In Canada the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over the criminal law and recently has enacted laws which make the defence of such cases more difficult for criminal lawyers. In addition, penalties have been increased both for first offenders and particularly for repeat offenders.
The provincial governments also play a role by virtue of their power to regulate road safety and automobile licencing and registration. Thus, in recent years provinces across the country have adopted measures which provide harsh consequences for drivers who are caught driving with illegal levels of alcohol in their blood. In coming days these pages will set out some of the main aspects of the criminal and regulatory laws. It will be seen that things have become much more difficult for criminal lawyers in Montreal and across the country.