Driving Law

This week on Driving Law, Kyla Lee is joined by Montana criminal defence lawyer Matt Dodd for a discussion about cross-examination, trial advocacy, and storytelling in court. Matt discusses his criminal defence and DUI practice in Montana, including his work on serious criminal cases and civil litigation. He and Kyla then explore what makes cross-examination effective, emphasizing the importance of preparation, knowing the goal for each witness, and using cross-examination to tell the client’s story. The conversation also looks at why lawyers do not always need to be aggressive to be effective. Matt explains why he often takes a friendly, conversational approach with police witnesses, and how that can help control the witness, lower defensiveness, and make the information more accessible to a jury. Kyla and Matt also discuss the importance of in-person advocacy, building rapport in courtrooms, and the value of getting real-world practice talking to people. They consider how younger lawyers may face a steeper learning curve with interpersonal courtroom skills after years of remote hearings and online learning. Plus, Matt shares information about Dodd Trial Skills clinics, including upcoming in-person cross-examination training opportunities for lawyers. Check out Dodd Trial Skills Clinics for more information about Matt’s cross-examination training, or contact Acumen Law at VancouverCriminalLaw.com for assistance with driving law and criminal defence matters. More: "Lawyer Told Me Not To Talk To You" T-shirts and hoodies at Lawyertoldme.com and "Sit Still Jackson" at sitstilljackson.com.

This week on Driving Law, Kyla and Paul dig into a packed week of driving law issues, including growing concerns over dangerously bright LED headlights, a Saskatchewan decision confirming necessity as a defence to a parking ticket, and new survey data on impaired driving enforcement in Canada. They also break down why public perception doesn’t always match legal reality when it comes to IRPs, interlocks, and roadside enforcement. Plus, a local Ridiculous Driver of the Week involving impaired drivers picking up… other impaired drivers. Check out the “Lawyer Told Me Not To Talk To You” T-shirts and hoodies at lawyertoldme.com and “Sit Still Jackson” at sitstilljackson.com.

The Supreme Court of Canada has granted leave in a major impaired-driving case that could reshape how “causing death” offences are interpreted. This week on Driving Law, Kyla Lee and Paul Doroshenko break down why the case matters, how Parliament rewrote the offence, and why the absence of a causation requirement raises serious fairness concerns. The episode also looks at a Saskatchewan decision on mandatory victim fine surcharges, why courts say they’re constitutional despite harsh outcomes, and a key privacy update after the Information and Privacy Commissioner ordered Richmond to shut down traffic-camera surveillance. The Ridiculous Driver of the Week heads to Georgia, where a suspect thought a golf cart was the perfect getaway vehicle. Listen now on all streaming platforms. Check out the “Lawyer Told Me Not To Talk To You” T-shirts and hoodies at lawyertoldme.com and “Sit Still Jackson” at sitstilljackson.com.

A new year brings new developments in driving law. This week on Driving Law, Kyla Lee and Paul Doroshenko break down Saskatchewan police officially implementing mandatory alcohol screening and why British Columbia continues to resist widespread use of the practice. They also discuss a significant Ontario case reinforcing the right to silence, concerns around police questioning after arrest, and what drivers actually need to know about speaking to police. Plus, the first Ridiculous Driver of 2026 — a driver who wasn’t really driving at all — raises serious questions about police response, vehicle technology, and the future of road safety. Listen now on all streaming platforms. Check out the “Lawyer Told Me Not To Talk To You” T-shirts and hoodies at lawyertoldme.com and “Sit Still Jackson” at sitstilljackson.com.