Featured Cases
R. v. D, North Vancouver, 2014
Charge/Matter
Dangerous Driving (Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle)
Circumstances
The client driving taxi drove off with a customer hanging from his vehicle after a fare dispute.
Result
The client pleaded guilty to the Motor Vehicle Act offense and acquitted of Criminal Code charge.
No driving suspension and no criminal record.
R. v. P., Richmond, 2014
Charge/Matter
Threatening
Circumstances
Client charged with threatening an ex-girlfriend.
Result
Crown persuaded by N. Preovolos to stay charge.
No criminal record.
R. v. C, Port Coquitlam, 2014
Charge/Matter
Break and enter into commercial premises
Circumstances
The client’s blood found on a cash register in the store that had been broken into.
The client arrested several months after break-in based on DNA match between a sample of the client’s DNA on file and DNA associated with blood on cash register.
Result
The client found not guilty after trial.
R. v. C., Surrey, 2014
Charge/Matter
Unlawful possession of a firearm contrary to Criminal Code
Smuggling/attempted smuggling of a firearm into Canada contrary to Customs Act
Circumstances
A client entering Canada by car on a road trip, carrying a non-restricted firearm in the trunk for safety.
Result
Absolute discharge granted.
No fine, no criminal record.
R. v. G., Port Coquitlam, 2014
Charge/Matter
Shoplifting
Circumstances
Client shoplifted pair of gloves and caught by store security.
Result
At the request of N. Preovolos, the client’s case referred to alternative measures.
No criminal record.
R. v. H., Port Coquitlam, 2014
Charge/Matter
Mischief
Circumstances
The client broke the side view mirror of the girlfriend’s car during an argument.
Result
Conditional discharge ($500 restitution order made).
No criminal record for mischief offense.
R. v. H., New Westminster, 2014
Charge/Matter
Assault (Spousal/Domestic Violence)
Circumstances
Client arguing with the wife late at night. Accused of slapping wife.
Result
After submissions from N. Preovolos and meeting between Crown and wife, charge stayed.
No criminal record.
R. v. G., Vancouver, 2013
Charge/Matter
Kidnapping, Unlawful Confinement, Extortion
Circumstances
The client caught on video under surveillance by police participating in a kidnapping, including the release of the kidnapping victim from the client’s car.
Result
Crown asked for a sentence of 8 to 9 years jail; after hearing sentencing submissions of N. Preovolos, the judge sentenced the client to 3 years.
R. v. O and H., Vancouver, 2013
Charge/Matter
Human Trafficking, Misrepresentation and Illegal Employment of Foreign National contrary to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Circumstances
Clients, husband, and wife brought nanny with them from overseas while exploring move back to Canada.
Nanny allegedly induced by false promises to come to Canada, locked in the house and working 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, never allowed to call home, and had a passport withheld from her.
Result
Wife acquitted of all charges by the jury.
Husband convicted of all charges, appealing conviction; at sentencing, the judge did not accept that nanny was subject to humiliating working conditions or deprived of her passport.
R. v. L., New Westminster, 2013
Charge/Matter
Fraud
Circumstances
The client fraudulently used gift cards from major retailers to purchase goods for herself.
Result
Police asked not to lay charges provided the client admitted her actions and reimbursed the victim for the loss.
No charges laid. No criminal record.
R. v. C, Vancouver, 2013
Charge/Matter
Criminal Harassment
Circumstances
The client confronted the resident of her building numerous times regarding the alleged relationship between resident and client’s partner and continued to confront the resident after initial police intervention without charges.
Result
The criminal harassment charge stayed and peace bond ordered.
No criminal record.
R. v. M, Vancouver, 2012
Charge/Matter
Six counts of counseling, inducing, aiding or abetting persons to directly or indirectly misrepresent or withhold material facts to induce an error in the administration of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, contrary to Section 126
Circumstances
Client accused by CBSA and Citizenship and Immigration Canada of falsifying visa applications for clients of his immigration consulting business.
The client maintained his innocence throughout.
Result
Client acquitted after trial. No criminal record.
R. v. H., Port Coquitlam, 2011
Charge/Matter
Shoplifting (Theft)
Circumstances
Client charged with theft for walking out of the supermarket with groceries without paying.
Result
Client acquitted after trial. No criminal record.
R. v. L., Vancouver, 2010
Charge/Matter
Debit Card Fraud
Circumstances
The client caught by police with numerous blank debit cards that were not hers shortly after using them at a bank machine.
Result
Charges dropped. No criminal record.
R. v. A., Richmond, 2008
Charge/Matter
Making False Declaration to Customs, Evading Duties, and Smuggling
Circumstances
The client failed to declare two watches worth over $75,000 to Customs upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport.
Result
The client pleaded guilty to evading duties.
Conditional discharge granted.
No criminal record.
R. v. H., Vancouver, 2007
Charge/Matter
Assault/Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Justice
Circumstances
Client involved in an altercation with Skytrain officers.
Result
Guilty plea to assault. Conditional discharge granted.
No criminal record.
R. v. P., Vancouver, 2007
Charge/Matter
Assault (Spousal/Domestic)
Circumstances
Client charged with assaulting their girlfriend.
Result
Conditional discharge granted on sentencing. No criminal record.
R. v. R., Surrey, 2007
Charge/Matter
Illegal Importation of Goods into Canada/Smuggling
Circumstances
Client driving across Canada-US border caught with packaging for over $175,000 in jewelry found in his friend’s vehicle which reached the border just before him.
Result
Charges dropped. No criminal record.
R. v. C., Surrey, 2006
Charge/Matter
Assault (Spousal/Domestic)
Circumstances
The client allegedly assaulted their wife in the presence of several eyewitnesses. Wife, two children, and two relatives testified for Crown; client and one other person testified for defense (5 prosecution witnesses vs. 2 defense witnesses).
Result
Acquitted by the judge. No criminal record.
R. v. A., Vancouver Supreme Court, 2006
Charge/Matter
Kidnapping, Unlawful Confinement, Assault with a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for Purpose Dangerous to Public Peace
Circumstances
The client apprehended an individual who was wanted by the police and surrendered him to the police station. After surrendering the individual, the client charged with kidnapping and other offenses.
Result
Jury acquitted client of all charges except lesser included offense of assault.
R. v. S., Vancouver, 2006
Charge/Matter
Assault with a Weapon, Threatening, Possession of Marihuana
Circumstances
The client allegedly threatened a bus driver with a skateboard.
Result
Possession of marihuana charged dropped.
Acquitted of assault with a weapon.
Conditional discharge ordered in respect of threatening charge.
No criminal record.
R. v. T., Vancouver, 2006
Charge/Matter
Shoplifting (Theft)
Circumstances
Client under emotional distress shoplifted from a store.
Result
Charges dropped. No criminal record.
R. v. S., New Westminster Supreme Court, 2005
Charge/Matter
Application to Reverse Guilty Plea in Sexual Assault Case
Circumstances
Client charged with sexual assault entered a guilty plea while represented by another lawyer and later regretted pleading guilty.
Result
Guilty plea set aside.
R. v. L., Chilliwack Supreme Court, 2004
Charge/Matter
The appeal of Denial of Bail
Circumstances
The client represented herself at a bail hearing in Provincial Court and was denied bail, leaving her with the prospect of spending several months in jail waiting for trial.
Result
The appeal of the Provincial Court decision allowed.
The client released on bail pending trial.
