Criminal Defence Lawyers
Association of Manitoba
The Criminal Defence Lawyers Association of Manitoba (CDLAM) is an organization whose membership is made up exclusively of practicing Criminal Defence lawyers in Manitoba.
The CDLAM fights to uphold the integrity and independence of the criminal defence lawyer as a key stakeholder in our system of criminal justice. We work with other stakeholders, including the judiciary, the provincial and federal legislative and executive branches, and the public, to educate and inform about our important role in maintaining the Rule of Law.
We work to safeguard the legal rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and seek to protect the rights of legally-innocent persons accused of crime within the correctional and judicial systems.
Latest News
October 05, 2018
CDLAM Intervenes regarding Costs against Defence Lawyers at the Manitoba Court of Appeal
The Criminal Defence Lawyers Association (CDLAM) made intervenor submissions today at a Manitoba Court of Appeal hearing regarding the imposition of personal costs against one of our members by a Court of Queen's Bench justice pursuant to the Criminal Rules of the Court of Queen's Bench, which came into effect in 2016.
The matter is currently on reserve.
September 20, 2018
CDLAM granted Intervenor status in Criminal Record Disclosure Appeal
The Criminal Defence Lawyers Association of Manitoba (CDLAM) was granted Intervenor status in a Manitoba Court of Appeal hearing about procedural fairness in the context of the disclosure of stayed charges and Peace Bonds.
Police services across Manitoba and across Canada have began drafting and implementing guidelines about when unproven allegations in a person's past should be disclosed to potential employers or agencies.
A hearing date has yet to be set.
August 08, 2018
CDLAM Speaks Out on Transcript Delays
The CDLAM spoke to Katie May of the Winnipeg Free Press to express concern about backlogs in Court transcription availability.
Many court procedures are unable to move forward without transcripts. People are unable to appeal findings of guilt or sentences without transcripts. Bail applications are unable to proceed without transcripts. You cannot challenge a Protection Order filed against you without the transcript being available.
Transcript delays result in delays in the timely administration of Justice, and result in a denial of justice to many people.