substance consumed or the frequency of your drug use, and more about the consequences of that drug use. If your drug use is causing problems in your life—at work, school, home, or in your relationships—you likely have a drug abuse or addiction problem.

We Identify Your Problems.

Facing criminal charges such as assault,drug crime, rape, victimization or even manslaughter can be a cumbersome and painful experience. These charges may deny one freedom and jeopardize his/her daily activities. Well, with a lot in mind including possibilities of rotting in jail or having to incur extra expenses, we at Burlington Criminal Lawyers always have a solution. More often, Burlington lawyers will give you ideas on how to deal with the criminal charges imposed. Some of the issues that are likely to take center stage include the credible evidence to be laid on board, how to form a formidable defense or how you can seek charter exoneration.

We Offer a Solution.

Entrusting Burlington Criminal Defense Attorney for drug abuse and any other lawsuit is short in the arm. We are experts who are endowed with vast experience in criminal law. We always give conclusive advice in a situation where the case is porous and advise accordingly. Also, we identify the strengths of a case and give different statements to shield one from counterattack. Our core aim is to ensure that you get a fair and just ruling during the process of legal action.It is also our role to represent our clients in court during their busy schedule. We participate fully in the courtroom to ensure a sound judgment is imposed to our customers. Also, we do ensure that our clients rights get not infringed and that the legal interests are executed entirely with due diligence.We provide sufficient information and legal education to our client to equip them with informative tips on how to handle court cases.

We ensure our customers get the right information given by the court for example schedules and the expectations. Our medium of communication is through phone calls, emails and Skype depending on client prevalence. This we do to ensure that our customers are always updated on the court proceedings.

Getting arrested for impaired driving charges is a frightening experience, especially for first-time offenders. Failing to act immediately can result in you losing your case at trial and you might be subjected to the maximum punishment for your impaired driving charges.It is always advisable to contact an experienced impaired driving lawyer when one is in such a situation. Speed is of essence if a good defence on behalf of the accused is to be planned. We employ a team of investigators that gather evidence first-hand to evaluate whether the charter rights of the accused have been honored. Our defence lies on utilizing this evidence at trial as well as cross examinating the Crown witnesses.

This area of law is complicated and requires knowledgeable and experienced counsel.

The penalties become more severe for subsequent offences including mandatory jail time. It is in your best interest to get legal representation.

Penalty for Refusing to provide a sample

Many of the penalties associated with refusing to provide a sample are the same as they are for impaired driving, and can be found under section 255 of the Criminal Code. See the criminal  code penalty chart

For a first conviction, the mandatory minimum penalty for refusing to provide a sample or impaired driving is a $1,000 fine. If you receive a second conviction for either refusing to provide a sample or impaired driving, there is a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 days in jail, and a further mandatory minimum of 120 days in jail for each subsequent offence. The maximum penalty for refusing to provide a sample is 18 months in jail upon summary conviction, and a maximum of 5 years in jail where the offence is prosecuted by indictment. Where a person is convicted of refusing to provide a sample, and where the operation of the motor vehicle caused an accident resulting in bodily harm or death to another person, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

THE LAWS CONSTITUTING IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES IN BURLINGTON, ON

Impaired Driving Charges are centered around Section 253 (1) which states that everyone commits an offence who operates a motor vehicle or vessel; or operates or assists in the operation of an aircraft or railway equipment; or has the care or control of a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft or railway equipment, whether it is in motion or not.

(a) While the person’s ability to operate the vehicle, vessel, aircraft or railway equipment is impaired by alcohol or a drug; or

(b) Having consumed alcohol in such a quantity that the concentration in the person’s blood exceeds eighty milligrams of alcohol in one hundred milliliters of blood.However, for an experienced impaired driving attorney in Burlington, ON he/she will find all the necessary information to get you off the impaired driving charges. All you need is to do is contact Burlington DUI Lawyer today.

Extensive Trial Experience

When it comes to choosing the right lawyer for your case the task can be intimidating due to the vast number of attorneys out there. We believe that our experience and professionalism stands for itself. We have a proven capability of obtaining successful outcomes for those facing criminal charges. Our lawyers are well known in the Hamilton court system, which proves an advantage to our clients as our professionals know the system inside and out.

We have experience assisting clients no matter what charges they face, from arrests to bail hearings to trails, appeals, 524 applications, judicial pre trials and more. our attorneys have a proven track record of getting criminal charges withdrawn, whether through diversion or alternative measures programs.

Because criminal charges are serious our clients have trusted us to obtain their freedom. Let us secure your rights as well. When it comes to criminal charges we know that you need the best possible defence. As one of Hamilton’s top law firms we have the expertise to get you through this turbulent time. Let us help you put these charges behind you.

We provide expert representation and support for you during the entirety of your legal process. With years of criminal law experience, our attorneys walk with you every step of the way, getting you the best possible results.

Gun-related violence is violence committed with the use of a gun (firearm or small arm). Gun-related violence may or may not be considered criminal. Criminal violence includes homicide (except when and where ruled justifiable), assault with a deadly weapon, and suicide, or attempted suicide, depending on jurisdiction. Non-criminal violence includes accidental or unintentional injury and death (except perhaps in cases of criminal negligence). Also generally included in gun violence statistics are military or para-military activities.

They cause fear, destroy property, threaten community security and drive out businesses.

The gang problem affects all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic classes and neighbourhoods, including suburbs and rural areas. Studies show that prolonged involvement in gangs can wreak havoc on a child’s life and development.

Luckily, there are many ways you can prevent gang problems in your community.

What does “gang” mean?

Any group of three (3) or more people, formally or informally organized, which may have a common name or identifying sign or symbol, where members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged primarily in street level criminal behavior, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within the community.

Understand the gang allure

Street gangs provide the illusion of belonging, security and friendship, especially for teens who feel isolated because of their ethnic or cultural background. Many teens get caught up in the excitement of gang membership even when they are forced into violent, scary circumstances.

Gang related activities affect everyone

Signs that your child may be involved in gang activity…

• Shows signs of tobacco, alcohol or drug use.
• Changes circle of friends and desires too much privacy.
• Carries a weapon or conceals personal items.
• Makes impulsive, excessive purchases (clothes, jewelry, car).
• Has large sums of money from an unexplained source.
• Uses a gang’s specific colours, emblems or hand signals.
• Has had negative interactions with police.
• Engages in vandalism or delinquent behaviour.

What parents can do to assist in preventing gang activity…

• Spend quality time with your children and get involved in their education.
• Know your children’s friends and their families.
• Teach your children how to cope with peer pressure.
• Help your children develop good conflict/resolution skills.
• Encourage your children to participate in positive after school activities with adult supervision (e.g. organized sports, youth groups).
• Challenge your children’s whereabouts.

“Gangs are a complex issue. They involve at-risk youth and men and women in organized crime groups. We know that a multifaceted solution that involves the entire community is the answer. To that end, we as a community need to address the broader social factors at play.  Effective anti-gang efforts begin with partnerships among parents, schools, law enforcement, religious institutions, community organizations, businesses and youth. And to successfully address the gang phenomenon, we need to develop a comprehensive gang strategy, involving several components:  Early identification of at risk individuals, education, prevention, diversion, suppression, exit strategies and community involvement.”

What’s our community doing about street gangs?

Resources:

• Child and Youth Friendly Burlington is a not-for-profit organization specializing in youth leadership and mentoring initiatives.
• Christie Lake Kids serves economically disadvantaged children and youth by providing recreation and skill-building programs at no cost and with all barriers to participation removed.
• Boys and Girls Club of Burlington offers a range of opportunities and activities to youth in a safe, supportive atmosphere.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Burlington pairs children with inspiring mentors who act as friends and role models.
• Kids Help Phone provides youth with toll free, 24 hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counseling across the country.
• Children and Youth Agenda sponsored by the City of Burlington and United Way burlington seeks to improve access and availability of services for youth and their families through community action.

Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behavior. When you’re addicted to drugs, you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause.

Drug addiction isn’t about just heroin, cocaine, or other illegal drugs. You can get addicted to alcohol, nicotine, opioid painkillers, and other legal substances.

At first, you may choose to take a drug because you like the way it makes you feel. You may think you can control how much and how often you use it. But over time, drugs change how your brain works. These physical changes can last a long time. They make you lose self-control and can lead you to damaging behaviors.

ADDICTION VS. ABUSE

Drug abuse is when you use legal or illegal substances in ways you shouldn’t. You might take more than the regular dose of pills or use someone else’s prescription. You may abuse drugs to feel good, ease stress, or avoid reality. But usually, you’re able to change your unhealthy habits or stop using altogether.

Addiction is when you can’t stop. Not when it puts your health in danger. Not when it causes financial, emotional, and other problems for you or your loved ones. That urge to get and use drugs can fill up every minute of the day, even if you want to quit.

EFFECT ON YOUR BRAIN

Your brain is wired to make you want to repeat experiences that make you feel good. So you’re motivated to do them again and again.

The drugs that may be addictive target your brain’s reward system. They flood your brain with a chemical called dopamine. This triggers a feeling of intense pleasure. So you keep taking the drug to chase that high.

Over time, your brain gets used to the extra dopamine. So you might need to take more of the drug to get the same good feeling. And other things you enjoyed, like food and hanging out with family, may give you less pleasure.

When you use drugs for a long time, it can cause changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well. They can hurt your:

• Judgment
• Decision making
• Memory
• Ability to learn

Together, these brain changes can drive you to seek out and take drugs in ways that are beyond your control.

WHO’S MOST LIKELY TO BECOME ADDICTED?

Each person’s body and brain is different. People also react differently to drugs. Some love the feeling the first time they try it and want more. Others hate it and never try again.

Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted. But it can happen to anyone and at any age. Some things may raise your chances of addiction, including:

Family history. Your genes are responsible for about half of your odds. If your parents or siblings have problems with alcohol or drugs, you’re more likely as well. Women and men are equally likely to become addicted.

Early drug use. Children’s brains are still growing, and drug use can change that. So taking drugs at an early age may make you more likely to get addicted when you get older.

Mental disorders. If you’re depressed, have trouble paying attention, or worry constantly, you have a higher chance of addiction. You may turn to drugs as a way to try to feel better.

Troubled relationships. If you grew up with family troubles and aren’t close to your parents or siblings, it may raise your chances of addiction.

SIGNS OF ADDICTION

You may have one or more of these warning signs:

• An urge to use the drug every day, or many times a day.
• You take more drugs than you want to, and for longer than you thought you would.
• You always have the drug with you, and you buy it even if you can’t afford it.
• You keep using drugs even if it causes you trouble at work or makes you lash out at family and friends.
• You spend more time alone.
• You don’t take care of yourself or care how you look.
• You steal, lie, or do dangerous things like driving while high or have unsafe sex.
• You spend most of your time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug.
• You feel sick when you try to quit.

WHEN TO GET HELP

If your drug use is out of control or causing problems, talk to your doctor.

Getting better from drug addiction can take time. There’s no cure, but treatment can help you stop using drugs and stay drug-free. Your treatment may include counseling, medicine, or both. Talk to your doctor to figure out the best plan for you.

What is domestic violence and abuse?

When people think of domestic abuse, they often focus on domestic violence. But domestic abuse includes any attempt by one person in an intimate relationship or marriage to dominate and control the other. Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose only: to gain and maintain total control over you. An abuser doesn’t “play fair.” An abuser uses fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear you down and keep you under their thumb.

Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone; it does not discriminate. Abuse happens within heterosexual relationships and in same-sex partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. And while women are more often victimized, men also experience abuse—especially verbal and emotional. The bottom line is that abusive behavior is never acceptable, whether from a man, woman, teenager, or an older adult. You deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe.

Domestic abuse often escalates from threats and verbal assault to violence. And while physical injury may pose the most obvious danger, the emotional and psychological consequences of domestic abuse are also severe. Emotionally abusive relationships can destroy your self-worth, lead to anxiety and depression, and make you feel helpless and alone. No one should have to endure this kind of pain—and your first step to breaking free is recognizing that your relationship is abusive.

Signs of an abusive relationship

There are many signs of an abusive relationship, and a fear of your partner is the most telling. If you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around them—constantly watching what you say and do in order to avoid a blow-up—chances are your relationship is unhealthy and abusive. Other signs include a partner who belittles you or tries to control you, and feelings of self-loathing, helplessness, and desperation.

To determine whether your relationship is abusive, answer the questions below. The more “yes” answers, the more likely it is that you’re in an abusive relationship.

Abusive behavior is a choice

Despite what many people believe, domestic violence and abuse does not take place because of an abuser loses control over their behavior. In fact, abusive behavior and violence is a deliberate choice to gain control. Perpetrators use a variety of tactics to manipulate you and exert their power, including:

Dominance – Abusive individuals need to feel in charge of the relationship. They may make decisions for you and the family, tell you what to do, and expect you to obey without question. Your abuser may treat you like a servant, child, or even as their possession.

Humiliation – An abuser will do everything they can to lower your self-esteem or make you feel defective in some way. After all, if you believe you’re worthless and that no one else will want you, you’re less likely to leave. Insults, name-calling, shaming, and public put-downs are all weapons of abuse designed to erode your self-worth and make you feel powerless.

Isolation – In order to increase your dependence on them, an abusive partner will cut you off from the outside world. They may keep you from seeing family or friends, or even prevent you from going to work or school. You may have to ask permission to do anything, go anywhere, or see anyone.

Threats – Abusers commonly use threats to keep their partners from leaving or scare them into dropping charges. Your abuser may threaten to hurt or kill you, your children, other family members, or even pets. They may also threaten to commit suicide, file false charges against you, or report you to child services.

Intimidation – Your abuser may use a variety of intimidation tactics designed to scare you into submission. Such tactics include making threatening looks or gestures, smashing things in front of you, destroying property, hurting your pets, or putting weapons on display. The message behind these actions is that violent violent consequences will follow if you don’t obey.

Denial and blame – Abusers are adept at making excuses for the inexcusable. They may blame their abusive and violent behavior on a bad childhood, a bad day, or even on you and the kids, the victims of their abuse. They may minimize the abuse or deny that it occurred. Often, they will shift the responsibility on to you: somehow, their violent and abusive behavior is your fault.

Bail, also known as a “recognizance of bail“, is a court order that lets you remain in the community while your case is in the court system.

A bail hearing is not a trial. The judge or justice of the peace doesn’t decide whether you’re guilty or innocent. Instead, they decide whether or not you should go back into the community while your case is in criminal court. If you’re denied bail you will be kept in custody while your case is ongoing.

A bail hearing is also known as a show cause hearing. That is because usually the Crown must “show cause” why you shouldn’t be released from custody on the least strict type of release: an undertaking without conditions.  

An undertaking without conditions lets you be released from custody as long as you promise to go to court when required. If the Crown wants you to follow more conditions if you’re released, they must explain to the judge or justice of the peace why.

Sometimes, you may need to “show cause” why you should be allowed to go back into the community while your case is in court. This is called a “reverse onus” bail hearing. A reverse onus bail hearing happens if:

• you were already on a release and now you’re facing new, unrelated criminal charges
• you were already on a release and you didn’t follow your conditions, and have been charged with failure to comply
• you were charged with a drug offence involving the sale of drugs
• you were charged with certain serious offences

At a bail hearing, a judge or justice of the peace will decide if you should be held in custody or released. If you’re granted bail, you will likely have to follow conditions given to you by the court.

How Bail Is Determined

A judge sets the bail amount and generally adheres to standard practices depending on the crime. For example, a petty and nonviolent offense could have a bail amount of $50-$2,000 depending on the jurisdiction. However, judges are also able to set higher or lower bail amounts for different circumstances. The amount is determined based on additional factors such as whether the defendant is a first offender or has a prior criminal record; whether the person is a potential flight risk; and how dangerous the person is to the public. 

Along with the bail charge, the court can issue two types of bond: secured or unsecured. With a secured bond, the defendant either pays – or promises to pay, using the services of a bail bond agent – an amount of money before he or she is released from jail pending trial. With an unsecured bond, the defendant is released upon his or her written promise to appear in court, and if he or she doesn’t appear, must then pay the full bail amount.

Misdemeanors come with much lower bail amounts than felonies do. In both categories, there are different classes that determine the duration of punishment and the bail amount. In some jurisdictions, there are bail schedules that recommend a standard bail amount. For example, for a Class 1 Misdemeanor offense, the minimum jail time could be between 1 and 45 days with a suggested bail cost of $100-$500. Alternatively, for a Class E Felony offense, the minimum jail time could be 15 months with a suggested bail cost of $25,000.

Bail As Incentive

Another reason bail costs are so high is that bail is designed to act as an incentive. In order for the bail money to be refunded at the end of trial, the defendant must attend all court appointments and not violate any other terms of bail (for example, not leaving the state, not committing any additional crimes, etc.). The high cost of bail means that defendants are much more likely to adhere to the conditions of their release so that they don’t lose all the money they (or a bond agent or family member) have put up.

Contact Us

If you’re dealing with an unexpected arrest and need assistance with posting bail for a friend or loved one, contact our Bail Bonds Division today. We’ll work with you to alleviate the high cost of bail and to ensure your loved one’s quick release from jail.

One of the most lucrative business in Ontario today is the firearms business. Not only because Americans have always been obsessed with guns but because with this business you know you will have returning customers. People who buy firearms also need ammo and other gun parts or materials, so they will return to your gun store if you treat them as professionally as possible (true merchant).

In order to acquire a firearms license (also called FFL), that is the license to buy and sell guns, you need to file your application to the United States Department of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (also called ATF).

After you submit your FFL application it might take 6-7 weeks before your application is reviewed and processed by the ATF. If everything goes according to plan and all the requirements are met, then your application will be accepted and stored.

Finally you will be issued your firearms license and you are ready to buy and sell guns from then on. The basic license costs around $200 for the first 3 years as of writing this (pretty cheap). Then it’s around $100 for every 3 years.

Researching brands and prices can be very long and tedious. In general, the more you spend, the more the gun is worth, the more proven it is, the higher quality. Usually again, these are the manufacturers that perform more “tests” on their firearms which equates to a slightly higher price. They are going to go that extra little bit without cutting as many corners. They are going to use more expensive materials. One other decent reason to not worry so much about the higher expense, is that they hold their value really, really well. Of course, value also depends on what you have on the gun, night sights, finishes, grips, etc…

The first thing to keep in mind when shopping for a firearms is, no matter what anyone tries to sell you, the truth is… it is what YOU like, not what the dealer wants to get rid of because it has been in inventory too long. It is not what your colleague, acquaintance, or friend thinks is awesome. It is what you feel ergonomically comfortable, the size and caliber are for your needs, the action is what you want, and the look is great as observed by you. Ultimately, you are going to use, keep, and know your firearm. Make sure it is one YOU want. Learn it and use it. Get good at shooting it on a regular basis.

Alright, let’s get down to actual guide of purchase. There is no “set” way of what to do first, but there are important factors to consider. So many in fact that is really comes down to eliminating. The way I feel may be the best way to represent purchasing a firearm is to offer how I would select one. You can by all means choose a different order, but keep some of the factors in mind. The main factors are: manufacturer, action, caliber, ergonomics, safeties, and eye appeal. First and foremost of course is to figure out what your needs are. Are you going for concealed, open carry, short range, long range, competition, target, cowboy, personal defense? etc…

Am I a victim of identity theft?

Whether you’re rich or poor, have good credit or no credit, identity thieves can find a way to use your information to commit many types of fraud. Identity thieves can use your information to drain your bank account or run up credit card bills, get medical treatment on your insurance or get a driver’s license in your name. Everyone who has a Social Security number is a potential victim of identity theft.

In the event that you’re a victim of identity theft, it could end up costing you thousands of dollars, and you will likely spend hundreds of hours trying to resolve the issue. Experts all agree that early detection of identity theft can significantly reduce the damage done by fraud.

Warning signs of identity theft

Here’s what to look for if you think an identity thief has targeted you:

1. A strange charge on your credit card bill
   When reviewing your bank account, do you ever notice a charge that you don’t remember making? Even a small discrepancy can indicate fraud. Sometimes criminals make a test charge just to be sure a transaction will go through before making a bigger move.
2. Credit card bills stop coming in the mail
   If you didn’t opt-in to paperless billing but some of your mail isn’t showing up, now’s a good time to give that company a call. Identity thieves will file for a change of address to get their hands on your mail. Most of these documents contain sensitive personal information that can be stolen.
3. Your credit score is going up
   Although this may seem counterintuitive, a rising credit score when you haven’t done anything to earn it can indicate a fraudster is trying to extend credit in your name before running through it.
4. Your credit score is going down
   There are lots of reasons why your credit score could have gone down, like if you recently applied for a loan or had a bill go into collections. If your credit score has dropped and you can’t explain why, however, you could be a victim of identity theft.
5. You get a tax transcript that you didn’t request or your electronic tax return is rejected
   Identity thieves will use your information to file a fraudulent tax return with hopes of claiming your refund. In most cases, you won’t find out until a second tax return is filed and rejected by either you or the thief using your identity.
6. You’re unexpectedly denied for a credit card or loan
   If you thought you had good credit, but then your application for credit is denied, this might be a sign that an identity thief has tampered with your credit history and negatively affected your credit score.
7. There’s a new account you didn’t open on your credit card
   Identity thieves will apply for credit cards and open new accounts using your name once they have access to your personal information. Most of the time, they’ll try to max out the credit card before the victim notices and the account is closed.
8. Inaccurate medical records
   It’s possible for someone to steal your identity and use your health benefits without you knowing until you get a bill in the mail or are unexpectedly denied coverage because an identity thief has already maxed out your limit of benefits.
9. Debt collectors call about accounts you never opened
   If you receive collection calls about debts that you don’t recognize, this is a sign of identity theft. Identity thieves will often use your credit to purchase things, then leave you with the bill.