A Shocking Decision in British Columbia
When news broke that charges had been stayed in the violent assault of a 93-year-old man in Vancouver’s Chinatown, the community reacted with heartbreak, anger, and confusion.
At Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group, we represent clients across British Columbia, and we share the public’s concern. In a province where trust in the justice system is already fragile, many are asking: How can such a brutal case just disappear from court?
⚖️ What Does It Mean When Charges Are “Stayed”?
A stay of proceedings means the Crown (the prosecutors) have decided not to move forward with the case for now. It is not a declaration of innocence, and it doesn’t mean the case is permanently over. The Crown has up to one year to re-activate the charges.
Further reading: Criminal Code of Canada – Stay of Proceedings (s. 579)
Rob Dhanu, K.C. Demands Public Transparency
Rob Dhanu, K.C., one of British Columbia’s leading criminal lawyers and a former Crown prosecutor, says the public deserves more.
“When decisions are made that deeply affect public trust—especially in a case involving a vulnerable senior—the community deserves an explanation.”
He emphasizes that while legal reasons might justify the decision behind closed doors, justice must also be seen to be done.
“This wasn’t just another case. It was a senseless assault that affected an entire community.”
Why Do Prosecutors Stay Charges?
There are several possible reasons a prosecutor might stay a charge:
- Not enough evidence to support conviction
- Witnesses are unavailable or unwilling to testify
- Errors in the police investigation (such as Charter rights violations)
- Concern the accused can’t get a fair trial
While these are sometimes valid legal concerns, Rob Dhanu says that communication with the public is key.
“People aren’t asking for trial strategy. They just want to know that the decision wasn’t made in a vacuum.”
The Consequences of Silence
This assault wasn’t just another criminal file—it became a symbol of public safety concerns and the vulnerability of seniors in our communities.
“When the Crown stays a charge and offers no explanation, it sends the wrong message: that justice doesn’t matter,” says Dhanu.
And when trust in the legal system breaks down, the effects ripple through neighborhoods, families, and institutions.
What Happens Next?
➡️ The Crown still has up to one year to re-activate the charges if new evidence or circumstances arise. Until then, the accused faces no criminal trial for this offence.
In the meantime, the community waits—and watches.
Speak With a Criminal Lawyer Who Believes in Accountability
At Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group, we advocate for victims, defend the accused, and believe in a transparent legal process. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges—or seeking justice—you deserve answers.
Contact us today to speak directly with our experienced legal team.
Internal & External Links
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External:
❓ FAQ – Stay of Proceedings in Canada
Q: Does “charges stayed” mean the case is over?
A: Not necessarily. The Crown can re-activate the case within one year.
Q: Can the public request an explanation for stayed charges?
A: While prosecutors don’t always release details, the public can pressure institutions for transparency.
Q: Is the accused now considered innocent?
A: No verdict has been given. The case is paused, not resolved.
Written on behalf of Dhanu Dhaliwal Law Group. Reviewed and approved by Rob Dhanu, K.C., criminal lawyer and co-founder of DDLaw.
