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Sheriff Services
Frank Driscoll
Chief Sheriff
Ron Dowling
Sheriff (Prince County)
Frank Driscoll
Sheriff (Kings/Queens County)
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53 Water Street
P.O. Box 2000
Charlottetown, PEI
C1A 7N8
General Inquiries: (902) 368-6050
Facsimile: (902) 368-6571
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Our first and most important objective is to provide a safe environment
in and around PEI's courts while also offering a unique blend of
services including fine collection and commercial bailiff work. We
strive to offer the highest quality service.
Activities like court security, inmate management, jury management,
fine and writ collection, and process serving all require a diverse set of skills,
abilities and attitudes. Our staff are well trained and professional.
Court Security
Court security is a high priority for Sheriff Services. We aim to
provide a safe environment in and around PEI's courts. This objective is
carried out concurrently with the need to maintain the dignity of the
Courts.
The Jury
Jury panels are summoned to provide a pool of potential jurors for
upcoming trials. Everyone who is summoned must complete the Jury Summons
and return it to the address shown within 5 days. The panel can remain
active for up to six months.
Jury selections for criminal trials are attended by the person accused
of an offence, defence counsel (the lawyer representing the accused),
Crown counsel (the lawyer who prosecutes the case), and court staff.
Twelve jurors are chosen for each criminal trial. Jury selection for
civil trials is much the same, however only seven jurors are selected.
The Jury Act allows some exemptions based on extraordinary
circumstances. All requests for exemptions should be made well in
advance of the jury selection date. The Jury Act disqualifies some
people from jury duty. Those disqualifications are listed on the summons
return. The Summons return also has exemptions which potential jurors
may apply for. Some exemptions may be granted through the mail. Some of
these exemptions that may be granted include over 65, a student, health
reasons, or extreme financial hardship. Employers must give employees
time off to attend jury selection and to serve as jurors. However, they
are not legally obligated to pay employees for lost time. Selected
jurors are paid $40 per day and travel.
Writ Collection
Once a judgement is rendered, the plaintiff may decide to file a writ
against the defendant. Action begins once this is filed in our office.
Once the writ is received at the Sheriff's Office, it is dated and any
funds received are dispersed on a first come first served basis. A
worksheet is then assigned to the Chief Sheriff or one of the Deputies
and a file is created. A Demand Letter is sent out immediately that
informs the debtor that a writ has been filed with our office and that
the Sheriff has the authority to seize and sell their real and personal
property.
If a debtor does not comply with demands, the easiest collection tools
used are: Wage Garnishment, seizure of bank accounts, and seizure of
vehicles. Debtor Exams and searches can be used to determine other
assets. If the debtor owns property, the Plaintiff's lawyer can start
proceedings against the property four months after the Sheriff's Office
has received the Writ of Execution.
Process Serving
We handle a high volume of process serving in an efficient manner. We
aim to have a three day turn around from when the document in received.
We also offer many other services including repossessions, mortgage
sales and auctions.
Our services are based along the county lines and you can contact the
respective sheriff's office above. If you're unsure.. You can contact
the main office and we'll direct you to the correct County.
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