Criminal Code of Canada - section 164.3(4) - Order

section 164.3(4)

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This section allows a judge to declare that a persons interest in a thing is not affected by forfeiture if they were not involved in the offense and did not acquire the thing under suspicious circumstances.

SECTION WORDING

164.3(4) The judge may make an order declaring that the applicant’s interest in the thing is not affected by the forfeiture and declaring the nature and extent of the interest if the judge is satisfied that the applicant (a) was not a party to the offence; and (b) did not acquire the thing from a person who was a party to the offence under circumstances that give rise to a reasonable inference that it was transferred for the purpose of avoiding forfeiture.

EXPLANATION

Section 164.3(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada offers protection for third parties who have an interest in property that has been seized by law enforcement agencies following a criminal offence. The law recognizes that not everyone who has an interest in the seized property may have been involved in the crime that led to the forfeiture, and thus it is unfair to subject them to the same penalties as the criminal. Under this section, a judge has the power to declare that the applicant's interest in the seized property is not affected by the forfeiture. The judge can only make this order if they are satisfied that the applicant was not a party to the offence and did not acquire the property from someone who was a party to the offence under circumstances that suggest the transfer was done to avoid forfeiture. This provision is crucial in protecting innocent third parties who may have a legitimate interest in the seized property, such as creditors, family members, or business associates. By providing a legal mechanism that allows these parties to demonstrate that their interest is independent of the criminal activity, the law is able to strike a balance between the need for law enforcement agencies to seize property used in the commission of a crime and the need to protect innocent third parties. In conclusion, section 164.3(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada plays a crucial role in ensuring that innocent parties do not suffer any undue harm or loss due to the criminal activities of others. The section offers protection to those who have a legitimate interest in seized property, and ensures that the burden of punishment only falls on the guilty parties, and not on the innocent.

COMMENTARY

Section 164.3(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada governs the forfeiture of property that is connected to a crime. The section outlines the process through which a judge can determine whether an individual's interest in a thing is not affected by the forfeiture of the property. In order to be eligible for protection under this section, the applicant must satisfy two conditions. First, they must not have been a party to the offence for which the property is being forfeited. This means that they must have had no involvement in the commission of the crime that led to the forfeiture. Second, they must not have acquired the property from a person who was involved in the crime and transferred the property with the intention of avoiding forfeiture. One of the key protections afforded by this section is the ability for innocent parties to maintain their interest in property that was not involved in the commission of the crime. For example, if a person is a joint owner of a car that was used in the commission of a crime, but they did not know about the crime and did not participate in any way, they may be able to preserve their ownership interest in the vehicle. The section also provides clarity on what constitutes a transfer of property that is intended to avoid forfeiture. This is an important aspect of the law because it prevents people from avoiding the consequences of their criminal actions by simply transferring property to others. Overall, Section 164.3(4) strikes a balance between the need to forfeit property that is connected to criminal activity and the need to protect innocent parties who have a legitimate interest in that property. By providing a clear framework for determining when an individual's interest in property is not affected by forfeiture, this section helps ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently.

STRATEGY

When dealing with section 164.3(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada, there are several strategic considerations that should be taken into account. First and foremost, it is important to establish that the applicant was not a party to the offence and did not acquire the thing from someone who was a party to the offence under circumstances that give rise to a reasonable inference that it was transferred for the purpose of avoiding forfeiture. This can be done through careful investigation and analysis of the facts and circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the thing in question. Once it has been established that the applicant meets the criteria set forth in section 164.3(4), there are several strategies that could be employed to secure a successful outcome. One strategy is to present evidence demonstrating the nature and extent of the applicant's interest in the thing in question, such as proof of ownership or a legitimate financial interest. This can help to establish the legitimacy of the applicant's claim and increase the likelihood of a favorable ruling from the judge. Another strategy is to negotiate with the prosecuting authority to try to reach a settlement or agreement that would allow the applicant to retain their interest in the thing while still satisfying the interests of justice. This may involve offering to forfeit other assets or agreeing to certain conditions, such as increased monitoring or compliance requirements. In cases where there is a dispute over the ownership or nature of the interest in the thing in question, it may be necessary to bring in expert witnesses or other outside parties to provide testimony or evidence in support of the applicant's claim. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it may ultimately be necessary to secure a favorable outcome in the case. In addition to these strategies, it is important to engage the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with the intricacies of section 164.3(4) and other related provisions of the Criminal Code. A skilled lawyer can help to identify potential legal pitfalls, develop effective strategies, and advocate on behalf of the applicant in court. Ultimately, the success of any defense strategy will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case, as well as the skill and expertise of the legal team handling the matter.