Regulatory Offences Lawyers in Edmonton

Verdicta LLP's regulatory offence lawyers in Edmonton defend individuals and businesses charged under provincial and federal regulatory legislation, from workplace safety and liquor licensing to wildlife and municipal bylaw offences.

Regulatory matters we handle

• Occupational health & safety charges
• Liquor & cannabis licensing offences
• Fish & wildlife offences
• Environmental offences
• Municipal bylaw charges
• Other provincial & federal offences

What is a regulatory offence?

Regulatory (or "public welfare") offences are created by provincial and federal statutes to regulate activities like workplaces, businesses, licensing, the environment and wildlife — rather than by the Criminal Code. Examples include charges under Alberta's workplace safety, liquor and cannabis, wildlife and environmental legislation, as well as municipal bylaws.

The due diligence defence

Most regulatory offences are strict liability offences. The prosecution doesn't have to prove intent, but you have a complete defence if you can show you took all reasonable care to avoid the offence, or reasonably believed in a mistaken set of facts that would have made your conduct innocent. Building this defence means gathering records, policies, training and the steps you actually took.

For businesses

Companies, directors and supervisors can all face regulatory charges — for example, after a workplace incident. Fines can be significant, and a conviction can affect licences, insurance and reputation. We advise from the investigation stage, including how to respond to inspectors and demands for documents.

Consequences

A conviction under a provincial statute is not a criminal record, but it can still lead to substantial fines, licence suspensions or cancellations, and other orders. Early advice can shape the outcome.