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REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND DEFENCE LAWYERS 

What are Regulatory Offences?

We live in a highly regulated society. Almost every activity, business, and industry is regulated by our government. Regulatory offences arise from non-compliance or breaches of the rules of lawful, regulated activities. Compliance management plays a crucial role in navigating these regulatory issues. Regulatory offences may be investigated by federal, provincial, or municipal agencies and governments.

For example, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations have the goal of making workplaces in Ontario safe. If a worker is injured in Ontario or if a company has failed to meet safety standards, both individuals and corporations can be prosecuted. Penalties for non-compliance or breaches can include significant financial penalties and jail, either of which could jeopardize your business and reputation.

You should seek immediate legal assistance if you believe that you or your company is being investigated for regulatory offences or breaches of your industry’s regulations. While not criminal offences, regulatory offences share the same procedures for prosecution and can often include the same penalties as criminal offences, such as period of imprisonment, fines, probation orders, and victim-fine surcharges. Regulatory offences differ significantly from criminal offences in that the prosecution is often only required to prove that an incident happened, whether it was intentional or not. The onus often shifts to the company or individual to prove that, despite the occurrence of the incident, it exercised due diligence.

Regulatory Compliance Lawyers for Ontario

The risk of imprisonment aside, there are numerous reasons to consult with a lawyer if you are being investigated by a regulatory agency. There can be complex procedural and evidentiary issues that you and your company should not navigate without the assistance of a lawyer. Investigators can execute search warrants at your company’s office, obtain production orders for records from your financial institutions and business partners, and seek to interview your employees and clients. In order to successfully defend against a prosecution, you or your company may be required to prove due diligence and demonstrate that all reasonable steps were taken to prevent an offence.

The lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP are experienced regulatory compliance defence lawyers in Toronto, familiar with the investigation and prosecution of regulatory offences. We can help you protect your business and reputation, whether you are currently being investigated or you are looking to ensure that day never comes. We often provide strategic advice and assistance to individuals and organizations, including owners, officers, and directors on the following areas:

  • Regulatory and quasi-criminal offences
  • Risk assessment and compliance
  • Investigations, search warrants, and production orders
  • Due diligence (due diligence audits)
  • Legal Advice for Officers, Directors, and Corporations

Regulatory Investigations and Defence Lawyers

You should not wait for, or simply react to a regulatory investigation. The best way to protect your company and reputation is to take steps before a regulatory investigation occurs. In many cases, there does not have to be any intentional or bad conduct to trigger an investigation. Some regulatory investigations are triggered by virtue of an act occurring beyond your control. The best defence to any regulatory investigation is to have proof that you and your company exercised due diligence.

The regulatory lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP are here to assist you in auditing your company’s due diligence systems, which are intended to prevent the occurrence of any non-compliance or regulatory offence in Toronto or Ontario. If you are being investigated as a result of a breach or incident, it will be too late to start working on a due diligence plan. Systems and procedures must be in place prior to any incident of non-compliance. If you or your company does not have a system in place, let us help you determine what steps can be taken to protect you.

We Know Regulatory Offences and Prosecutions

The lawyers at Damien Frost & Associates LLP used to prosecute criminal, quasi-criminal and regulatory offences. For years, our lawyers represented federal regulatory agencies and led complex investigations and prosecutions into serious regulatory offences across Ontario on behalf of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. We are in a unique position to offer our experience as former prosecutors to help put forward your best defence. The best way to understand your legal options and how to respond to regulators is to think like one. Being able to anticipate the steps a regulator may take against you is the best way to be proactive and set yourself or your organization up for success.

As former prosecutors, we understand the challenges that you or your organization may face when responding to allegations of non-compliance or regulatory prosecutions. We can help you navigate each step of your matter and provide comprehensive legal advice and representation. Let us use our relationships and experience, built over the past decade, to your benefit.

Contact Us For Your Free Consultation.

Our lawyers have extensive knowledge and insight into the investigation and enforcement of regulatory offences. Whether you operate a small business or a multinational corporation, regulatory investigations and proceedings can significantly impact your business. Even if you are not the target of a regulatory investigation or prosecution, the decisions you make with respect to risk assessment and compliance can make or break your business. We provide businesses with legal advice and strategies to ensure compliance with federal, provincial, or other regulatory bodies. Being proactive is the best way to ensure that your business complies with regulations. Non-compliance with regulations and applicable laws can cause serious harm to your reputation and business.

As experienced litigators, we defend businesses and individuals from serious and complex regulatory prosecutions, such as offences under the Provincial Offences Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and others. Don’t wait for incidents of non-compliance to occur. Contact the lawyers of Damien Frost & Associates LLP for a free consultation to discuss your due diligence and compliance programs.

Members of The Criminal Lawyers Association, Toronto Lawyers Association, Ontario Bar Association 
and Advocates' Society.

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Highly Recommend!

"I have been very pleased working with Rebecca. She worked very efficiently, professionally and cared for every step, as we went through the process with Ontario College of Pharmacists. Initially I thought I would be going through a nightmare when I received my paperwork from Ontario College of Pharmacists, but Rebecca made the process seamless and the outcome was positive. Thank-you Rebecca and I would highly recommend your excellent professional service to others."

NP

Very Professional and Helpful

"I hired Ms Rebecca Young regarding a legal matter in October 2015. I found her and the firm to be very professional and helpful. The whole process took about one year to resolve. I followed her advice and the outcome was in my favour. I would recommend her for her professionalism, knowledge and pleasant attitude."

I.S.

Excellent Advocacy. Pleased with the Outcome!

"Daniel, Thank you for your excellent work. I am pleased with the outcome. I didn’t feel ‘prosecuted’ and I believe that is due to your excellent advocacy skills and rapport with the Court."

AF

Very Pleased with Mr. Frost’s Representation

"We were very pleased with Mr. Frost’s representation. He provided us with the best possible legal representation. He was dedicated to obtaining a tremendous resolution in what was complex litigation while being always mindful that we required a cost-effective solution."

BB

Nothing Short of Remarkable!

"I was very grateful to have the knowledge, experience and support of Rebecca Young when I was presented with a legal issue concerning my private practice. She ensured that my own professionalism and experience were demonstrated while representing me in communication with the CRPO. In addition, she offered recommendations to improve my due diligence measures, thereby further protecting my business and reputation going forward. Thank you Rebecca."

MM

Truly Professional, Confident & Trustworthy

"I was very happy with how Damien Frost handled my case and with what they accomplished for me. From my very first call with Rebecca, she gained my confidence and trust. She was very knowledgeable and she handled herself with true professionalism. She took the time to explain to me the process as well as her strategies so I always knew what was going on. She was always an email or a phone call away and she resolved my case to my full satisfaction."

SG

Incredibly Supportive & Experienced

"I had an extremely positive experience working with Rebecca Young. She is so pleasant to deal with and not only provided sound counsel right from the first day but continued doing so in a manner that was clear and compassionate. Incredibly supportive and experienced team. I was kept up to date at every step and got an amazing outcome in a very short time. Highly recommend working with Rebecca!"

GB

Instantly Put Me At Ease

Rebecca was very helpful in my particular situation. I spoke to a few lawyers before her and I can't tell you how good she was. She instantly put me at ease by telling me what I was dealing with - others had scared me a lot. She was almost my therapist whereby I would get in touch with her, send my thoughts, and get responses on what the process looked like - she was straightforward, compassionate and understanding of the situation. Great service and no fear-mongering at this company. Thank you for all your help, Rebecca!

DL

Damien Frost & Associates LLP

1073 Bloor Street West,

Suite 1, Toronto, ON M6H 1M6

Phone: 416-923-1900

Toll Free Number: 1-800-329-3951

Fax: 1-866-235-6191