R. v. T.Y.

(Calgary, P.C. - Assaulting a Police Officer). On June 10th, 2020 TY discovered charges were laid against her on March 6th, 2020 in relation to an incident with police in the family home on October 22nd, 2019. This was discovered after TY lodged a complaint with the City of Calgary Police Service (CPS) and after a video taken by a family member showed something not, in the opinion of this Calgary criminal lawyer, consistent with the accused committing any crime at all. TY went public to support the outcry for police reform following the death of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020. The accused was shocked to learn that charges had been laid months earlier without notice of any court appearance. A police spokesperson claimed that the reason for failed service of a summons was "COVID" -- a claim that arguably defies logic. The incident happened in October 2019 (4 months prior to charges being laid). Calgary was not shut down as a result of Covid until after March 13, but of course, police were considered an essential service. Police continued to collect full salaries during the lockdown. Most importantly, for the purpose of "serving" documents, COVID was a perfect opportunity to locate the person subject to service, for he or she would be expected to found in their home. It is also not insignificant that counsel for TY communicated with police in October and November 2019, offering to accept service of court documents by fax or scan and email. The point is, it appears TY was targeted by a questionably motivated criminal charge, later followed by dubious justifications by third-parties within the police department about failed process. On July 3rd, 2020 the Calgary Crown Prosecutor's Office took swift action, withdrawing the criminal allegations against TY -- her complaint against the officers remains outstanding. If you have been charged with assaulting a police officer or any crime of violence, contact experienced Calgary criminal lawyers for advice. To read about David Chow's perspective on police read "Police Reform: Peace, Respect and Trust".