R. v. Duffy, (1986) 59 Nfld. & P.E.I.R. 252 (NFPC)

• Judge: Luther, P.C.J.
• Court: Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Court (Canada)
• Case Date: February 13, 1986
• Jurisdiction: Newfoundland and Labrador
• Citations: (1986), 59 Nfld. & P.E.I.R. 252 (NFPC)

R. v. Duffy (1986), 59 Nfld. & P.E.I.R. 252 (NFPC);

    178 A.P.R. 252

MLB headnote and full text

R. v. Duffy

Indexed As: R. v. Duffy

Newfoundland Provincial Court

Luther, P.C.J.

February 13, 1986.

Summary:

The accused was given an A.L.E.R.T. test when a strong smell of alcohol was detected on him. The accused was not advised of his right to counsel prior to taking the A.L.E.R.T. test. A breathalyzer demand was subsequently made.

The Newfoundland Provincial Court dismissed the charge. The court held that failure to advise the accused of his right to counsel prior to taking the A.L.E.R.T. test constituted a violation of the accused's rights.

Civil Rights - Topic 4608

Right to counsel - General - Right to be advised of - An accused was given an A.L.E.R.T. test by police - He was not advised of his right to counsel prior to taking the test - The Newfoundland Provincial Court dismissed the charge - The court stated that an accused is entitled to be advised of his right to counsel prior to taking a roadside screening test - The court stated that a violation of the right would bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

Cases Noticed:

R. v. Chromiak, [1980] 1 S.C.R. 471; 29 N.R. 441; 24 A.R. 206; 12 C.R.(3d) 300; 11 Alta. L.R.(2d) 295; 102 D.L.R.(3d) 368; 3 M.V.R. 69; 49 C.C.C.(2d) 257, consd. [para. 4].

R. v. Murphy (1977), 17 Nfld. & P.E.I.R. 263; 46 A.P.R. 263; 35 C.C.C.(2d) 303, affd. 18 Nfld. & P.E.I.R. 266; 47 A.P.R. 266, consd. [para. 4].

R. v. Therens, [1985] 1 S.C.R. 613; [1985] 4 W.W.R. 286; 59 N.R. 122; 40 Sask.R. 122; 45 C.R.(3d) 97; 18 D.L.R.(4th) 655; 18 C.C.C.(3d) 41, consd. [para. 5].

R. v. Ballageer, 1 D.L.R.(3d) 74, consd. [para. 7].

R. v. Talbourdet (1984), 32 Sask.R. 5; 12 C.C.C.(2d) 173, consd. [para. 10].

R. v. Brownridge (1972), 7 C.C.C.(2d) 417; 18 C.R.N.S. 308; 28 D.L.R.(3d) 1 (S.C.C.), refd to. [para. 11].

R. v. Best (1985), 56 Nfld. & P.E.I.R. 258; 168 A.P.R. 258, consd. [para. 13].

R. v. Altseimer (1982), 38 O.R.(2d) 783; 1 C.C.C.(3d) 7; 29 C.R.(3d) 276; 142 D.L.R.(3d) 246; 17 M.V.R. 8; 2 C.R.R. 119, refd to. [para. 15].

Statutes Noticed:

Criminal Code of Canada, R.S.C. 1970, c. C-34, sect. 234.1 [paras. 10, 15].

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982, sect. 1 [para. 5]; sect. 24(2) [paras. 21, 22].

Canadian Bill of Rights, R.S.C. 1970, App. III [paras. 5, 6].

Counsel:

Katherine Knox, for the accused;

N. Avis, for the Crown.

This case was heard before Luther, P.C.J., of the Newfoundland Provincial Court, who delivered the following judgment in February 1986: