As a leading criminal defense lawyer and co-founder of the Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group, Mr. Rob Dhanu’s expertise is frequently sought after in matters concerning complex legal cases. Recently, Mr. Dhanu’s insights were featured in a CBC News article shedding light on the intricacies of Long-Term Supervision Orders (LTSOs).
The article delves into the case of Matthew O’Quinn, a man serving a LTSO since 2015 due to a history of violence against women. Despite the stringent conditions of his supervision, O’Quinn breached his order multiple times, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of such measures. Mr. Dhanu provided valuable commentary on LTSOs, emphasizing their significance in balancing public safety with individual rights. LTSOs, unlike parole, are imposed after an offender has served their sentence, indicating that they have paid their debt to society.
However, if there remains a risk of re-offense, LTSOs come into effect to ensure continued supervision and protection of the public. Mr. Dhanu highlighted that LTSOs are reserved for cases where there is a substantial risk of re-offense, necessitating stringent supervision for up to 10 years, the maximum duration under Canadian law. He emphasized the delicate balance between public safety and the fundamental rights of individuals, stressing the importance of upholding these rights even for those who have committed crimes.
Furthermore, Mr. Dhanu addressed concerns about victims’ perspectives, acknowledging the frustrations victims may feel when orders are repeatedly breached. He advocated for a victim-centered approach in the implementation of LTSOs, emphasizing the importance of listening to survivors’ voices and incorporating their input into policymaking. The article underscores the complexities surrounding LTSOs and the ongoing efforts to improve their effectiveness while safeguarding individual rights.
It serves as a testament to Mr. Rob Dhanu’s expertise in criminal law and his commitment to advocating for justice within the legal system.
As a former Crown prosecutor turned defence lawyer, Mr. Dhanu continues to provide invaluable insights into challenging legal matters, ensuring that the voices of both victims and offenders are heard and respected. His dedication to upholding the principles of justice and fairness makes him a trusted advocate for clients facing complex legal challenges.
At the Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group, we are proud to have Mr. Dhanu as a co-founder and leader in our team, exemplifying our commitment to providing expert legal representation and advocacy for our clients. If you or someone you know is facing legal difficulties, do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. We are here to help navigate through the complexities of the legal system with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
LISTEN: CBC Newfoundland Morning with Bernice Hillier, Martin Jones
Rob Dhanu KC was interviewed by Bernice Hiller & Martin Jones about Matthew O’Neil and LTSO’s
From CBC Newfoundland: “He served his time, but because of the nature of Matthew O’Quinn’s violent crimes against women he is supposed to be following a strict set of conditions after his prison release. That’s not happening. So he’s back in jail, once again arrested for breaking the rules of his release. How does this keep happening in a system set up to protect the public? CBC’s Cherie Wheeler has been digging into the O’Quinn case.”
