Jonathan Hughes
1533 Barrington Street, Suite PH B3J 1Z4 Halifax, NS, Canada

Thank you again to ISANS for inviting me to be a part of their Legal Information Series tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to speaking with everyone! There is still time to register, follow the link for details: https://www.isans.ca//legal-information-series/2020-06-10/

I’m excited to be giving a Zoom presentation with the Nova Scotia Legal Information Society on criminal law and individual rights for newcomers to Canada on June 10th. If you know anyone in Nova Scotia who could benefit from this presentation let them know! #welcometoCanada #knowyourrights #a2j

There has been a considerable amount of discussion about what is required of employees and employers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most discussions focus on the circumstances in which employees can work from home, what accommodations employers should or are required to make for their employees, or what happens in the event of a lay off. Here in Nova Scotia, section 72 of the Labour Standards Code states that even in the event of a lay off, notice is required... to be given to the employee. But what happens when the employee is working from home when the lay off occurs? It is crucial for employers to be able to monitor how many hours the employee is actually working for EI purposes and proper record keeping. Records of pay and hours worked are statutorily required to be kept by an employer under section 15 of the Labour Standards Code. Furthermore, it protects both the employer and the employee in the event of a dispute to benefits entitlement with Service Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency. No matter the circumstances faced by any employee or employer, but especially now, it is important to speak to a lawyer to make sure that any dismissal of an employee is done properly. Contact us today for a free consultation.

At Planetta Hughes LLP we are conforming with the directions issued by the health authorities on social distancing. This does not mean we will not be serving our clients during this difficult time. Quite the opposite. Our team has been working tirelessly to try to make sure the impact of court closures are as minimal as possible to our clients. During these times we will be limiting in-person meetings but are still happy to meet with existing and new clients on a multitud...e of platforms including calling, texting, or video conferencing on Skype or Zoom. Stay safe everyone, Jonathan

Today, the Supreme Court of Canada delivered its decision on a case where the central issue was reasonable delay in youth criminal justice matters. With the greatest respect, the majority missed the mark on this decision. In a 5-4 split decision, the majority ruled that the 18 month ceiling that applies to adults should be the same for children. Three judges in dissent ruled that the ceiling should be lowered to 15 months. I would argue that the ceiling should be lower tha...n that benchmark as well, and sit at 12 months. There are well documented studies that show youths experience the passage of time differently than adults do. Think of your own experience? How long did a year of school feel when you were a teenager? How long does a year feel now? Putting this all into perspective, 18 months is half of the total length of high school (for those of us in provinces where high school is grades 10-12). Imagine being charged with a crime and having it hang over your head for half of high school. How would it affect your grades? How would your grades affect where you apply for post secondary? How would the potential of serving jail time, or having a weapons prohibition affect your career choices? I have heard from youth clients who adamantly assert their innocence express worry about applying to the Armed Forces for fear of just that. This case had the opportunity to create a structure that would ensure timely access to justice, but came up short. https://www.scc-csc.ca/case-dossier/cb/2019/38292-eng.aspx

I was happy to get a great result for this client. This case affirmed a very important constitutional right of persons affected by legislative amendments to sentencing provisions as well as acknowledging the severe impact that a gambling addiction can have on an individual.

Another big win at Newton & Associates! Congratulations to Peter Planetta on his successful appeal!

Congratulations to our managing partner Pat MacEwen on a big win!

Though nothing has been formalized yet, in the year leading up to the legalization of marijuana, it will be incredibly important to know what your rights are. The proposed changes to impaired driving laws, however well intentioned could be used improperly, or over zealously. "It will almost certainly be challenged as a violation of the [C]onstitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches..." For continued updates on how the laws will change, follow our webpage at www.newtonandassoc.com

Whatever the laws around legalized marijuana may look like, we're not there yet. It's always important to focus on your rights as they currently stand!

Have a legal issue and not sure if you can afford legal advice? Contact Jonathan for a free 30 minute consultation! If you've been charged with a criminal or regulatory offense and are unsure about retaining a lawyer, contact Jonathan today! For a flat fee, Jonathan will obtain a copy of your disclosure and review it with you to determine what options are available to you. Office (902) 468-9802... Cell (902) 410-2660 See more

Check out my newest blog post on injuries while on vacation http://newtonandassoc.com/b/post/injuries-while-on-vacation

Check out my latest blog post on how the new Limitation of Actions Act may affect your personal injury claim http://newtonandassoc.com//personal-injury-cases-and-the-n

Keep up to date with developments in the law and common questions people face when in need of legal advice. I'll be posting regularly on topics such as the important dates you need to know if you've been injured, the basics of estate planning, and issues around family law. My office contact information is in the about section, but you can also post general questions or comments on this page.