12. Regina v. T.W. [Provincial Court of Alberta, Calgary – December 2009]

Client charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, proceeds of crime and possession of stolen property. Client “high” on crack cocaine crashes stolen vehicle into yard of Calgary residence where police seize various items including substantial cash, scales, score sheets and multiple “teardrops” of cocaine. During the first day of trial the Crown closed its case and the defense moved for a directed verdict. The learned trial judge reserved his ruling on the application until day two of the trial. At the commencement of trial proceedings on day two the Crown pre-empted the trial judges ruling on the application for a directed verdict and killed the prosecution in its entirety by directing a stay of proceedings on all charges.