Glossary
Traffic and provincial offence terms, in plain language.
Disclosure
The evidence the Crown intends to rely on, which it must provide to the defence: typically the officer's notes, device calibration records and any statements or video.
Demerit points
Points recorded against a licence on conviction. Accumulating enough within two years triggers a suspension.
IRS
Immediate Roadside Sanction: an administrative penalty imposed at the roadside, reviewed through SafeRoads Alberta rather than Provincial Court.
Provincial offence
An offence created by provincial legislation, such as the Traffic Safety Act, rather than the Criminal Code.
Retainer agreement
The written contract under which we agree to act. The agent-client relationship begins when it is signed.
Stay of proceedings
A decision by the Crown to stop prosecuting a charge. It is not a conviction.
Trial de novo
A fresh hearing of a matter, rather than a review of the earlier decision.
Withdrawal
The Crown formally abandons the charge. No conviction is registered.
Reviewed by Parikshit S. Chauhan · Last reviewed: 15 July 2026
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